In less than one year, hundreds of American Battlefield Trust members will descend on Gettysburg for the national preservation organization’s 2024 Annual Conference. From April 25–28, they’ll enjoy tours, talks, and other special gatherings at an event designed to showcase both the battlefield and the community that surrounds it.
Speaking from the group’s iconic property at Lee’s Headquarters, Duncan noted, “Because 253 days are too long for some people to wait for access to the places they’ve helped preserve and restore, I’m also proud to announce a new virtual tour of this deeply significant building. I hope it serves both to whet the appetite to come here in person, and to help students of history receive a new type of glimpse into the past.”
“More than half our membership tell us that Gettysburg is their favorite battlefield to visit, and we couldn’t agree more,” said Trust President David Duncan, surrounded by many of the local partner organizations who will help make the event unforgettable. “We’re thrilled to bring members to Gettysburg and show them everything that we and our allies have achieved together. There’s no more fitting gathering place for us to pursue our collective mission of saving these sacred spaces and the legacy they preserve.”
Over the past two decades, the Trust has saved just shy of 1,240 acres associated with all three days of the Battle of Gettysburg. Members have invested millions in land acquisition, landscape restoration, and the development of groundbreaking interpretive technologies to bring the battlefield to life.
A pre-registration mechanism for the event is now live. This early indication of interest will ensure first notice of tour options and other key milestones in the countdown, as well as provide a way to suggest personal favorites and other ca n’t-miss spots for agendas. The Trust is committed to working with a variety of local businesses and vendors to help provide lodging, transportation, food, and other elements.
The American Battlefield Trust is dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has protected more than 56,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War across 155 sites in 25 states. Learn more at www.battlefields.org.
Featured image caption: (l. to r.) Back Row: Tim Smith, Peter Carmichael, Director of the Civil War Institute at Gettysburg College; Pete Miele, Executive Director, Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center; Timothy Smith, Director of Education, Adams County Historical Society; Karl Pietrzak, President and CEO, Destination Gettysburg; Jill Sellers, President and CEO, Main Street Gettysburg; Lindsay Methlie, Director of Sales, Destination Gettysburg; Carl Whitehall, Vice President, Destination Gettysburg; Front Row, From Left: Wayne Motts, President and CEO, Gettysburg Foundation; Steven Sims, Superintendent, Gettysburg National Military Park; David Duncan, President, American Battlefield Trust; Andrew Dalton, Executive Director, Adams County Historical Society; Stephanie Lightner, Executive Director, Gettysburg Heritage Center [Melissa Winn]