A large crowd of roughly 80 people came together last Saturday to attend the official dedication of a large mural mounted to the south exterior wall of Gettysburg’s Beyond the Battle Museum. The mural named “Unfinished Ballad” was created by local artist Sarah Jacobs as her contribution to the Adams County’s ongoing America250PA commemoration activities.
The motif of the 25×40 sf artwork weaves significant historic events together with present-day scenes and visions of the region’s future, based on personal accounts and ideas gathered by the artist through interviews and various workshops with local residents.
“I interviewed many people to get ideas about historical elements to include before designing the mural but I also grew up near Gettysburg and always appreciated the natural beauty of the region with its rolling hills. It was a priority for me to show that verdant beauty and to depict people from various ages enjoying themselves in that natural and pastoral serenity,” Jacobs said in her prepared statement, which was read to the audience by Majestic Theater Executive Director Brett Messenger on the artist’s behalf.
The ceremony was co-hosted by the Adams County Arts Council and Gettysburg History organizations and attended by major donors and local officials. Speakers included Gettysburg History President and CEO Andrew Dalton; Adams County Arts Council Executive Director Jessica Boyer; Gettysburg Mayor Alison Lintal; and Adams County Commissioners Jim Martin and Mark Clowney.
Mayor Lintal praised Jacobs’ talent and the mural’s approach to highlighting all types of regular folks who live and have lived in the community, spanning several historic eras, not just the prevailing focus on the Civil War history and its prominent figures. Lintal pointed out that “everyone’s story belongs on this wall…. as we are bound together by place and community.”
Andrew Dalton predicted that the mural would draw millions of visitors in the future and help them discover not just the region’s well-known history but also the everyday life of its proud community. ACAC executive director, Jessica Boyer praised the county’s community and officials for their support and their recognition that “art makes for a better community.”
The mural was painted in individual pieces on Polytab media and then assembled and installed with special Paint Gel. See also several photos provided by the artist that show some of the work in progress.
Local resident Sarah Jacobs is a contemporary artist represented by Fremin Gallery in New York City and ZYNKA Gallery in Pittsburgh. Raised in Littlestown, PA, she is a graduate of Gettysburg College and holds a MFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art. She also exhibits with Ferrara Showman Gallery in New Orleans and her current exhibition of multimedia canvas paintings, “Magical Realism” is currently on view at the Majestic Theater’s Gallery through November 3, 2026.
Photos courtesy of Donate Gardner and Sarah Jacobs.
