Ticketholders at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center have the opportunity to experience the George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital throughout the 2021 summer season. The historic site is open for visitors Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and on the Battle Anniversary, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., Friday, June 11 through Sunday, Aug 15.
In July 1863, George Spangler’s thriving family farm was transformed into a field hospital for more than 1,900 wounded Confederate and Union soldiers. A strategic location on the Gettysburg battlefield, the site also served as an artillery reserve, ammunition reserve, provost guard and a temporary cemetery for both Union and Confederate soldiers.
Today, the George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital stands as one of the best surviving examples of a corps-level field hospital used during the Battle of Gettysburg. Meticulously renovated and restored, the historic site features original buildings from the battle for visitors to explore.
Visitors to the historic site have the opportunity to interact with living historians and learn about Civil War medicine, medical techniques, the role of surgeons and caregivers, soldiers’ experiences, the humanity of citizens, the Spangler family and the role of civilians during and after the battle.
“The summer is an excellent opportunity to visit and explore the farm with a variety of living history groups planned for the season,” said Paul Semanek, Spangler Farm Site Coordinator. “We’re pleased to offer guests the opportunity to visit this historic site, learn history, and see the best surviving field hospital from the Gettysburg battle,” added Semanek.
Docents are available for questions. Civil War era encampments are on-site. Living historians from across the U.S. camp at the farm and provide visitors a glimpse of what happened there in 1863.
June 2021 Living History Schedule:
June 11-13 2nd Corps Field Hospital CSA: Confederate field hospital with portrayal of Confederate surgeon, Hunter McGuire.
The Healing: Conversations Between Nurses North and South: A unique portrayal of women who pioneered professional nursing and served during the War Between the States.
June 18-20 Blue & Gray Hospital Association: Civil War living history organization teaches Civil War medicine: caregivers, medical staff, orderlies, ambulance corpsman, and the civilians nurses and field relief roles.
Patriot Daughters of Lancaster: Ladies aid society from Lancaster, formed after the firing on Fort Sumter, to provide money, food, clothing, bandages and supplies for soldiers serving in local companies of Pennsylvania regiments. The ladies cared for the wounded at Christ Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Seminary in Gettysburg, and held sanitary fairs and bazaars to raise money.
June 25-27 17th Corps Field Hospital: Exhibits and demonstrations of Union Civil War medicine includes pill making, nursing, nutrition, medicines, medical instruments including a pocket and capital amputation kit, and daily sick call illnesses.
“The outdoor experience transports visitors back to 1863 as they walk in the footsteps of those who experienced the disruption and carnage of the battle,” said Brian Klinzing, Gettysburg Foundation’s Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships. “Docents are available for questions, and we encourage visitors to interact with our living historians to hear authentic accounts and gain insights into the importance of this site in the battle,” added Klinzing.
Admission to the site is included with the purchase of a ticket to the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center programs. Those with a Friends of Gettysburg membership receive complimentary admission to the site during regular summer weekends. Guests may drive directly to the property where on-site parking is available.
The living history schedules for July and August will be released throughout the summer. For tickets and announcements, visit GettysburgFoundation.org.
Visit GettysburgFoundation.org or call 877-874-2478 for information and tickets for tours, events and programs offered by the Gettysburg Foundation.