Gettysburg National Military Park’s 2026 Living History

Gettysburg National Military Park’s 2026 Living History Program brings the stories of the Battle of Gettysburg to life through a season of immersive encampments, demonstrations, and interpretive programs across the battlefield. From artillery demonstrations and soldier encampments to firsthand accounts of daily military life, these weekend programs offer visitors a chance to experience history in the places where it unfolded during the Civil War.

Programs take place throughout Gettysburg National Military Park at key battlefield locations including the Pennsylvania Memorial, Pitzer Woods, and Spangler’s Spring. Living historians representing Union and Confederate units share the experiences of the soldiers who fought at Gettysburg, demonstrating camp life, military equipment, battlefield tactics, and the challenges faced by armies during the summer of 1863. Each weekend features different units and presentations, creating opportunities for both first-time visitors and returning history enthusiasts to explore new aspects of the battle and its lasting legacy.

All Living History programs are free to attend, pets are permitted, and reservations are not required.

Featured 2026 Living History Weekends include:

May 23–24 – 4th U.S. Artillery at the Pennsylvania Memorial

May 30–31 – 119th New York Infantry and 8th New Jersey Infantry at the Pennsylvania Memorial; 12th Georgia, Company G at Pitzer Woods

June 13–14 – 1st North Carolina Artillery at Pitzer Woods; Irish Brigade at the Pennsylvania Memorial

June 20–21 – 20th Maine and Vincent’s Brigade Infantry; 1st Rhode Island Light Artillery, Battery B at the Pennsylvania Memorial

June 27–28 – Confederate Military Forces at Pitzer Woods; 1st Pennsylvania Battery D & F at the Pennsylvania Memorial

July 11–12 – 21st Georgia Infantry at Pitzer Woods; 4th Virginia Infantry at Spangler’s Spring

July 25–26 – 2nd Battalion, Army of Northern Virginia at Pitzer Woods; Mifflin Guard Infantry at the Pennsylvania Memorial

August 8–9 – North Carolina Troops at Pitzer Woods; 2nd U.S. Artillery, Battery M at the Pennsylvania Memorial

August 22–23 – 71st Pennsylvania Infantry at the Pennsylvania Memorial; 67th New York, Company K at Spangler’s Spring

August 29–30 – 87th Pennsylvania Infantry at the Pennsylvania Memorial; 6th New Hampshire Infantry at Spangler’s Spring

September 12–13 – 4th Maryland Artillery at Pitzer Woods; Steuart’s Brigade at Spangler’s Spring

September 19–20 – Squabbler’s Mess (non-firing) at Spangler’s Spring

October 3–4 – New York Infantry at Gettysburg at the Pennsylvania Memorial; 2nd U.S. Sharpshooters at Pitzer Woods; Grand Army of the Republic Veterans Reunion at Spangler’s Spring

October 10–11 – Potomac Home Brigade at Spangler’s Spring; 2nd U.S. Cavalry at Pitzer Woods

October 17–18 – Squabbler’s Mess (non-firing) at Spangler’s Spring

Located throughout Gettysburg National Military Park, these Living History weekends offer one of the most engaging ways to explore the battlefield while connecting with the people, stories, and experiences that shaped one of the most significant events of the Civil War.

PLEASE NOTE – LIVING HISTORY DOES NOT HAPPEN EVERY WEEKEND. CHECK SCHEDULE FOR EXCLUSIONS.