163rd Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg – Day 2 Programs

Day two of the 163rd Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg takes place Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Gettysburg National Military Park in Gettysburg, PA, with a full schedule of free family programs, ranger-led battlefield walks, hands-on history activities, and an evening campfire presentation led by National Park Service Rangers and Licensed Battlefield Guides.

Families with children ages 4 to 14 can participate in the 10 a.m. “Build It, Paint It, Mold It” program at the George Weikert Farm, where participants learn about the Trostle family while recreating elements of the battlefield landscape through building, painting, and modeling activities. From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can stop by the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center for a Hands-On History Experience featuring interactive activities for all ages.

Several in-depth battlefield walks highlight pivotal actions from July 2, 1863. Park Ranger John Hoptak leads a morning walk following the battle experiences of the 19th Massachusetts Infantry on Cemetery Ridge and during Pickett’s Charge. At 2 p.m., Licensed Battlefield Guide Lewis Trott examines Ambrose Wright’s Brigade and its dramatic assault on the Union line during “The Real High Water Mark?” Ranger Dan Welch concludes the afternoon with a detailed exploration of Avery’s North Carolinians and their attack on East Cemetery Hill.

The day ends at 8:30 p.m. with “Voices of July 2” at the Park Amphitheater in Pitzer Woods along West Confederate Avenue. Through letters, diaries, and firsthand recollections, this campfire program shares the experiences of those caught in the fighting during the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg.

Battlefield walks typically last two to three hours and may include hiking over uneven terrain. Visitors should bring water, sun protection, insect repellent, and sturdy walking shoes. All programs are free and open to the public. Weather-related modifications or cancellations may occur during periods of severe storms or extreme heat.

Regular Summer Ranger Programs continue throughout the anniversary period, providing additional opportunities to explore Gettysburg’s battlefield, history, and historic landscapes.