Gettysburg National Military Park began to increase access and services on June 12, following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities. The decision was made in response to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s move to Phase Green for Adams County, which will include Licensed Battlefield Guide operations, commercial operators, and special park uses.
Public gatherings will be limited to less than 250 people with an emphasis on social distancing. Licensed Battlefield Guides, permits, and special park uses will also comply with state and public health reopening guidelines. In order to provide informal interpretation services, Park Rangers will take intermittent visits to different areas of the battlefield.
Public restrooms will begin to reopen throughout the battlefield, and portable toilets will also be available throughout the battlefield at the 10 at McMillan Woods Campground, the 1 at Weikert Farm, the 6 at the Park Amphitheater, the 1 at Slyder Farm, the 2 at Big Round Top Parking area, the 2 at Wheatfield Road near Little Round Top, the 2 at the PA Monument, the 2 at the South End Comfort Station, the 2 at the West End Guide Station, and the 1 at the National Cemetery Comfort Station.
The Museum and Visitor Center will remain closed in order to develop operational plans that comply with public health guidelines, as well as operational and engineered controls. Further plans and a reopen date will be announced soon.
Interpretive programs with Park Rangers will not be offered, but formal, scheduled programs may be offered in the future where gatherings can be kept under 250 people.
Gettysburg NMP grounds, roads, trails, and parking areas will remain open to the public. Park gates will be opened and closed at their normal times. The Eisenhower Home and Reception Center will remain closed. In addition, there is no public parking available at Eisenhower NHS. The David Wills House, observation towers, and the Pennsylvania Memorial observation level will also remain closed.
The 157th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg will be conducted through a series of free virtual guided walks and discussions that discuss, explore, and reflect on its history. Additional details will be announced soon.
Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted online at https://www.nps.gov/gett/index.htm, in addition to their social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.