Cat Culture in America – Unraveling History at The Civil War Tails Museum in Gettysburg, PA

Story submitted by Kristen Petrie, Technical Tabby, The Community Cats Podcast.

Tucked into a colonial-style building in the heart of historic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, lies a truly unique and educational experience for history enthusiasts and cat lovers of all ages: Civil War Tails at the Homestead Diorama Museum. This hidden gem offers visitors an immersive journey through one of the most critical chapters in American history—the Civil War. What sets this museum apart from others is its creative approach to storytelling: through intricately crafted miniature dioramas populated not by human soldiers, but by meticulously uniformed and armed model cats.

I started my day walking the battlefield, taking in the story and visiting the hundreds of monuments that dot the landscape. Then I headed to the museum, and I’m excited to tell you what I found!

Educating with Precision and Whimsy: The Accuracy of the Models and the Answer to Your Number One Question

Upon entering Civil War Tails, one is immediately struck by the remarkable level of detail present in each diorama. Every aspect, from the uniforms and weaponry to the landscapes and architectural elements – even the locations of rocks and boulders – is painstakingly researched and faithfully recreated in 1/32 scale.

But what everyone wants to know is, “Why cats?” It’s an unusual way to tell a historical story to be sure, but when you talk to the passionate women behind this museum, it makes total sense.

The creators, an enthusiastic set of twins named Ruth and Rebecca Brown, began creating these scenes when they were young children. “When we began making our soldiers, it was just for fun, and making them cats came naturally,” Ruth said, “We just thought of them as our little guys.”

The use of cats as the protagonists in these dioramas may initially seem whimsical, but it serves a purpose beyond mere amusement. “We did not want our cats to be ‘cutesy’ and trivialize the soldiers,” said the twins. And they don’t. Each cat represents a soldier. They stand on two legs and ride horses like humans unless they’ve been injured or killed. For me, this drove home the emotional devastation the friends and families of the fighting men must have felt at the time, in a more moving way than anything I’d seen in the battlefield’s visitors center up the street.

The other striking detail is that Ruth was able to tell me many stories about specific soldiers. She’d point out a particular cat and tell me the soldier’s name, what regiment he was in, where he’d come from, and what he was doing there. There were cats with interesting hats, so I asked why their uniforms were different and then learned how uniforms were procured, who paid for them, and how the supply chain worked. It was minutia not often covered but it was FASCINATING. These sorts of stories (of which there were many!) made the experience of these historic figures more relatable. They clearly have gone to great lengths to ensure that each character and scene accurately represents real historical events and figures.

Behind the Scenes: Historical Research and Attention to Detail

The creation of the dioramas at Civil War Tails involves an extensive research process. Curators and model makers collaborate closely with historians, archeologists, and experts to ensure that every scene adheres to historical accuracy. Original photographs, letters, diaries, and other primary sources become invaluable references in reconstructing the intricate details of clothing, equipment, and the environment. It was interesting to learn that the northern armies are more straightforward to research than the southern ones since many of the records were lost or destroyed during the war.

The museum prides itself on its commitment to unbiased storytelling – no easy feat in the current political climate. It aims to present the events of the Civil War as accurately and objectively as possible, without romanticizing or sugarcoating the era’s harsh realities. This approach allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the complex and multifaceted issues surrounding the war.

Preserving History for Generations to Come

Civil War Tails not only educates but also contributes to preserving history. The dedication to accuracy and the depth of historical research that goes into creating the dioramas serves as a testament to the museum’s commitment to honoring the past, and its enduring significance in shaping the present and future – with cats of all stripes!

A visit to Civil War Tails at the Homestead Diorama Museum in Gettysburg offers an educational and eye-opening experience for anyone interested in history, and the use of kitties as soldiers makes it incredibly approachable for the young or less historically buff visitor. Through its lovingly crafted models and dedication to historical accuracy, the museum breathes life into the events of the Civil War, allowing visitors to better understand the complexities of this pivotal period in American history. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a curious traveler, or a family looking for an immersive educational experience, the Civil War Tails Museum promises to leave an indelible mark on your understanding of the past. Don’t miss the opportunity to unravel history in a truly unique and engaging way. Plan a trip – I promise you won’t regret it!

To plan your visit or to learn more about this endearing and engaging museum, please visit civilwartails.com and check out the book Civil War Tails: 8000 Cat Soldiers Tell the Panoramic Story, written by Rebecca and Ruth Brown for an in-depth story of the cats, the models, and the museum.

Kristen Petrie is a graphic, web, and sound designer, as well as the Technical Tabby at The Community Cats Podcast. Since 2005, she’s filled a variety of roles while volunteering in animal welfare and was part of the MRFRS board of directors for the better part of a decade and enjoys using her skills to help promote animal welfare causes and feline-friendly culture. In her spare time, Kristen fosters cats who need time and patience to overcome behavioral issues or recover from trauma and is always up for an off-the-beaten-path adventure.