Gettysburg 1863: What was Life Like for the Civilians of Gettysburg?

Step back into 1863 Gettysburg during a special historical presentation with renowned historian Timothy H. Smith on Saturday, June 6 at 3 p.m. in the Garden Room of the Shriver House Museum in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Located at 307 Baltimore Street, the program explores what daily life looked like in Gettysburg at the time of the Battle of Gettysburg and how local residents navigated one of the most defining moments in American history.

In 1863, Gettysburg served as the county seat of Adams County with a population of just over 2,000 residents. The town featured churches, hotels, banks, newspapers and thriving local businesses connected to the outside world through rail service and telegraph communication. Smith’s presentation examines the community beyond the battlefield, focusing on the routines, industries and civilian experiences that shaped Gettysburg before and during the battle.

This engaging Gettysburg history program is free for Gettysburg History members and $10 for general admission.