160th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg Family Programs

The three-day Battle of Gettysburg marked a turning point not only in the course of the American Civil War, but also for the future of the United States of America. Join National Park Service Rangers during the 160th Anniversary for a series of programs that reflect on this important chapter in our nation’s history.

Family Programs

Taking place daily at different locations on July 1,2,3.  While all programs are family-friendly, these have been specifically developed for families with children ages 4 to 13 in mind. Programs last forty-five minutes and involve modest walking over paved / mowed surfaces.   Not all programs are held at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, but some are. See website for details.

PLEASE NOTE:  Weather modifications

• In the event of thunderstorm or tornado warnings, or a heat index in excess of 105 degrees, all outdoor programs will be canceled.
• In the event of a heat index in excess of 91 degrees, outdoor programs will be shortened and modified.

Schedule is subject to change.

Saturday, July 1

10:00 a.m. – In the Footsteps of the Wounded, July 1, 1863
Follow in the footsteps of some of the wounded after the first day of the battle of Gettysburg as they receive first aid treatment at the Edward McPherson barn.
Meet at Auto Tour Stop 1, McPherson Ridge. Park on Reynolds Avenue.

1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Hands-On History Experience
Stop by the Group Lobby of the Gettysburg NMP Visitor Center anytime between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. for an interactive hands-on experience focusing on Civil War cavalry and signal flag technology.
Group Lobby, Gettysburg NMP Museum and Visitor Center.

Sunday, July 2

10:00 a.m. – In the Footsteps of Company K – July 2, 1863
Follow in the footsteps of Company K, 30th Pennsylvania Infantry as they return home after two years of war to help clear the now historic Wheatfield of Confederates on July 2, 1863.
Meet at Auto Tour Stop 9, The Wheatfield. Park on Sickles Avenue.

1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Hands-On History Experience
Stop by the Group Lobby of the Gettysburg NMP Visitor Center anytime between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. for an interactive hands-on experience focusing on the uniforms and equipment of Civil War infantrymen and discover some of the games they played in camp.
Group Lobby, Gettysburg NMP Museum and Visitor Center.

Monday, July 3

10:00 a.m.  – In the Footsteps of President Lincoln
Follow in the footsteps of President Abraham Lincoln as he visits the battlefield in November of 1863 to help dedicate the Soldiers’ National Cemetery with his Gettysburg Address.
Meet at National Cemetery Parking Lot, Auto Tour Stop 16.

1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Hands-On History Experience
What was the artillery and what were the steps in loading a Civil War cannon? How were the people of Gettysburg impacted by the campaign and battle? Stop by the Group Lobby of the Gettysburg NMP Visitor Center anytime between 1 and 4 p.m. for an interactive hands-on experience focusing on Civil War artillery and on the stories of Gettysburg’s civilians caught between the fire.
Group Lobby, Gettysburg NMP Museum and Visitor Center

Don’t miss any of the action:

160^th Anniversary Presentations with National Park Service Rangers & Historians

• Ranger Walks
• Spangler Farm Encampment
• Living History Camps & Demos
• Key Moments Tours
• Anniversary Hikes