250 Years of Industry & Innovation

250 Years of Industry & Innovation takes place on April 17, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Beyond the Battlefield Museum in Gettysburg. Hosted by the Adams Economic Alliance, this special event explores the lesser-known story of how industry, entrepreneurship, and innovation shape Adams County over the past two and a half centuries.

Beyond the battlefield and the significant historical moments most often associated with the region lies another essential chapter in Adams County’s history. This program highlights how local resources, skilled labor, and strategic geography foster industries that build lasting economic strength and help sustain the nation. Participants journey across the county’s industrial past, discovering how brickmaking in New Oxford supplies materials for homes, factories, and civic buildings, and how cigar manufacturing in McSherrystown once employs thousands and establishes the area as a center of craftsmanship and production.

The presentation also examines the story of the South Mountain fruit belt, where fertile land, entrepreneurial farmers, and advancements in food processing position Adams County as a national leader in apple production. That agricultural heritage continues to influence the community today, drawing visitors to orchards, farm markets, festivals, and agritourism destinations. Supporting industries such as paper and packaging operations appear as part of this broader economic ecosystem, along with the transportation networks of railways and roadways that connect Adams County to regional and national markets.

Looking to the future, the Adams Economic Alliance shares how its current work builds upon this legacy of innovation. By supporting businesses, strengthening partnerships, and investing in workforce and infrastructure development, the Alliance promotes economic resilience throughout the county. This event celebrates Adams County’s enduring spirit of industry and innovation while highlighting its continued role in shaping both the local community and the nation.