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Putting History Back into Gettysburg’s Historic District

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WE PEOPLE who care about preserving the future historic integrity of Gettysburg are now at a crossroads.  Here is the simple question under consideration.  Do you support ‘Contemporary Design’ or ‘Historic Design’ for new buildings and additions to existing buildings within the Gettysburg Historic District?  Currently, buried deep within the bowels of the Gettysburg Code is language under Chapter 11, Historic District, that encourages “contemporary” design for such buildings.  I believe this to be grossly inappropriate language for such a venerable place in American history.

But timing is everything.  The Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) is now reviewing this ordinance for possible changes and I invite the public to offer opinions on this matter, for or against, to the Gettysburg Borough officials.  You may do so by contacting the Gettysburg borough in various ways or, if you are available, consider attending the HARB meeting this Tuesday, June 30th at 7:00 p.m. in the Gettysburg Borough Council Chambers located at 59 East High Street.

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A wise boss I used to work for once said, “Don’t bring me a problem unless you bring me a solution”.  So, with that in mind, I provided comments, supporting documents and my suggested amendment to the Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) last month emphasizing my preferred language in support of ‘historical design’ over ‘contemporary design’ for new buildings and additions to existing buildings within the Gettysburg Historic District.  These documents cannot be reproduced here due to space limitations.  However, as of this writing, they may be viewed on the Gettysburg Borough website.  It will take some navigating.  Once you find the ‘Agenda’ of the HARB’s June 17, 2026 meeting, then scroll down to pages 13 through 23.

The essence of my amendment may be summed up with these words, “Such new buildings or additions shall not adversely impact the existing historic, architectural or cultural character of the subject property, the surrounding neighborhood and shall further contribute to the overall authenticity of Gettysburg’s historic heritage.”

WE THE PEOPLE should never forget…History is not a ‘by-product’ of Gettysburg.  History is Gettysburg.

By Thomas Pauls,  AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners)

Straban Township

Charles Stangor

Charles (Chuck) Stangor is Gettysburg Connection's Owner, Publisher, and Editor in Chief. I would like to hear from you. Please contact me at cstangor@gettysburgconnection.org.

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