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 Community Media’s CEO/Founder/President Raymond Goucker.
Dean, who started the magazine with her husband Troy, emphasizes the publication’s focus on both tourists and residents. “We try to cover as much as we can in Adams County and even tiptoe into York County with Hanover a bit, too,” she says.
The magazine, which produces six issues a year, relies on a team of award-winning writers and photographers. Dean credits her staff for putting their “heart and soul into this publication,” making it truly special.
Celebrate Gettysburg’s commitment to showcasing local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and individuals making a difference aligns with the community’s generous spirit. Dean points to the recent Giving Spree, which involved over 100 nonprofits and raised more than $3 million, as an example of the community’s philanthropic nature.
“There are so many great things in the community that don’t get enough publicity,” Dean notes. “We feel like we can be a platform to help expand and help those organizations and businesses grow.”
The magazine’s coverage extends beyond current events to highlight the area’s rich history. Dean, whose family roots in Adams County date back to the 1700s, has discovered unexpected connections through her work. “I’ve done stories on [family members] in the publication, not knowing [they were related],” she reveals.
Dean’s passion for the community is evident in her approach to featuring local nonprofits. Celebrate Gettysburg offers free design, advertising, and marketing support to various organizations each year. “It’s not about their budget,” Dean explains. “I want them to get in the publication because I feel like people need to know about this.”
Among the nonprofits featured are the United Way, Adams County Children’s Advocacy Center, Ruth’s Harvest, and Project HOPE, a mentoring program through Adams County Children and Youth Services. Dean herself serves as a mentor through Project HOPE, working with two youth on a near-weekly basis.
The magazine also supports the arts, featuring organizations such as the Adams County Arts Council and the Gettysburg Community Theatre. Dean emphasizes the importance of putting “individuals’ faces and stories for those nonprofits in this magazine,” calling it “priceless.”
Celebrate Gettysburg’s impact extends beyond its pages. The magazine has played a role in connecting community members with volunteer opportunities and raising awareness about lesser-known organizations. “I’ve lived in Adams County my whole life, and there’s still things that I find out that I’m like, ‘Oh, I didn’t know that we had that,'” Dean says.
As Celebrate Gettysburg continues to grow, Dean remains committed to its original mission of bridging the gap between tourists and residents while celebrating the best of Adams County. “We want to give back,” she says. “We want to celebrate everything that is good.”
Through its dedication to showcasing local stories, supporting nonprofits, and fostering community connections, Celebrate Gettysburg has become an integral part of Adams County’s cultural landscape. As the magazine moves forward, it continues to play a vital role in highlighting the area’s generosity, history, and vibrant community spirit.