With only a few exceptions, Gettysburg National Military Park (GNMP) is completely open to visitors over the Independence Day weekend. The exceptions are the three observation towers and the observation level at the Pennsylvania Memorial which remain closed due to social distancing concerns.
The Visitors Center and the Spangler Farm are also open.
Social media accounts have been active over the past weeks and it has been rumored that demonstrations or protests might occur in the park over the weekend.
“A group on Facebook and Twitter has stirred up a lot of fervor and concerned citizens, said GNMP Acting Visual Information Specialist and Public Affairs Officer Jason Martz. “Facebook and Twitter shut the sites down but we’re anticipating protests. We’re hoping for the best.”
Martz said so far the situation is very similar to what happened in the run-up to the 2017 July 4 weekend. Martz said that in 2017 the initial group that had posted on social media didn’t show up but counter-protesters did.
“We’re hoping for something similar to 2017,” said Martz,
Martz said a permit would be required for a gathering in the park, but no permit for a large group gathering has been submitted.
Martz said the park has prepared an incident management team based on a national park system process initially used to respond to wildland fires. “It’s a standard where we organize by collaborating with federal, state and local officials,” said Martz.
Martz said the park was collaborating with the Gettysburg Mayor’s Office, the Borough of Gettysburg, and local police departments.
We’re organizing to be ready for “whatever it might bring,” said Martz.