The Eisenhower Institute at Gettysburg College will hold its annual Democracy Week September 14–19. The theme this year is America at 250: Our Democracy, Our World. The week will bring together three major programs examining American democracy through history, voting rights and international affairs. The week will begin Monday, September 14, at 4:00 p.m. in
Do you have your tickets yet? HGAC’s 2026 Historic Barns Tour will be held on Saturday, September 19 and will feature five privately owned barns that are not usually open to the public and that were not on the tour last year. In the spirit of celebrating America’s 250th, one of the barns on the
The summer program of “Taps at Sunset,” which took place at Gettysburg’s Lincoln Cemetery every Sunday night since Memorial Day, came to an end for the season Sunday night. Therese Orr, a board member of the Lincoln Fellowship, spoke briefly before “Taps” was played. Each night, a different U.S. Colored Troops veteran buried in the
When Thaddeus Stevens lost his congressional seat representing Lancaster, PA in 1853, he thought he would never see Congress again. “It is more than probable that hereafter I shall never meet any member here or elsewhere,” Stevens told colleagues in March 1853. “I desire to part with no unfriendly feelings towards any of you,” he said.
United Lutheran Seminary has been awarded a $1.974 million grant from Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program to renovate its historic Gettysburg campus, part of a nearly $4 million project that will be matched by institutional and private support. The project’s centerpiece is a renovation of the seminary’s historic Refectory, along with upgrades to visitor accommodations,
Besides his four decades-long crusade against slavery, Thaddeus Stevens was known as a wheeler dealer when it came to government financial matters. This was on full display when Stevens helped to rescue the Second Bank of the United States in 1836 and make it a state bank. The story was the last chapter in a decades
For a moment it became very real for him. Actor Alfonso Freeman was filming a scene for the upcoming movie, Gettysburg 1863, playing Basil Biggs, a Black man who lived near Gettysburg at the time of the battle and was a conductor for the Underground Railroad. In the scene, Freeman as Biggs was encouraging runaway
Americans know how to celebrate, and Gettysburg proved it with our 250th Fourth of July events! Our historic town came alive with living history, music, seminars, reenactments, and fireworks. The Daniel Lady Farm hosted three days of battle reenactments with cavalry and artillery demonstrations. The Shriver House shared the stories of Gettysburg civilians. Seminary Ridge
On Sunday, July 12 at 6 PM, Music, Gettysburg! will present a concert entitled “Elsie Singmaster: One Author, Two Locations,” to support the documentary film being made about Elsie Singmaster Lewars. While admission is free, every penny of the offering received will go to support this project to shine a light on one of Gettysburg’s
The local chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), gathered Saturday at the Lower Marsh Creek Presbyterian Church to dedicate a Patriot bench and a Liberty Tree in the church cemetery. The bench and Liberty Tree dedications are part of a national SAR initiative in observance of the 250th, which is attempting to
Convalescing in Gettysburg following a serious heart attack suffered while vacationing in Denver, Colorado in September 1955, Dwight Eisenhower gradually returned to the business of governing. By Thanksgiving he was meeting periodically with key aides in his recently remodeled Gettysburg home or his public office at the post office on Baltimore Street and signing legislation
The Mad Dreams of Thaddeus Stevens by Michael J. Barton is a book that every Thaddeus Stevens admirer should own. It is not a biography; it is a tribute, telling why Thaddeus Stevens was a visionary who changed the United States. The book originated with an epic poem written by Barton, a Michigan attorney who
An existing project to promote closer relations and exchanges between organizations in Gettysburg and Bastogne, Belgium, took a big step forward with the recent visit of Mathieu Billa, manager of the Bastogne War Museum, to Gettysburg. While here, Billa visited Eisenhower National Historic Site and the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center, viewed the graves
York County resident Harry Miller had the honor of representing all American WWII veterans to greet King Charles during his recent visit to Arlington Cemetery. Harry, 98, chatted briefly with the King at the cemetery’s Canadian Cross. “He was very nice,” said Harry. “He asked if I really enlisted at age 15 and when I
The 81st anniversary of the end of the war in Europe is/was May 8. For the American GI, it was a major goal accomplished. The last month had involved intermittent combat, discovering concentration camps, miles driving in trucks, the surrender of many German soldiers, and the growing desire “not to be the last GI to
While the Cumberland Township administrative building on Fairfield Road is undergoing renovation and expansion, the Board of Supervisors is working on a project to incorporate the colorful history of the township into the newly renovated building. The project is intended to showcase the citizens and important memories of the township’s history and times that have
This Saturday, walking tours will begin of Gettysburg’s most famous authentic Underground Railroad site. First recognized by the National Park Service’s National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom (UGRR NTF) in 2011, the McAllister’s Mill site, just south of town, is part of a nationwide collection of sites that have a verifiable association to the activities
Of the many achievements of Thaddeus Stevens, the one he looked back on most fondly was his saving of public education in Pennsylvania in 1835. Education in Pennsylvania in the early 1830s was truly a nightmare. Schooling was pretty much restricted to those who could pay for it. Provisions existed for the state to pay
Film to Feature Stephen Lang, Ken Burns, Martin Sheen, Jeff Daniels, Ron Maxwell, Jeff Shaara, and Lila Shaara A new film set to be released this summer will explore the untold story of Michael Shaara’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, “The Killer Angels,” which directly inspired Ken Burns’ epic series “The Civil War” as well as the
Nearly 100 people attended a program on Mary Jemison’s 1758 abduction by Native Americans during the French and Indian War Tuesday evening at the Adams County Historical Society, underscoring the continued interest in her story. Presenter Debra McCauslin said she was encouraged by the turnout and audience response. “I was delighted to share information about
Historic Gettysburg Adams County (HGAC) will host its Educational Speaker Series at the historic G.A.R. Hall at 53 East Middle Street in Gettysburg, beginning on Thursday, April 16. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and presentations start at 7 p.m. The events are free to the public, no reservations are needed, and the hall is handicapped
Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center presents GETTYSBURG: ONE WOMAN’S WAR, on Monday, March 30, at 6:30 p.m. in the Valentine Hall Auditorium at 61 Seminary Ridge on the Gettysburg campus of United Lutheran Seminary (ULS). This unique dramatization views America’s Civil War through the eyes of young townswoman, wife, and mother Mary Bowman. Professional
Gettysburg Borough Council conducted a full slate of business last evening, highlighted by an optimistic presentation from the Gettysburg Area Recreational Authority (GARA), approvals of several infrastructure-related agreements, and routine financial and public safety actions. GARA Executive Director Al Moyer told council that the rec park has seen a surge of community support and in-kind
A long-standing mystery connected to a Bible ransacked from the Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary during the last days of the1863 battle has finally been solved. According to museum Director of Education and Interpretation Codie Eash, his investigation traced the identity of a Confederate soldier whose handwritten inscription puzzled historians for nearly a century. The story begins
Gettysburg Borough Council heard pointed opposition Tuesday night to a proposal to expand the Seminary Ridge Historic District, with Adams County Library leaders, preservationists, and residents warning that the move could stifle development, and particularly plans for a new Gettysburg Public Library. The comments came after the Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) in December unanimously
Midway through the recently released film “Nuremberg,” General Dwight D. Eisenhower is shown walking through a newly liberated Nazi work camp. Many other famous historical figures also appear throughout the movie, but, unlike them, no actor plays the Allied Supreme Commander. He appears in documentary film footage originally shown, with great effect, during the eighth
Healthy Adams County will celebrate 30 years in the Adams County community this year. To begin our year of celebration I would like to review our history and our roots with you. (Thanks to Steve Niebler for providing the history) Healthy Adams County actually has its roots in an organization created in the late 1950s
After almost an hour of impassioned testimony from borough residents, the Gettysburg Borough Council voted 5–2 last night to approve a comprehensive zoning ordinance that includes allowing buildings up to 72 feet in the downtown revitalization district. Most speakers urged the council to postpone action. Nancie Gudmestad of Baltimore Street said the borough should “take
This year, 2025, marks the 75th anniversary of the Korean conflict. When communist North Korean forces invaded their southern neighbor on June 25, 1950, Dwight D. Eisenhower was serving as president of Columbia University, following a spectacular career in World War II and later as the Army’s Chief of Staff. Although totally outside of the
On a quiet stretch of farmland near Fairfield, far from the noise of highways and screens, a small community of abou 20 Carmelite sisters has built a hidden world of silence, prayer, and sacrifice. The Carmel of Jesus, Mary and Joseph was established here in 2009 within the Diocese of Harrisburg. The sisters live in
Reflections on the enduring relevance of Abraham Lincoln were at the heart of today’s Dedication Day ceremonies in the Gettysburg National Cemetery, marking the 162nd anniversary of the Gettysburg Address. The event was co-sponsored by the Lincoln Fellowship of Pennsylvania, Gettysburg National Military Park (GNMP), Gettysburg College, and the Gettysburg Foundation. Kristina Heiser, GNMP superintendent,
December 4, 1865 was a pivotal day in American history when Thaddeus Stevens, with the help of Edward McPherson of Gettysburg, prevented ex-Confederates from taking over Congress. But what would have happened to the United States over the next 160 years if Stevens had failed on that critical day? This important day in American history
A stop on the Underground Railroad and a refuge for Black residents during the Battle of Gettysburg, the town of Yellow Hill was once a thriving community in Adams County’s Butler Township. Then it was gone — but not forgotten. “I think the Yellow Hill community is crucial in telling the story of the making
Fifth-graders from Upper Adams Intermediate School are stepping back in time this fall with small-group visits to Mud College in Littlestown, a restored one-room schoolhouse that hosts the Immersive Living History program. Because the building is a single classroom, classes toured in groups rather than as an entire grade. Inside the 19th-century room, students took
Thaddeus Stevens was many things: super lawyer, ground breaking politician, ironmaster, real estate speculator and railroad developer. But his role as newspaper publisher is often overlooked, though it was one of his most public roles. Stevens first newspaper venture was the Anti-Masonic Star, which published its first edition on April 17, 1830. The paper was launched to
Mayor Rita Frealing and the Gettysburg delegation checked in today from their visit to Sekigahara, Japan — our sister city and site of the historic Battle of Sekigahara. The purpose of the visit is to celebrate and strengthen the sister-city relationship between Gettysburg and Sekigahara, and the sister-park partnership between the Gettysburg National Military Park
Musket shots rang out in Gettysburg this weekend as filming began for the upcoming historical drama Gettysburg 1863. Production took place in front of the Shriver House Museum on Baltimore Street and at Flohrs Church in McKnightstown. Baltimore St. was closed over the weekend as film crews surrounded the street and soldiers, horses, and townspeople—dressed
A delegation of Gettysburg leaders, including Mayor Rita Frealing, is visiting Sekigahara, Japan this week to commemorate 10 years of partnership between the two sister cities — a relationship dedicated to preserving ancient battlefields and promoting peace. Also joining the visit are Destination Gettysburg President and CEO Karl Pietrzak and Adams County Civil War expert
When one thinks about World War I, the biggest name that comes to mind is General John J. “Black Jack” Pershing; for World War II, it’s General Dwight D. Eisenhower, at least in the European theater. These two leaders represented distinctly different generations: Pershing graduated from West Point in 1886 as First Captain of the
Historic Gettysburg Adams County (HGAC) will host its 2025 Historic Barns Tour on Saturday, September 20, inviting the public to explore five historic Pennsylvania barns and enjoy family-friendly activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The tour begins, rain or shine, at the Round Barn, 298 Cashtown Road, Biglerville, PA 17307; check-in opens at 10
On the evening of Friday, September 12, Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center (SRMEC) will once again host a Candlelight Illumination. This year the event is in conjunction with Legacy Weekend, a moving annual tradition that honors the lives touched by the Seminary Hospital during and after the Battle of Gettysburg. Since 2013, Legacy Weekend
A few months after Thaddeus Stevens died on August 11, 1868, members of the House of Representatives gathered to deliver eulogies about one of the greatest congressmen in U.S. history. The picture they drew was quite remarkable. The congressmen told how Stevens had saved public education in Pennsylvania in the 1830s and how he had helped to revamped the financial structure of
Gettysburg native and Hall of Fame pitcher Edward S. “Eddie” Plank will be honored in his hometown on Saturday, August 30, and Sunday, August 31, 2025 by Gettysburg History. In recognition of the 150th anniversary of his birth, Plank’s legacy will be celebrated with a series of events. The weekend kicks off with a panel
As a history-loving little boy, Gettysburg History President and CEO Andrew Dalton couldn’t have imagined it. “There I was sitting in a room with Ken Burns, Martin Sheen, and Susan Eisenhower,” says Dalton. Burns is the world-renowned filmmaker whose works include the groundbreaking documentary The Civil War. Sheen is an actor whose roles have included
On Wednesday, August 20, actor, writer, and director Bo Brinkman will offer a preview of his newest film project, “A Gettysburg Christmas: 1863,” at the historic G.A.R. Hall on 53 E. Middle Street in Gettysburg. Historic Gettysburg Adams County- HGAC is honored to present this sneak peek event as part of its 50th Anniversary Educational
Meet Thaddeus Stevens, the greatest unknown person in American history! The Great Commoner (in the person of Ross Hetrick) will be at the G.A.R. Hall on Wednesday, August 6, to regale listeners with tales of his personal history. Learn about his role in the passage of the historic 13th Amendment, among other accomplishments. The talk
Much of Thaddeus Stevens’s political power came from his unparalleled mastery of parliamentary procedure. Many times he was able to push through matters that wouldn’t have gotten through but for his skillful use of the rules of the House of Representatives. This was particularly true at the beginning of the Civil War when the Union
In 2026, the small town that bore witness to some of the most pivotal moments in American history will take center stage for the nation’s 250th anniversary. The story of America cannot be told without Gettysburg, where the bloodiest battle of the Civil War was fought, and where President Abraham Lincoln delivered the iconic
The World War II American Experience museum is hosting its annual Military Weekend from July 25-27, 2025. The event will feature displays of military vehicles from the museum’s collection as well as pieces brought in by other collectors; access to the museum’s own world-class collection of military vehicles and other World War II artifacts; the
The Adams County Historical Society (ACHS) has officially rebranded itself as Gettysburg History, a move designed to unify the organization’s expanding public programs and raise its national profile. “This new public-facing identity will encompass all of our sites, our programs, our events, and future projects,” said Andrew Dalton, president and CEO of Gettysburg History, in
The American Battlefield Trust (ABT) has finalized the purchase of the remainder of the former Gettysburg Country Club, securing the parcel on the corner of Chambersburg St. and County Club Lane that includes a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a clubhouse building. ABT spokesperson Jared Herr said the Trust has now raised all the funds
The collaboration between General George C. Marshall and General Dwight D. Eisenhower demonstrated decisive leadership from both men during a critical phase of World War II in April 1945. Their relationship was rooted in shared mentorship under General Fox Connor, who significantly influenced both men. Eisenhower’s appointment to War Plans in 1941 under General Marshall
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania – June 5, 2025 Educational programs, musical performances, and culturally centered events are planned to commemorate Juneteenth in Gettysburg, starting with a ceremony at the town’s historic Black cemetery. The commemoration begins on June 19 at Lincoln Cemetery — Gettysburg’s only surviving Black cemetery — which will host a public ceremony and graveside
Gettysburg National Military Park will commemorate the 162nd anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg from Tuesday, July 1 through Thursday, July 3, 2025, with a series of special ranger-led programs, immersive battlefield walks, family activities, and evening presentations by renowned historians. All programs are free and open to the public. “The anniversary of the Battle
Demolition crews demolished a historic house at 340 Baltimore Street in Gettysburg today to make room for a new $1.3 million welcome center in the heart of the tourist district. The two-story brick structure, known locally as the “Brown House” for its dark exterior, has stood since 1885 on a street rich in Civil War
President Dwight D. Eisenhower wasn’t much interested in seeing himself on the screen in films about World War II. After all, he had been there, done that. And in the process, as Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe, he had preserved democracy. “I remember being at the farm and my brother David
On Sunday, May 25, 2025, the historic Lincoln Cemetery in Gettysburg hosted its annual Memorial Day program, a solemn and moving tradition held by the Black community since the 1800s. The event drew an estimated 80 attendees, with 60 seated inside the cemetery and others standing or gathered along the fence line. The program began
The Gettysburg Historical Architecture Review Board asked a local business owner to look for alternatives to demolishing a historic home to make way for a “pocket park,” that would feature bronze monuments of the Declaration of Independence and other U.S. founding documents. Jacqueline White, managing director of the Dobbin House Restaurant and Tavern, brought a
This Memorial Day Weekend, history, heritage, and community spirit come together for an unforgettable lineup of events hosted by the Gettysburg Heritage Center and Gettysburg Nature Alliance. From May 24–26, visitors of all ages can enjoy a weekend filled with book signings, live demonstrations, music, and immersive learning—all set against the backdrop of one of America’s
Two authors of books about two important Civil War and Reconstruction congressmen will speak and sign their books at a free presentation in the social hall of Christ Lutheran Church at 30 Chambersburg Street in Gettysburg, PA, on Friday, May 16, at 6 p.m. The authors are Jeffry Boutwell, whose book is Boutwell: Radical Republican and
Biglerville High School sophomore American History students recently participated in a National Park Service program that involved each student researching and sharing information about a soldier who was killed on D-Day and buried in the Gettysburg National Cemetery. Students visited the Eisenhower National Historic Site and the cemetery, guided by park ranger Dan Vermilya. The
Nearly everybody is familiar with the legend of the young George Washington chopping down a cherry tree and then confessing to his father because he “cannot tell a lie.” A similar event happened to the young Thaddeus Stevens, but it involved chopping a cow. Stevens was dealt a bad hand as a child in the
Walking tours of Gettysburg’s only Underground Railroad (UGRR) Site recognized by the National Park Service’s Network to Freedom will begin on Saturday, May 3, and everyone is invited to attend. Our tour guides this year will be Bernie Mazer, Deb Novotny, Keith Schultz, and Curt Musselman, who will share the privilege of showing you around
More than 550 people gathered Saturday afternoon at Gettysburg’s Lincoln Square for a peaceful protest against the current administration’s policies and actions. Cheered on by honking horns and encouraging shout-outs from passers-by, the protesters held signs addressing – among others – the administration’s disregard for the Constitution and laws; the removal of top military and
Historic Gettysburg-Adams County (HGAC) celebrated its 50th anniversary on Saturday, April 5, 2025, by dedicating a hand-carved datestone outside its headquarters at 53 East Middle Street in Gettysburg. The datestone project began in August 2024 when Stable Hollow Construction of Manheim, PA, generously proposed the gift in honor of the milestone. The stone was crafted
The Thaddeus Stevens Museum is expanding into the storefront next door at 52 Chambersburg Street, and the grand opening is on April 5 at 5 p.m. All are invited. The new space, called the Annex, will feature an expanded research area, tourist information, more exhibits about Stevens and the Thaddeus Stevens Society, and Civil War
The Gettysburg Heritage Center is thrilled to announce the return of “Reenactor Recruitment Day” on Saturday, March 15, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, this second annual gathering promises to be even more exciting for history enthusiasts and those interested in joining a reenactment group. While many groups represent the
A capacity crowd gathered Sunday afternoon in the Lutheran Seminary’s Valentine Hall for a presentation of a video documentary and panel discussion on “The Underground Railroad in South Central Pennsylvania.” The program was sponsored by Pathways to Racial Justice and featured a video in the Keystone Oral Histories project by former teacher Bryan Wade. The
One of the more unusual aspects of Thaddeus Stevens’s political career is his association with the Anti-Masonic Party. While he represented the Gettysburg area in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in the 1830s, Stevens was a major figure in the party, got an Anti-Masonic governor elected, and even held hearings about the Masons. The Anti-Masonic
The Lincoln Cemetery Project Association and the Gettysburg National Military Park (GNMP) united on Saturday to host two historical persons; Fredrick Douglass and Captain John Brown. The sold-out event, held at the GNMP Visitors Center as part of the 2025 Winter Lecture Series, was an unforgettable experience, bringing history to life through an engaging portrayal
Thaddeus Stevens was riding high in the early 1820s. He was a young up-and-coming lawyer in the prosperous town of Gettysburg. Then he took a case involving a fugitive slave that would change his life and the course of American history forever. Born in Vermont, the first state to ban slavery in 1777, it would
Contributed by the Dwight D. Eisenhower Society Throughout the 20th century, railroad passenger cars crisscrossed the United States by the tens of thousands, transporting Americans in wartime, peacetime, and sometimes providing the backdrop for other historical events. One passenger car was “the room where it happened” for a virtually unknown meeting with critical ramifications as
As many in our community know, Lincoln Cemetery has been a well-kept secret for years. This historic Black cemetery, established in 1867, is located behind the emergency room entrance of WellSpan Hospital in Gettysburg. For many years, Lincoln Cemetery was under the dedicated care and leadership of Mrs. Betty Dorsey Myers. However, due to health
Acclaimed Filmmaker Ken Burns To Appear With Special Guests On The 80th Anniversary of V-E Day Gettysburg, PA – The Gettysburg Film Festival will return from May 8-11, 2025, with a focus on the legacy of World War II. Internationally acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns will open the four-day festival, which will include a full slate of
Local publication highlights community’s generosity, history, and vibrant culture Celebrate Gettysburg, a bi-monthly magazine founded in 2007, continues to shine a spotlight on the best of Adams County and its surrounding areas. Jessica Dean, the publication’s founder, recently shared insights into the magazine’s mission and impact on the community in an interview with Adams County
Gettysburg borough recently published a summary of its budget and at the top of the page were pictures of Abraham Lincoln and Dwight Eisenhower. Where was Thaddeus Stevens? He should be part of the Gettysburg Trinity. Gettysburg is fortunate that it can lay claim to two presidents. But it should also lay claim to Thaddeus
The steering commission for Adams County’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States is hosting a meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, to bring residents and business owners across the county up to date on local plans as well as invite members of the community to get involved. Commonly known as “America 250,” this
The Gettysburg Foundation is pleased to offer area residents and visitors to Gettysburg the opportunity to experience “An Evening with the Painting” on select dates in 2025. A popular program on the historic Gettysburg Cyclorama in the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center, the first presentation in 2025 will take place Saturday, Jan.
At the stroke of midnight on New Year Eve, the wig will be raised from the top of Thaddeus Stevens statue in front of the Adams County Courthouse at the corner of Baltimore and Middle Streets. Before the rising, there will be a Thaddeus Stevens look-alike contest starting at 11 p.m. The winner will be
By 1816, Thaddeus Stevens had graduated from Dartmouth college, completed his legal studies and gotten a certificate to practice law. He was ready to make his mark, but where? Stevens did a little location shopping. He first went east from York, where had lived for two years, to Lancaster to check out that city. On
Today was Remembrance Day, Gettysburg’s annual event honoring the 1863 Consecration of the National Cemetery at Gettysburg, during which President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address. We’ll report on the activities soon; For now please enjoy the photos. Click on any photo to start the slideshow.
The following is the schedule for the Seminary Museum’s “Gettysburg Address 161st Anniversary on the Ridge.” Friday, November 15 6:30 p.m. “The Business of Death in the Mid-19th Century” (History Happy Hour by Annette Jorgensen, SRMEC Membership and Development Coordinator) Death in the 19th century was a relatively common occurrence. Illnesses and accidents that we
More than 160 years after President Abraham Lincoln delivered his immortal address, the Gettysburg community will come together this year to mark the historic occasion with special events throughout November. In Gettysburg, Nov. 19 is known as Dedication Day, the date when Lincoln came to Gettysburg in 1863 for the dedication of a new national
On November 1 and 2, Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center (SRMEC) will again host “24 Hours on the Ridge,” conceived in 2021 as a fundraising event to be held in conjunction with the annual Adams County Community Foundation Giving Spree, which supports non-profit organizations throughout Adams County, Pennsylvania. Rather than closing at 5:00 p.m.
Now that football season is here again, it’s a good time to reflect on General Eisenhower’s love for sports, football in particular. When we think of Ike and sports, golf is usually what comes to mind. For those of us who love history, however, Ike’s athletic prowess goes back to his days as a boy
Thaddeus Stevens was born in the small Vermont town of Danville in 1792, the last year of the first term of George Washington. He had a lot going against him. His family was poor, he was born with a clubfoot — a handicap that was seen as a mark of the devil — and his father
Gettysburg National Military Park (GNMP) staff is seeking public assistance regarding artifacts that went missing between December of 2023 and January of 2024 from a historical site near Brooke Avenue. The artifacts, which were taken from the Timbers farm on the southern end of the battlefield, are of significant historical importance. The law enforcement rangers
Visitors to the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center can shuttlebus to the George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital to explore the historic site throughout the remainder of the 2024 summer season. The historic site will continue to be open for the summer season of living history and programming on Fridays, Saturdays, and
Officials from Gettysburg’s sister city, Sekigahara (seck-ee-GUH-hahr-uh), Japan, spent time this week visiting with officials from the National Park Service, Gettyburg Borough, and economic development and tourism agencies in a cultural exchange of ideas and programs. The team is working toward a World Battlefield Summit planned for late 2025 that will include three of the
The Gettysburg Foundation is proud to present a special after-hours programming event that is free and open to the public. The event will take place on Saturday, July 25, 2024, from 6:30 until 8 p.m. in the historic Rupp House – the childhood home of Children of Gettysburg 1863. The event will feature historian and
Join the Dwight D. Eisenhower Society at its annual picnic at the Eisenhower National Historic Site on Saturday, July 20, 2024. Our picnic theme is Ike and Mamie in Paris with a nod to the Olympics set to begin in Paris the following weekend. Tours of the Eisenhower Home, a putting contest on the Eisenhower
***Abraham Brian moved from Maryland to Gettysburg in 1840 and bought a 12 acre farm on what is now Gettysburg battlefield. Returning after the armies departed to find his animals and crops gone and his farm damaged, Brian and his family slowly rebuilt. James Warfield was a farmer and blacksmith, living at the time of
Of all Thaddeus Stevens’s abilities, his talent as a lawyer was his greatest. In a June 28, 1885 article in the Baltimore American, a person who knew him said this: “Mr. Stevens was regarded by many people with an air of superstition. His legal knowledge was so profound and his foresight so keen, that he
The Gettysburg National Military Park will commemorate the 161st anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg with a variety of free guided walks and talks that discuss, explore, and reflect on this important chapter in our nation’s history. Visitors are invited to join National Park Rangers as they follow in the footsteps of the soldiers who fought
Memorial Day ceremonies were held at the Lincoln Cemetery on Sunday. The ceremonies were led by Jean Green, Chair of the Lincoln Cemetery Project Association. In introductory remarks, she explained that the small orange flags mark 136 burial sites with no headstones. These burial sites were identified with ground penetrating radar. Green reported that the
Gettysburg marked its 157th Memorial Day with a poignant blend of reverence and celebration yesterday. Residents and visitors alike gathered to honor the memory of fallen soldiers and reflect on the town’s significant military history. The Memorial Day events kicked off with the annual parade, a stirring spectacle of community spirit and military vehicles. Leading
Besides being a masterful politician and unrivaled lawyer, Thaddeus Stevens was an enthusiastic promoter of railroads, pushing for two early railroads in Pennsylvania and then laying the legislative groundwork in the 1860s for the Transcontinental Railroad. Stevens’s first railroad venture was the Gettysburg Extension of the Pennsylvania Main Line, nicknamed the Tapeworm Railroad because its
Main Street Gettysburg is pleased to launch a fundraising program to support the future Gettysburg Welcome Center – Legacy Endowment Fund. Construction funds for the welcome center project are secured, thanks to local fundraising, Borough investment, and Congressional allocation. Main Street Gettysburg raised over $153,000; Borough of Gettysburg committed $300,000 under capital projects; and a
The Gettysburg Planning Commission is moving forward on a major zoning overhaul which will change the image of Gettysburg going forward. Detailed information about the new plan including the proposed new document and map can be found on the borough’s website here. Planning Committee Chair Charles Strauss noted on Monday that the new plan had
Contacted after Monday’s Planning Commission meeting, Planning Director John Whitmore gave his thoughts about the proposed new zoning plan. Detailed information about the new plan including the proposed new document and map can be found on the borough’s website here. “The development of property within the Borough is planned in accordance with the Pennsylvania Municipalities