June and July 2023
Gettysburg, Pa. (May 31, 2023)—The Gettysburg Foundation is pleased to offer area residents and visitors to Gettysburg educational events with family-friendly programming on select summer holidays at Children of Gettysburg 1863® in June and July 2023. Open daily, 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. for the summer season, Children of Gettysburg 1863® is an interactive history adventure with special programming and events on the following holidays:
Flag Day Preparation | Saturday, June 10 | 7-8 p.m. In preparation for National Flag Day, learn about the numerous flags that have honored our nation. Each one has a special meaning and symbolism to the history of the United States of America beyond the colors, design, and number of stars. Local historian Mike Shovlin will have examples of flags on display, showing the evolution of this national symbol. This event takes place in the museum’s side yard and is free and open to the public.
Father’s Day Special | Sunday, June 18 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Join us on the front porch of the children’s museum for “Just Like Dad” on Father’s Day. Ticket holders can craft a likeness of their fathers and spend time experiencing history in the interactive exhibits of the museum adventure.
Juneteenth Commemoration | Monday, June 19 | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | Special Storytime, 1-2 p.m. Learn about the significance of the holiday and hear stories about the lives of historic Black citizens of Gettysburg. Ticket holders can enjoy a special storytime of “Opal Lee and What it Means to be Free” written by Alice Fay Duncan, inside the museum at 1 p.m.
Fourth of July Celebration: Family Picnic & Twilight Party | Tuesday, July 4 | 6-8 p.m. | Gettysburg Fireworks at Rec Park, 9:20 p.m. Join us to celebrate Independence Day. Families and visitors to Gettysburg can bring their own picnic basket or takeout meal, spread a blanket on the lawn in the side yard and enjoy the evening celebration. Lite appetizers will be provided while supplies last. Music, fun games and patriotic party favors will be part of the festivities that are free and open to the public. The fireworks at Rec Park, a short walk from the children’s history museum, begin at 9:20 p.m.
The interactive children’s history museum tells the engaging stories of children, teens, and young adults who lived in and near the town of Gettysburg during and after the Battle of Gettysburg. Visitors have the opportunity to experience history as they journey through the galleries and hear first-hand accounts from numerous young residents from 1863, including William Bayly, Albertus McCreary, Sadie Bushman, and Tillie Pierce.
Most of the summer holiday events and activities are free with a ticket to Children of Gettysburg 1863® unless otherwise noted. Admission tickets are currently free for children/youth ages 12 and younger when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Tickets are available by phone at 717-334-2436, online at GettysburgFoundation.org/Children-of-Gettysburg-1863, at the Ticket Counter inside the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center and on-site at Children of Gettysburg 1863® located at 451 Baltimore Street in downtown Gettysburg.
ABOUT GETTYSBURG FOUNDATION
Gettysburg Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit philanthropic, educational organization operating in partnership with the National Park Service to preserve Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site and educate the public about their significance. The Foundation operates the Museum & Visitor Center at Gettysburg National Military Park, as well as the George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital, the Children of Gettysburg 1863®, and Ticket to the Past–Unforgettable Journeys. For information about visiting Gettysburg or how you can become a Friends of Gettysburg member, visit GettysburgFoundation.org or call 877-874-2478. Proceeds from tickets and other purchases in the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center benefit Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site.