The Adams County Explorers Contest
Adams County Explorers (ACE) engages families and people of all ages to learn about the history and the current affairs of Adams County.
The contest is sponsored by the Adams County Historical Society.
After the close date of every contest, Gettysburg Connection will award two complimentary tickets to the Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum to one randomly-selected respondent who has submitted a correct answer.
Sponsored
Current Challenge –
answer by July 31, 2025
Tell us what this is, where it is, and all you know about it!
One correct answer will be chosen at random
and will receive a gift from the Adams County Historical Society.
All correct answers will be eligible to win when we choose at the end of the month.
Email us your answer at ACE@gettysburgconnection.org.
Carol Deardorff is the winner of
June’s Adams County Explorers Contest!
Carol is well-acquainted with what is often called the Jacks Mountain Covered Bridge, which is officially known as the G. Donald McLaughlin Memorial Covered Bridge. Located in Hamiltonban Township near Fairfield, it is a historic American bridge and was included in the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
“Having lived in Adams County all my life, that covered bridge has always been there,” says Carol. “It’s a historic symbol of the history of our County still standing strong. Travelling across it is always fun, even though one may get stopped at a red light first.”
Carol will receive a gift from our good friends at the Adams County Historical Society. Congratulations!
Mary Malewicki is the winner of May’s
Adams County Explorers Contest!
Mary correctly identified the Alms House Cemetery, just below Barlow’s Knoll, and her entry was chosen at random from all our correct submissions.
Says Mary: “My husband, dog (Stella), and I regularly walk past the Old Alms House Cemetery. It is well tended by the county.” She also adds, “Mike and I regularly read the Gettysburg Connection. It is a great source for keeping up on all of the news and social events in Adams County.”
Mary will receive a gift certificate from our good friends at the Adams County Historical Society.
The Old Alms House Cemetery lies on Barlow Knoll within Gettysburg National Military Park. It marks the site of the Adams County Almshouse, established in 1819 to care for the poor, sick, and mentally ill. During the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863, fighting took place on the grounds, and the almshouse barn served as a field hospital. The facility operated until 1964; its barn was destroyed by fire in 1967, and the final building was torn down in 1974. In 1999, the Adams County Agricultural and Natural Resources Center was built on the site.
Susan Strahler is the winner of April’s
Adams County Explorers Contest!
Susan’s entry was chosen randomly from many readers who correctly identified – and fondly recalled – the Hillside Restaurant on Business Route 15, south of Gettysburg and just north of the Mason-Dixon Line.
Susan will receive a gift from our great friends at the Adams County Historical Society.
Many of our contestants took the time to comment on the Hillside’s legendary fried chicken, which reputable sources have long claimed was prepared in an iron skillet on a standard stove.
“Best chicken ever,” recalled Susan, who also mentioned Billy at the bar and Bev the waitress. “Waited an hour for your food to come out, but the wait was worth it.”
“We also remember the fried fish and french fries,” she added. She also noted, as did others, the Hillside’s unique decor. “The deer heads and baton twirling trophies on the walls stood out.”
Her family recalls a great jukebox, the piano by the door, and a night when the lights went out. “They brought out candles,” she said.
After a period of offering carryout orders following COVID, the Hillside Restaurant is now reported to have closed its doors for good.
Scot Martin is the winner of March’s
Adams County Explorers Contest!
Scot’s entry was chosen from a handful of correct entries/guesses we received that correctly identified the Black Horse Tavern, pictured here when it was still in operation, in a photo provided by the Adams County Historical Society. The stone structure, built in 1812, still stands about two and a half miles southwest of Gettysburg on Fairfield Road, rt. 116, near the intersection at Black Horse Tavern Road.
“I live in western Adams County, on the ridge close to Mr. Ed’s,” Scot tells us. “I love taking the back roads in Adams County to explore the countryside. I have taken Black Horse Tavern Road on many occasions. That is why I recognized the Black Horse Tavern from the photograph.”
Scot will receive a valuable gift from The Adams County Historical Society.
Miranda Wisor is the winner of February’s
Adams County Explorers Contest!
Miranda’s entry was selected from just a smattering of entrants who correctly identified this building as the former Bendersville Office of Adams County National (ACNB) Bank. Founded originally as Bendersville National Bank in 1908, it became part of Adams County National Bank in 1987 and was closed in advance of ACNB consolidating its Upper Adams operations, including an Arendtsville branch, into a new Biglerville location in 2022.
“I recognized the bank because I lived down the street from it in Bendersville when I was in high school,” she says. ” I walked and drove past the bank daily when it operated as the Adams County National Bank in Bendersville.”
But there’s more.
“A flag that flew over a farm in Gettysburg during the Civil War battle sat in a safety deposit box in that bank from 1923 until 2012,” she recalls. “It had flown over the Rose Farm off of Emmitsburg Road, where the Ogden family had been tenant farmers during the battle. The flag showed holes from being struck by 13 mini balls and a piece of shrapnel. In 2012, Richard Ogden, owner of the flag, donated it to Musselman Library at Gettysburg College. The flag is on display in the library.
“I was fortunate enough to be one of the Musselman Library employees to join Mr. Ogden in retrieving the flag from the safe deposit box. With a few visits to the Adams County Historical Society, I was able to help the Director of Musselman Library track down the family, property, and land records, proving the validity of the flag. It was a fun adventure to piece the details together through county records!
It’s altogether fitting, then, that Miranda should receive February’s prize from the Adams County Historical Society.
Veronica Brestensky is the winner of January’s
Adams County Explorers Contest!
Veronica’s entry was randomly selected from only a select few entries that correctly identified the old New Oxford Firehouse on West High Street, which was occupied from 1887 until 1952.
“I knew of the building through a rather odd, convoluted connection,” Veronica tells us. “As an attorney whose career has always involved criminal law – previously as a defense attorney and currently as a prosecutor in Franklin County – some time ago, I happened to see an article about old jail cell locations in our general geographic region. It turns out there were a couple of ‘lockups’ located in this building. Coupling that prior knowledge with the fact that I’m a fairly new transplant to the area from Pittsburgh who enjoys simply driving around and ‘touring,’ I happened to drive by the firehouse while in New Oxford for their annual church cookie walk recently.
“I currently reside in Gettysburg, having moved here in 2019. I love history, and this time, this little tidbit just happened to come in handy for this challenge.”
Veronica will receive a gift from our Adams Explorers Contest partners, The Adams County Historical Society.
Our photo, it should be noted, conveniently cropped out the “New Oxford Fire Co. No. 1” sign above the doors and minimized the plaque that commemorates the 2003 Chamber of Commerce restoration project that brought the building to its current state of being.
We’ve got a new Explorers Challenge in just a day or so!
Patti Kaas is the winner of December’s Adams County Explorers Contest!
Patti’s entry was randomly selected from the impressive number of entries that correctly identified the Mary Jemison statue adjacent to St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church in Orrtanna.
“I’ve always had an interest in history, Patti told us, “and when I heard about Mary Jemison’s history in Buchanan Valley and then to see the memorial at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, that was a nice touch, so she’s not forgotten.”
She will receive two complimentary tickets to the Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum courtesy of the Adams County Historical Society, whom we are most delighted to welcome as a partner in this continued exploration!
Kim Carter is the winner of November’s
Adams County Explorers Contest!
Kim was one of a dozen or so readers who correctly identified “Penelope,” a cannon embedded in the sidewalk of Gettysburg’s Baltimore Street, in front of what was once the office of The Gettysburg Compiler, the Democratic town newspaper. Kim’s correct entry was selected at random.
“My husband and I found out about Penelope from a historic walk we went on. We also stood next to it last year watching the Remembrance Day parade,” says Kim. “We absolutely love Gettysburg.”
Celebrating Explorers from the past…
Linda Gawthrop won the Summer 2022 Adams County Explorer Challenge.
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
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
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
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
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?
Answer: Winter Cress, from the Mustard Family
Winner: Chris Goodacre who had a $20 donation to SCCAP sent in her name!
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?
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?
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.
Q: What is it, where is it, and how was it originally used?
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.
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.
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:
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:
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
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
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:
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:
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?
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?
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?
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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)