Adams County Explorers Challenge

Notice:

The Adams County Explorers Contest has taken a break. We hope to be back soon.

Adams County Explorers (ACE) is a collaborative adventure between Gettysburg Connection and the Adams County Library System.

The program engages families and people of all ages to learn about their county, to interact with others, and to support local businesses.

The program provides puzzles, challenges, and fun.

After the close date of every contest, Gettysburg Connection will make a donation to a local business or non-profit for an explorer who has correctly answered the challenge.

If you know this week’s answer:

Email us at ace@gettysburgconnection.org or text us at 717.340.2171.

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I’ll support the Explorers!


Recent Challenges and Answers

Your New Challenge!

Fall 2022 Contest NOW OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS

Alms House

The Alms House stood before, during, and well after the battle. Can you tell us where to find this historic spot?

Know the answer? Email us at ace@gettysburgconnection.org or text us at 717.340.2171.


Linda Gawthrop has won the Summer 2022 Adams County Explorer Challenge.

ACE Photo Summer 20221
ACE 37

Her correct answer of the location of the bell tower as being in front of the Lutheran Seminary Chapel was selected at random from the correct answers submitted.

The three bells, which weigh 600, 1,110, and 1,600 pounds each, were installed at the seminary for the 151st anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg.

The bells memorialize soldiers who have fought worldwide and missionaries who have spread the Gospel in peace.

Linda receives a gift $35 gift certificate to The Ragged Edge Coffee Shop!


Spring, 2022 Contest

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I’m from Gettysburg but I was gone a long time before I returned to my home on Baltimore St. Who am I and what am I famous for?

Answer: Thaddeus Stevens. Winner: Michael McAdams


Winter, 2022

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I’m a member of the community, but I’m a little bit shy. I hang out the in basement, but if you know me then you’ll know where to find me. I once used to be a garage, but now I serve a bigger purpose. Come grab a drink or join me for some entertainment or even some classes.

What am I?

Answer: Waldos. Winner: LeeAnn Walker


Fall, 2021

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You may have to do a little digging for me. I was demolished a long time ago, but if you have ever done any research on the poor people of Gettysburg or the people who needed a little “help,” you may remember my name. I am not a person, but a place. People would come to live in me for many reasons in the 1800s, but I am labeled with a term that people think very poorly of. I am not a prison, but for a few I may have felt like one. What was I?

Answer: Gettysburg Alms House. Winner: Linda Angstadt

Summer, 2021

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I am taller than you for sure, but please don’t let my height intimidate you. I know I may have a bit of a “rocky” personality, but that does not stop people from taking lots of photos with me. But it gets a bit uncomfortable when people try to stand on me. No worries it does not hurt since I am not part of the living. I would not say I’m that paranormal, but people believe there are a lot of paranormal things hanging around me, especially late at night.

Answer: Devil’s Den. Winner: Mark Sunderland.


Week of May 14, 2021:

Fields of lovely yellow flowers are sprouting around the county.  What are they?

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ACE 38

Answer: Winter Cress, from the Mustard Family

Winner: Chris Goodacre who had a $20 donation to SCCAP sent in her name!


I’ll support the Explorers!

Week of April 30th, 2021

Here’s the challenge:

I am a Republican abolitionist and supporter of free public schools who lived in Gettysburg until 1842.  Who am I?

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Answer: Thaddeus Stevens

Winner: Cortney Suerdieck who won a $20 gift certificate to Four Corners Comics in Gettysburg.

Week of April 9th, 2021

Here’s the challenge:

This small building on W. High St. houses a local nonprofit that makes a huge difference in the county. What is it?

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Answer: The Center for Youth and Community Development

Winner: Veronica Brestensky who sends a $25 donation to SCCAP in her name

Week of March 26th, 2021

After Settling the Whiskey Rebellion in October, 1794, President George Washington stopped in Adams County. Where did he sleep?

Answer: Russell’s Tavern

Winner: Leigh Anne Hamilton who had a $20 donation to SCCAP made in her name.

Week of March 5, 2021

This week’s challenge is for all explorers:

Here is the challenge:

I am 58 miles long and cover 744 square miles. My Name is Shawnee. Who am I?

Answer: The Monacacy River

Winner: David LaRochelle who had a $20 donation to SCCAP made in his name.

Week of February 12, 2021

This week’s challenge is for all explorers:

Here is the challenge:

I am the largest ever found east of the Mississippi River and one of the largest ever found in the United States.  I was discovered in 1877 by Jacob Snyder on his farm near Two Taverns, in Mount Joy Township, Adams County, while planting an apple tree near his home. When I arrived I weighed more than 800 pounds.  Parts of me are now on display in museums around the world.  What am I?

Answer: Meteorite

This week’s winner was new explorer Carolyn Horigan who won a $20.00 $20 gift certificate to A&A Gifts in Gettysburg.


Week of November 15, 2020

This week’s challenge is for new explorers only. Please reach out to someone you know and have them answer the challenge

Here is the challenge:

What town is the county seat of Adams County?

Answer: Gettysburg!

This week’s winner was new explorer Dan Shifflitt who won a $20 gift certificate to A&A Gifts in Gettysburg.



Week of November 8, 2020

This week’s challenge is for all explorers:

Here is the challenge:

How Many Boroughs are there in Adams County?

Answer: 13

Winner: Crystal Durbin who wins a $20 gift certificate to Mr. G’s Ice Cream Shop in Gettysburg



Week of November 1, 2020

This week’s challenge is for all explorers:

Here is the challenge:

Who was Adams County Named After?

Answer: The county was named in honor of President John Adams. 

Kevin O’Rourke answered correctly and won a $20 gift certificate to Mr. G’s Ice Cream Shop in Gettysburg.


Week of October 25, 2020

This week’s challenge is for all explorers:

Here is the challenge:

Q: What year was Adams County Founded?

A: 1800

Mary Malewicki answered correctly and won a $20 gift certificate to the Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg.


Week of October 18, 2020

This week’s challenge is for all explorers:

Here is the challenge:

This art deco building was constructed during the great depression as a Works Projects Administration project in the 1930s. It cost $43,331.

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Q: What is it, where is it, and how was it originally used?

A: The Gettysburg Armory.

Winner: Deborah Collins, who won a $20 gift certificate to the Outlet Shoppes in Gettysburg.


Week of October 11, 2020

This week’s challenge is for explorers 16 years old and under.

Entries can be submitted for the child by anyone.

Here is the challenge:

In 2018 a big crane installed something blue in Gettysburg that weighs over 13,500 pounds. It’s used every day by riders and walkers and it was in the news this month.

Q: What is it?

A: The Susan Naugle bicycle bridge on W. Middle St. in Gettysburg.

Winner: Willow Shifflet, Age 6, who won a $20.00 gift certificate to the Purple Piggy Toys and Gift ship in Gettysburg!


Week of October 4, 2020

This week’s challenge is for explorers 12 years old and under.

Entries can be submitted for the child by anyone.
 

Here is the challenge:

It’s not usual but sometimes these animals, which can weigh up to 600 pounds, get hungry enough to come into Gettysburg. It happened last summer when one was spotted in town and photographed below.

Q: What is the animal?

A: A black bear.

For her correct answer. eight year old Savannah Shifflett wins a $20 Gift Certificate to Nerd Herd Gifts.  

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ACE 40


Week of September 27, 2020

This week’s challenge is for all explorers:

Here is the challenge: It’s not a big spot on the Adams County map and it doesn’t get a lot of traffic. Here’s one of its stores.

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ACE 41

Q: Can you identify the village?

A: Orrtanna

Winner: Sue Wentz who won a $20 gift certificate to the Blue and Gray Bar and Grill.


Week of September 20, 2020

This week’s challenge is for all explorers:

Here is the challenge: It’s the northernmost township in our county, founded in 1807 with a population of about 2,600 people.

What township is it?

Winner: Dawna McGlynn who wins a $20 gift certificate to Mason Dixon Distillery.


Week of September 13, 2020

This week’s challenge is for all explorers:

Here is the challenge: Over the summer a flock of birds came to town. They roosted around the county and supported local nonprofits. Who were these birds?

Answer: Cheery Birds!

Winner: Elaine Leslie who wins a $20 gift certificate to the Blue and Gray Bar and Grill in Gettysburg.


Week of September 6, 2020

This week’s challenge is for all explorers:

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ACE 42

Q: It’s the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. But what Borough is it in?

A: York Springs

Winner: James Harcourt who won a $20 gift certificate to The Purple Piggy Toys & Gifts in Gettysburg.


Week of August 30, 2020

This week’s challenge is for all explorers:

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ACE 43

Set in the corn and soybean fields west of Gettysburg, this monument honors people from the Hoosier state.

Q: What is the monument?

A: The 3rd Indiana Cavalry monument.

Winner: Diana Snell


Week of August 23, 2020

This week’s challenge is for all explorers:

Challenge Contributed by Dawn Smith

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ACE 44

From farming to fighting to refuge to peace,

Drive by this farm at 25 or get a certificate from the police.

Q: What is the farm?

A: McPherson Barn west of Gettysburg

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ACE 45

Winner: Gail Hull who won a $20 gift certificate to the Mason-Dixon Distillery.


Week of August 16, 2020

This week’s challenge is for all explorers:

Here is the challenge:

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ACE 46

Challenge Contributed by Brandt Ensor

What recent-remodeled building in our county is depicted in this drawing by Isaac VanCuren?

Winner: Bridgid Mangan who identified the Trone Library in East Berlin and
won a $20 gift certificate to Lark Gifts.


Week of August 9, 2020

This week’s challenge is for all explorers:

Here is the challenge:

ACE 8 9 2020
ACE 47

Located on Belmont Road west of Gettysburg, this 1.38 acre cemetery, founded in 1740, was the original home of the Gettysburg Presbyterian Church. It is also the final resting place of Samuel Gettys, father of Gettysburg’s founder James Gettys.

What is the name of the cemetery?

Answer: Black’s Cemetery

Winner: Candy Paulson who won a $20 gift certificate to Lark Gifts.


Week of August 2, 2020

This week’s challenge is for all explorers:

Here is the challenge:

In 1942 the American diplomat and historian George F. Kennan bought a farm in this Adams County borough.

During the summer of 1967 Svetlana Stalin, the daughter of Joseph Stalin, stayed at the farm after she defected from the Soviet Union.

Kennan’s daughter Grace said the people of the borough did not know she was there.

What borough is it?

Reply with the correct answer by Friday to win a $20 gift certificate to Food 101.

Or text your answer to (717) 836-0294.

Answer: East Berlin

Winner: Beth Thomason who won a $20 gift certificate to Food 101.


Week of July 27, 2020

This week’s challenge is for all explorers:

Here is the challenge:

It’s haunted, and its basement served as a field hospital during the Gettysburg battle. What and where is it?

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ACE 48

Answer: The Cashtown Inn

Winner: Janine Sherman. We have made a $20 contribution to SCCAP.


Week of July 20, 2020

This week’s challenge is for explorers 22 years and under:

Here is the challenge:

Gettysburg Borough workers loaded in a bunch of dirt into piles last week to create something for kids to enjoy. What is is and where is it?

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ACE 49

A: This is the new bicycle pump track at the rec park. A great place for kids.

Winner: Amy Thomas, age 5, who won a $20 gift certificate to NerdHerd.


Week of July 13, 2020

If you drive by at exactly 8:00 p.m. you’ll hear a beautiful cacophony from these bells. But where are they?

bells
ACE 50

A: The bells are at at the Lutheran Seminary Chapel

Winner: Sarah Myers. We’ve made a $20 donation to SCCAP.


Week of July 6, 2020

Q. On July 4 a fireworks display entertained residents of Gettysburg Borough. Where in Gettysburg were the fireworks launched and who paid for them?

A: The fireworks were displayed at the Gettysburg Rec Park and graciously contributed by Destination Gettysburg:

Winner: Vicki Frist who won a $20 gift certificate to Gettysburg’s Blue and Gray Bar and Grill.

Week of June 29, 2020


Q. This Adams County borough is home to less than 700 residents. This is a photo of its Methodist Church.

What borough is it?

A: Bendersville

Winner: Smitha Nair who won a $20 gift certificate to A&A Village Treasures in Gettysburg.

Week of June 22, 2020

Q. This week’s challenge is for explorers of all ages.


Here is the challenge:

This is a thing that is very important to Adams County. It’s round and you eat it. We have a museum and several festivals for it.

What is it?

A: An Apple!

Winner: April L. Rippeon who receives a $20 gift certificate to A&A Village Treasures in Gettysburg.

Week of June 15, 2020

Q: This week’s challenge is for explorers who are 22 years old or younger..

A group of about 300 people got together on June 14 in the Gettysburg Square.

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ACE 51

What were they doing and why were they doing it?

A: Demonstrating for human rights and the Black Lives Matter movement.

Winner: Landon Thomas who receives a $20 gift certificate to Fourcorners Comics.


Week of June 8, 2020

Q: You may pass through this borough as you head toward the Mason Dixon Line.

This building in the borough is called the “Village Book and Table” but it’s a restaurant, not a library.

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ACE 52

What borough is it in?

A: The Book and Table is a restaurant in Fairfield.

Winner: Sandra R. Luty. She received a $20 gift certificate to the Adams County Farmers Market.


Week of June 1, 2020

Q: There are several water towers in this Adams County borough, but this is the whitest one.

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ACE 53

What borough is it in?

A: This is the water tower at the International Paper Company’s Corrugated Box Plant in Biglerville.

Winner: John Lynch. He received a $20 gift certificate to Food 101 in Gettysburg.


Week of May 25, 2020

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Q: Behind this door are many more; Doors to open and more to explore.

What is it and where is it?

A: It’s the front of the Gettysburg Branch of the Adams County Library System.

Winner: Elizabeth Lynch. She received a $20 gift certificate to Lark Gifts.


Week of May 18, 2020

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Q: It has sky on the outside and a mountain on the inside.  Where in Adams County is it?

A: The Den at Gettysburg College was designed with the uniqueness of Gettysburg in mind. The lines, color, and lichen on our climbing and bouldering walls were inspired by Devils Den; a location rooted in historical significance.

Located in one of the most identifiable structures on campus, the 35-foot climbing tower and nearby bouldering wall are equipped for lead climbing, rappelling and ascending work, bouldering, and top roping. The Den’s tower and wall are the perfect place for an introduction to climbing or to refine your technique.

Winner: Tom Jolin who won a $20 gift certificate to South Central Community Action Programs (SCCAP)

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