“Shall Not Perish” – Dedication Weekend Recreation of the Gettysburg Address

The Lincoln Fellowship of Pennsylvania, in coordination with the National Park Service, presents Shall Not Perish: Lincoln at Gettysburg on November 18 and 19, 2026, as part of Gettysburg’s America250PA celebration. Events take place across downtown Gettysburg, the David Wills House, Seminary Ridge, and Gettysburg National Cemetery, recreating President Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 visit and the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery.

On Wednesday, November 18, President Lincoln arrives at the Gettysburg Lincoln Train Station before walking through Lincoln Square to the David Wills House. The evening features an open house, the “Conceived in Liberty” welcome ceremony, educational presentations exploring the Gettysburg Address, cascading taps, and living history programs.

Thursday begins before sunrise as Lincoln, William Seward, and John Hay travel to Seminary Ridge. At 10 a.m., town bells signal the start of a public procession from Lincoln Square to the Soldiers’ National Cemetery. The dedication ceremony recreates the original music, prayers, Edward Everett’s oration, and President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address on the historic grounds where they were first delivered.

Visitors can meet National Park Service rangers, Lincoln scholars, and living history interpreters while following in the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln and other historic figures. The event is free, but tickets are required.