250th Anniversary Celebration of the Dobbin House

The Historic Dobbin House welcomes all to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Reverend Alexander Dobbin’s August 26, 1776, consecration of his home. This special semiquincentennial event commemorates the historic blessing exactly 250 years later at the Historic Dobbin House.

Wednesday, August 26, 2026, beginning at 10:00 am
Historic Dobbin House
89 Steinwehr Avenue, Gettysburg, PA

10:00 am Ceremony
A recreation of Reverend Dobbin’s 1776 blessing of his historic home; colonial-era music by troubadour John Durant; special guest speakers; self-guided tours of the historic house; and free celebratory birthday cake.

6:00 pm–8:00 pm Dinner and Lecture Program
An evening dinner lecture featuring historian Tim Smith presenting James Gettys & The Founding of Gettysburg. Tickets are available through Gettysburg History.
https://gettysburghistory.org/upcoming-programs-events

7:30 pm–9:30 pm Live Irish and Scottish Celtic Music
Traditional Irish and Scottish folk music performed live by Across the Pond in the outdoor tent.

The day’s events commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Dobbin House and the founding of the United States while honoring the legacy of Reverend Alexander Dobbin and one of Gettysburg’s most historic landmarks.

About the Dobbin House Tavern

Opened as an authentic colonial tavern in 1978, the Dobbin House Tavern is one of Gettysburg’s most treasured landmarks. Built in 1776, it is the town’s oldest building and celebrates its 250th birthday alongside the United States in 2026. Carefully restored to reflect its original appearance, the historic stone home features period furnishings, seven fireplaces, hand-carved woodwork, and authentic 18th-century décor that brings early American history to life.

Today, the Dobbin House includes the Springhouse Tavern for casual dining, the Alexander Dobbin Dining Rooms for fine dining, the Abigail Adams Ballroom for banquets, the Gettystown Inn with lodging in three historic buildings, the Country Curiosity Store, and guided four-century history tours. The Dobbin House remains one of Gettysburg’s most distinctive historic destinations, combining colonial hospitality, dining, lodging, and living history in an authentic 1776 setting.