Songs and Stories of a Civil War Hospital tells the authentic history of a Civil War hospital in its original setting—Christ Lutheran Church. Songs and Stories was first performed in 1999, and has been presented Saturday evenings each summer since then. To date, over 18,600 people have attended Songs and Stories of a Civil War HospitalPerformances typically begin with music on the church steps (weather permitting) followed by the main program in the church nave. The main program features a musical prelude, a brief history of the church, accounts of Chaplain Howell’s death and a woman’s miraculous escape into the ... Read This Story
The battles of Gettysburg and Little Bighorn remain the two most studied military engagements in American history. The colorful and controversial George Armstrong Custer was at the center of both events. Custer’s Civil War fame began at Gettysburg but his death along the Little Bighorn River thirteen years later has stirred historical debates for more than a century. Yet Custer was not the only link between these two iconic battles. Several other men served in both campaigns, some lost their lives, and at least two participants had ties to Adams County and the surrounding region.As the summer of 2026 marks ... Read This Story
Join historian Kenneth A. Gavin for an entertaining and engaging presentation that examines economic, military, political, and social aspects of the American Revolution through the lens of popular culture. He will explore these themes in conjunction with the audience by utilizing film and television clips that are dramatic and comedic from well known and lesser known productions. In addition, he will demonstrate how popular culture manipulates historic events to reflect mores, social issues, and challenges relative to the era of production.Registration is required. Gettysburg History Members are free and non-members are $10. This event will be held on Saturday, August ... Read This Story
Gettysburg goes all out for Independence Day, and in 2026, the celebration gets even bigger as the community marks America’s 250th birthday with a full day of energy, music, and hometown pride at Gettysburg Rec Park.
The day starts bright and early at 8 a.m. with the Adams County Farmers Market, where fresh local flavors and a lively crowd set the tone for what’s ahead. As the afternoon rolls in, the park fills with food vendors, family activities, and plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the summer vibe.
Music takes center stage as the day builds. The Willy’s kick things ... Read This Story
Battle Walk Programs at Gettysburg National Military Park offer an in-depth exploration of the battlefield through ranger-led hikes that follow the movements, decisions, and experiences of soldiers during the Battle of Gettysburg. Taking place on Saturdays from June 6 through August 8, 2026, these two-hour guided programs examine key areas of the battlefield while covering significant distances across historic ground. Participants gain a deeper understanding of the battle through detailed discussions of military actions, leadership decisions, and the landscape that shaped one of the most significant engagements of the Civil War.Each Battle Walk begins at 10:00 AM and focuses on ... Read This Story
Campfire Programs at Gettysburg National Military Park offer an engaging way to explore Civil War history after hours on the Gettysburg Battlefield. Held Saturday evenings from June 6 through August 8, 2026, these ranger-led presentations take place at the Pitzer Woods Amphitheater on Confederate Avenue near Auto Tour Stop #6. As daylight fades across the battlefield, National Park Service rangers and guest historians share stories of the Battle of Gettysburg, the American Civil War, and the people whose lives shaped the conflict.Each program begins at 8:30 PM and lasts approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Admission is free, reservations are not ... Read This Story
Gettysburg National Military Park’s 2026 Living History Program brings the stories of the Battle of Gettysburg to life through a season of immersive encampments, demonstrations, and interpretive programs across the battlefield. From artillery demonstrations and soldier encampments to firsthand accounts of daily military life, these weekend programs offer visitors a chance to experience history in the places where it unfolded during the Civil War.Programs take place throughout Gettysburg National Military Park at key battlefield locations including the Pennsylvania Memorial, Pitzer Woods, and Spangler’s Spring. Living historians representing Union and Confederate units share the experiences of the soldiers who fought at ... Read This Story
Lakota Band brings an evening of live music, great food, and summer energy to the Red Shed Venue at Hickory Bridge Farm in Orrtanna on June 27. Nestled in the rolling countryside of Adams County, just outside Gettysburg, Hickory Bridge Farm sets the stage for a memorable night where friends gather, music fills the air, and food truck favorites complement the festive atmosphere.From 5:00 PM until 10:00 PM, guests can enjoy an energetic performance by Lakota Band while taking in the relaxed charm of the Red Shed Venue. Coordinated by DJ Brian Keefer (Taz) and Marty Groves, the event combines ... Read This Story
The Children’s Butterfly Tea returns to Hickory Bridge Farm Restaurant in Orrtanna on July 28 and 29, offering a whimsical summer experience that combines tea, butterflies, and a meaningful community cause. Designed especially for children and families, this charming event creates an afternoon filled with nature-inspired fun in the scenic countryside of Adams County.Guests enjoy a special tea gathering at Hickory Bridge Farm Restaurant while supporting the local chapter of Special Olympics. For an added touch of magic, attendees can purchase a live butterfly for release, creating a memorable moment that celebrates the beauty of summer and the wonder of ... Read This Story
Santa Claus makes a special holiday stop at Hickory Bridge Farm Restaurant in Orrtanna on November 22, creating a festive afternoon filled with seasonal cheer and community spirit. From 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, families can visit with Santa in the Red Shed, capture memorable holiday photos, and enjoy a classic Christmas tradition in the scenic countryside just outside Gettysburg.The event also supports Toys for Tots, giving guests an opportunity to help bring holiday joy to local children through a toy or monetary donation. Surrounded by the charm of Hickory Bridge Farm Restaurant, the Santa visit blends family fun with ... Read This Story
Elly Cooke brings live music to Mason Dixon Distillery & Restaurant in Gettysburg on July 11 as the Mason Dixon Pour Decisions summer music series continues in the outdoor courtyard. Known for an engaging blend of crowd-pleasing favorites and contemporary acoustic performances, Cooke creates the perfect soundtrack for a summer evening in downtown Gettysburg.Guests can enjoy handcrafted cocktails, award-winning spirits distilled on-site, and a full dinner menu while taking in live music from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The relaxed courtyard setting at Mason Dixon Distillery & Restaurant offers a lively atmosphere for an evening of great food, drinks, and ... Read This Story
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 ... Read This Story
