In Camp & Field 1861-1865: The Civil War through the Lenses of the Stereopticon

Co-hosted by Gettysburg National Military Park and the Gettysburg Foundation

Join Tyrone Cornbower, your operator and narrator, along with organist Sue Cornbower, as they bring to life a unique form of entertainment from the past—the Magic Lantern.

With the George Spangler Farm as the historic backdrop, step back in time for a historical audio-visual experience reminiscent of magic lantern shows of the 1800s. View images from original magic lantern slides projected through the lenses of an 1890s stereopticon accompanied with narration and music played on an 1880s portable parlor organ.

The “magic lantern” shows utilizing the stereopticon, combine projection of images mounted on glass slides with accompanying narration and music. This form of entertainment was one of the most popular during the late 1800s and early 1900s.

The presentation is free and open for the public to enjoy. Located at 488 Blacksmith Shop Road, Gettysburg, Pa., the historic site will open its gate at 6:30 p.m. for guests to explore the 80-acre site with meticulously restored and rehabilitated original buildings from the Battle of Gettysburg. For the show, guests may drive to the property where on-site parking will be available.