Gettysburg balances its identity as both a historic town and a living community. This November will showcase our extraordinary place in American history and the vibrant community we are today, with Lincoln at Gettysburg: Shall Not Perish from November 16-19 and Live on Lincoln Square on November 20.
For over two years, nonprofits, local and state government, police, fire, emergency services, and businesses have collaborated on the logistics and details to deliver this week of events.
We recognize that information was not released in the order that would have provided proper context—creating questions and confusion about the events.
Because of its sheer scale, information was developed and released in stages. Some individual pieces of the plan became public before the full picture was made available, which understandably led to questions and confusion. When individual details—road closures, concert, or other activities—are isolated, they misrepresent the entire story. No single element of the week can be viewed clearly outside the context of the whole.
These are two separate events, produced by two different organizations, but they share the same week, the same downtown, the same infrastructure, and the same economic opportunities.
From November 16 through 19, Lincoln at Gettysburg, produced by the Lincoln Fellowship of Pennsylvania, will take us back to 1863 to commemorate President Abraham Lincoln’s visit to Gettysburg and to recreate the Gettysburg Address. The Fellowship has created an extraordinary series of programs that will teach us, touch us, and transport us to one of the most consequential moments in our nation’s history.
On Friday, November 20, Live on Lincoln Square, produced by Main Street Gettysburg, will bring a unique, one-night-only concert, featuring Nick Mich, Six Whiskey Revival, and Uncle Kracker. This event is a fundraiser for our mission to support the historic district and to show off our vibrant destination. The infrastructure and temporary road closures required for Lincoln at Gettysburg created the opportunity for the concert.
The week invites people to stroll our historic streets, patronize local businesses, enjoy a meal, shop for unique gifts and souvenirs, explore our history, stay overnight, and discover Gettysburg.
A visitor who comes for Lincoln at Gettysburg may eat downtown, visit an attraction, shop for souvenirs, and stay overnight. A concertgoer may stay for the weekend to experience more of Gettysburg. Those experiences add up—supporting restaurants, retailers, lodging, tours, payrolls, and the employees whose livelihoods depend on a healthy economy.
Local businesses are an important part of the plan. No food trucks will be permitted within the road-closure area. Businesses are encouraged to consider special promotions, extended hours, unique experiences, or other ways to serve increased visitation and boost sales.
Alcohol is certainly not the focus of the week; however, a limited, responsible open-container pilot is under consideration within the closed event area. The Gettysburg Police Department will manage public safety and responsible participation. If approved by Council, the five-day pilot would be limited to eligible businesses with appropriate licensing and responsible-service practices.
Information on schedules, parking, shuttles, road closures, pedestrian access, public safety, and other logistics will continue to be communicated as plans are updated. Our goal is to clearly communicate information to help residents, businesses, and visitors understand what is happening, why it is happening, and where to find accurate updates. Current information is available at www.lincolnatgettysburg.org and www.mainstreetgettysburg.org. Reserve seats at www.universe.com.
This week is possible because of partnerships. Lincoln at Gettysburg: Shall Not Perish is the result of the Lincoln Fellowship of Pennsylvania’s commitment to bringing our history to life. Live on Lincoln Square wraps up the week with celebration and live music. Each organization has received tremendous support from a long list of contributors.
Together, let’s celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, reflect on our extraordinary place in American history, and celebrate in the heart of our downtown.
Five days downtown. Join us in November.
Please contact me anytime: (717) 337-3491, or jsellers@mainstreetgettysburg.org.
Jill Sellers is President and Chief Executive Officer of Main Street Gettysburg. She lives in Adams County with her husband Shane, and their two sons, Joshua and Caleb.
