163rd Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg – Day 1 Programs

Day one of the 163rd Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg begins Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Gettysburg National Military Park in Gettysburg, PA, with a full schedule of free ranger-led battlefield walks, family programs, 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 take part in the 10 a.m. “Build It, Paint It, Mold It” program at Reynolds Woods, where participants learn about the McPherson family while recreating battlefield landscapes through art, modeling clay, and building activities. From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center hosts a Hands-On History Experience featuring interactive activities for visitors of all ages.

History enthusiasts can join several in-depth battlefield walks examining key moments from July 1, 1863. NPS Ranger Atkinson leads a 10 a.m. exploration of John B. Gordon’s Brigade and its advance against Union forces at Barlow Knoll. At 2 p.m., Licensed Battlefield Guide Bill Thomas presents “The Defiant Fist: Stone’s Brigade on July 1, 1863,” tracing the brigade’s fierce fighting on the McPherson Farm. At 6 p.m., historian Dr. Rachael Nicholas examines the evolving landscape and legacy of Soldiers’ National Cemetery during “This Hallowed Ground.”

The day concludes with a Campfire Program “Voices of July 1” at 8:30 p.m. at the Park Amphitheater in Pitzer Woods along West Confederate Avenue. Through letters, diaries, and personal recollections, this campfire program brings the experiences of Gettysburg soldiers to life beneath the evening sky.

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 and history.