In short
- No wheelchair or stroller access available.
- Tour requires climbing narrow historic stairs.
- Only official service animals are permitted inside.
In this article
Visiting the Jennie Wade House requires physical mobility. Because the museum preserves the original 1863 duplex layout, modern accessibility features are not present.
Is the Jennie Wade House accessible for wheelchairs?
No, the museum is not wheelchair accessible.
The home retains its original 19th-century architecture. Narrow doorways and steep stairs make wheelchair access impossible. Visitors must be able to walk and climb stairs to complete the tour.
Can you bring a stroller into the Jennie Wade House?
Strollers are not allowed inside the museum.
Due to the cramped rooms and narrow stairs, you must leave strollers outside. We recommend using a baby carrier or holding infants during the 45-minute guided daytime tour. Bring a small crossbody bag instead of a large diaper bag.
What are the stairs like inside the house?
The original 1863 stairs are narrow and steep.
You will use these stairs to access different levels of the home. This includes the dark cellar where Jennie's body was temporarily placed. Wear comfortable, flat walking shoes with good grip to navigate the old steps safely.
Are service animals allowed?
Yes, only official service animals are permitted on the tours.
Therapy animals, emotional support animals, and regular pets are strictly prohibited inside the house. Staff enforce this rule to protect the historic artifacts and manage the small interior spaces.
Is seating available during the tour?
The 45-minute tour involves mostly standing and walking.
There is little to no seating provided during the historical tour. You will stand in rooms like the parlor and kitchen while the guide explains the events of July 1863.
What accessibility is there outside the house?
The surrounding sidewalks on Baltimore Street are well-maintained.
The exterior architecture and the bronze statue of Jennie Wade holding a loaf of bread are easily visible from the sidewalk. The nearby Evergreen Cemetery, where she is buried, also has paths suitable for walking.
Questions travellers ask
How long is the tour?
The fully guided daytime history tour lasts roughly 45 minutes.
Are bags allowed inside?
Yes, but you should bring a small day bag or crossbody purse, as space is tight and strollers are not permitted.
Where is the museum located?
The house sits at 548 Baltimore Street in downtown Gettysburg.
