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 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., through Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021.
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. A reproduction Civil War Wheeling (Rosecrans) ambulance wagon is on display inside the barn. The Wheeling (Rosecrans) ambulance wagon was used during the Civil War to transport the wounded.
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.
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.
August 2021 Living History Schedule
July 30 – Aug 1
Citizens of Gettysburg: Civilians, attired in authentic Victorian period clothing, recreate the experience of Civil War era civilians and provide ‘first person impressions.’
150th PA Volunteer Field Hospital “Bucktails” Co. C & K: Living historians portray two of four companies recruited from Crawford County, Pennsylvania and the personnel who served in the Hospital Department during the Civil War.
Aug. 6-8
Annabel’s Battery/ 1st US Battery K: Living historians teach the purpose of a Civil War field hospital, the devastating wounds and treatments, and the support services provided to medical personnel and wounded and sick soldiers. Presents Civil War medicine and hands-on artillery demonstrations throughout the weekend.
Aug. 13-15
The Healing: Conversations Between Nurses North & South: A unique portrayal of women who pioneered professional nursing and served during the War Between the States.
136th NYSV Medical Hospital: Regimental field hospital based in Charlotte, North Carolina demonstrates surgeries, nursing techniques and duties, including the use of mannequins and period instruments. Featured: Dr. Bleecker Hovey’s surgeon kit actually used at the Spangler Farm in 1863–still intact after 156 years.
Company A 9th PA Reserves: Medical unit from near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and living historians portray members of the United States Sanitary Commission.
Sunday Special Programming
On Sundays throughout the summer season, Historic Gettysburg-Adams County (HGAC) presents an exciting new addition to the summer programming at the George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital. HGAC interprets the design, construction and use of this stunning expression of an iconic, vernacular architectural form—the Pennsylvania Bank Barn.
In the decades leading up to the fateful summer of 1863, and for well over 100 years afterwards, the George Spangler barn served as the hub of a thriving, active farm. Its restoration in the past decade—from a dilapidated structure in danger of collapse to a visage of its original glory—revived an important, tangible component of American history in its own right.
Admission to the historic 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. For tickets, 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.
Hello..
Have been Friend member since the 90’s. From N.H. and Ma. Will be there in early November and would like permission to tour the grounds with either a private guide or just ourselves. Both are 1st Corp members. Only time of year that we can come.
Why don’t you call the visitor’s center and ask them?
https://gettysburgconnection.org/gnmp-museum–visitor-center/