Historic Soldiers’ Orphans’ Homestead

Located on Cemetery Hill, in the crossfire of the Union and Confederate armies during The Battle of Gettysburg, learn how this 1836 home’s strategic location prominently served as a field hospital for the wounded and dying. Learn about Captain John Myers, a veteran of the War of 1812, who called this building home during the onset of the great battle. The fate of Sgt. Amos Humiston of the 154th NY Infantry would be the tragic catalyst that would propel The Children’s Orphanage’s opening three years later.

The Homestead opened to great fanfare in October 1866 thanks to several prominent individuals who brought this safe haven for Children to life. Walk through portions of this historic building and grounds, learning of the children who called this home during the years 1866 -1877.

Immerse yourself in their daily lives and varied activities. Sadly, the good times would come to an end when a new head matron, Rosa J. Carmichael, arrives at The Orphanage in 1870, ushering in an era of darkness for the children.

Your tour will include historical details of what led to the closing of the home in December 1877, as well as the fate of the prominent individuals whose memories remain engrained in The Homestead’s history and the fascinating evolving post orphanage history that brings this historic building to the current era.

*Due to the age and historic nature of the home a portion of this tour is not wheelchair accessible.