160^th Anniversary Commemoration of the Battle of Gettysburg

The commemoration events lead up through Independence Day, Tuesday, July 4

Transport yourself back in time as visitors, reenactors, and living historians gather in Gettysburg to commemorate the 160^th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg.  Walk in the footsteps of history throughout the commemoration, visiting significant places on the battlefield, in and around the town where the largest battle ever fought on U.S. soil occurred on July 1, 2, 3, 1863.

Complete your commemoration with fireworks at the annual Gettysburg Fourth celebration.

More Events Listed Below

Event and tour schedules are subject to change.

Items that previously occurred have been removed from the list.

 

Monday, July 3

Events

160th Battle of Gettysburg Anniversary Program Series, special programing of the Adams County Historical Society held in its new Beyond the Battle Museum. 625 Biglerville Road.

Times Vary

Living History Encampment, children’s programming including displays, crafts, and living history talks, Children of Gettysburg 1863, 451 Baltimore Street.

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Welty House Historic Marker Unveiling of two new historic landmark signs, noting the significance of the Welty House, the site of gruesome fighting during the battle on its 160th anniversary. Free tours of the basement provided and refreshments served. 452 Baltimore Street.

11 a.m.

Jennie Wade of Gettysburg Specialty Tour and Book Signing, featuring Author Cindy L. Small at the Jennie Wade House Museum, 548 Baltimore Street.

12 p.m.

Sacred Trust 2023 at Gettysburg, Talks and book signings at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center, 1195 Baltimore Pike.

Times Vary

One Hundred Nights of Taps Gettysburg 2023, free guide-led program followed by Taps at Gettysburg National Cemetery, Soldiers’ National Monument. Parking available  at 97 Taneytown Road.

5:30 p.m. guide program; 7 p.m. Playing of Taps

“The Horse at Gettysburg: Prepared for the Day of Battle” Author and Licensed Battlefield Guide Chris Bagley presents and signs his book The Horse at Gettysburg: Prepared for the Day of Battle. At the Lomas Center Museum, 50 Mayor Alley.

6 p.m.

The Night Before Gettysburg, a free half-hour play about President Lincoln making the final touches to his immortal Gettysburg Address. Performance held at the Historic Lincoln Railway Station, now home to Ticket to the Past – Unforgettable Journeys, 35 Carlisle Street.

7 p.m.

Tours

Visit links below to learn more about these guided historical tours.

Gettysburg National Military Park 30-, 60-, or 90-minute “Guided Ranger Walks”

Gettysburg National Military Park “Key Moment” Ranger Tours

Seminary Ridge Museum’s “Seminary Ridge: Confederate Nerve Center” Battlefield Walking Tour

Seminary Ridge Museum’s “Mending the Wounded” Interactive Children’s Tour

Seminary Ridge Museum’s “The Hospital at the Seminary” Battlefield Walking Tour

Seminary Ridge Museum’s “Planning the Confederate Retreat” Real-Time Battlefield Tour

Seminary Ridge Museum’s “Reunions, Monuments, and Memory” Battlefield Walking Tour

Seminary Ridge Museum Guided Cupola Tour

Jennie Wade of Gettysburg Specialty Tour and Book Signing

Lincoln and Gettysburg: A Walking Tour

Wonder Women of Gettysburg: Hidden Valor Tour

Tuesday, July 4

Events

Flutes on the 4^th Civil War-era and other patriotic tunes played on flutes in the town square

Performance at 10 a.m.

A Gettysburg Fourth! A Celebration of America’s independence includes, music, food trucks, beer garden, BINGO, cash raffle, face painting, glitter tattoos, balloon artists and fireworks.

4 p.m. doors open, culminating with 9:20 p.m. fireworks.

160th Battle of Gettysburg Anniversary Program Series: Children of the Battlefield, with Sue Boardman and Abbie Hoffman telling stories about local children who witnessed the battle up close. 625 Biglerville Road.

Program begins at 1 p.m.

160th Battle of Gettysburg Anniversary Program Series: Prelude to Battle 160 Years Later with Tim Smith examining the events that took place 24 hours leading up to the battle. 625 Biglerville Road.

Program begins at 7 p.m

One Hundred Nights of Taps Gettysburg 2023, free guide-led program followed by Taps at Gettysburg National Cemetery, Soldiers’ National Monument. Parking available at 97 Taneytown Road.

5:30 p.m. guide program; 7 p.m. Playing of Taps

Marching Still: A Musical Tribute to Civil War Poetry, a special evening featuring poetry and original music by Ryan Mascilak, kicking off the Sacred Trust 2023 event at the Kinsley Theater, Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center, 1195 Baltimore Pike.

7 p.m.

2^nd  Maryland Fife and Drum Corp, performing songs of the Civil War at Mansion House 1757, Fairfield, PA.

7 – 9:30 p.m.

Tours

Visit links below to learn more about these guided historical tours.

Seminary Ridge “The Eve of Battle” Real-Time Sunset Tour

Seminary Ridge Museum Guided Cupola Tour

Walking Tour of the Historic Taverns of Gettysburg

Wonder Women of Gettysburg: Hidden Valor Tour

Dates, times, and locations are subject to change

Event Calendar

Tour Calendar