Gettysburg History

06/04/2026

SATURDAY — Don't miss historian Tim Smith's program highlighting the lives of Gettysburg's civilians.

In 1863, Gettysburg was the county seat of Adams County with a population of just over 2,000 people. There were eight churches, six major hotels, two banks, and three weekly newspapers. There were stores, tanneries, and brickyards as well as a declining carriage industry.

Learn how the people of Gettysburg lived and join us this Saturday, June 6th starting at 3 p.m.

Reserve your tickets: https://113910.blackbaudhosting.com/113910/Gettysburg-1863-What-was-Life-Like-for-the-Civilians-of-Gettysburg

06/03/2026

We are ONE MONTH away from The Gettysburg Book film premiere!

Don't miss your chance to see the documentary that explores the untold story of Michael Shaara’s creation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, "The Killer Angels."

Filmmakers Jake Boritt and Gordon Beittenmiller, with the support of Gettysburg History, will premiere "The Gettysburg Book: A Father, Son & The Killer Angels," on July 3rd at 7:30 p.m. at the Majestic Theater in Gettysburg. The documentary will dive into the writing of Shaara’s book while also revealing the profound personal toll its creation took on the author’s family.

Reserve your tickets before they're gone: https://gettysburgmajestic.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=435

06/03/2026

We're looking to grow our team of volunteer docents at Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum!

We are looking for volunteer docents at our museum! If you enjoy history, meeting new people, and want to give back, we'd love to have you join our team.

Docents enhance the visitor experience by sharing their knowledge, answering visitors' questions, assisting with hands-on activities, and supporting museum staff.

If you're interested, fill out the volunteer form: https://www.achs-pa.org/volunteer/

06/02/2026

On a 2012 episode of the television show Finding Your Roots, acclaimed actress and playwright Anna Deavere Smith discovered her remarkable family connection to Gettysburg. Her great-great grandfather, Basil Biggs, was one of the town's leading citizens at the time of the Civil War.

In addition to being a respected farmer and veterinarian, Basil was an operative on the Underground Railroad, and later oversaw the massive operation to exhume and transport thousands of Union remains into the new Soldiers' National Cemetery.

Now, in 2026, Anna Deavere Smith has written a new play called "Basil Biggs," which explores his remarkable life through both real and fictional characters.

Over the past two years, Gettysburg History has assisted Anna in researching these stories, and we are delighted that she will be coming to Gettysburg on July 2nd to present selected scenes from the new play, which will premiere in Philadelphia at ArtPhilly's "What Now" Festival (June 26–28).

Check the comments for more information about showtimes in Philadelphia, and our special presentation here in Gettysburg on the evening of July 2nd at Gettysburg College's Kline Theatre, co-hosted with Civil War Institute at Gettysburg College.

06/01/2026

We've got an exciting month of programs ahead! We hope you'll join us this June for lively discussions and special events:

- Saturday, June 6th at 3 p.m.: Gettysburg 1863: What was Life Life for the Civilians of Gettysburg? With Tim Smith
- Saturday, June 20th at 10 a.m.: The Declaration of Independence Story You Haven't Heard with Tom McMillan
- Sunday, June 21st: Dads get in free to Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum and Shriver House Museum at Gettysburg for Father's Day!
- Saturday, June 27th at 1 p.m.: The Road to Emmitsburg with Tim Smith
- Sunday, June 28th at 10 a.m.: Tour Ms. Hettie's Kitchen Garden with tour guide and gardener Gayle Underwood at the Shriver House Museum at Gettysburg

Reserve your tickets and get full event details: https://gettysburghistory.org/upcoming-programs-events/

05/31/2026

SATURDAY — Join historian Tim Smith on June 6th as he explores the lives of Gettysburg's civilians from the time of the battle.

In 1863, Gettysburg was home to just over 2,000 people, eight churches, six major hotels, two banks, and three weekly newspapers. Picture gas lamps lining the streets, and a rail connection with a telegraph line.

Tickets are FREE for Gettysburg History members and $10 for general admission.

Reserve yours today: https://113910.blackbaudhosting.com/113910/Gettysburg-1863-What-was-Life-Like-for-the-Civilians-of-Gettysburg

05/30/2026

TODAY — Don't miss these two exciting programs highlighting the American Revolution!

Join historian Ralph Siegel at 11 a.m. as he explores the 10 Days Campaign and the Battle of Princeton, then return at 2 p.m. for historian Ken Gavin's discussion on the factors that led to the winter encampment at Valley Forge.

Tickets are FREE for Gettysburg History members and $10 for general admission. Reserve yours below.

- Battle of Princeton: https://113910.blackbaudhosting.com/113910/10-Days-Campaign-Battle-of-Princeton
- Valley Forge: https://113910.blackbaudhosting.com/113910/There-is-But-One-Option-for-the-Winter---Valley-Forge

05/29/2026

SATURDAY — Join us for two revolutionary programs on May 30th!

At 11 a.m., historian Ralph Siegel will discuss the 10 Days Campaign and Battle of Princeton, followed by historian Ken Gavin's talk on the Valley Forge winter encampment at 2 p.m. Both events will take place at 625 Biglerville Road.

Tickets are FREE for Gettysburg History members and $10 for general admission. Reserve yours today!

- Battle of Princeton: https://113910.blackbaudhosting.com/113910/10-Days-Campaign-Battle-of-Princeton
- Valley Forge: https://113910.blackbaudhosting.com/113910/There-is-But-One-Option-for-the-Winter---Valley-Forge

(Photo by Gettysburg Images)

05/29/2026

We can't wait to open Hopkins House Museum Gettysburg, so we're inviting you to get a sneak preview! Join us July 2nd to tour the 1840s log cabin and see the restoration work in progress.

This event is FREE to attend, but we do need you to reserve a time slot due to limited space. Tours are available every 15 minutes for up to 15 people at a time.

Reserve your tour: https://113910.blackbaudhosting.com/113910/Sneak-Preview-of-the-Jack-and-Julia-Hopkins-House-02Jul2026-5

05/28/2026

SATURDAY — Don't miss your chance to witness two revolutionary programs at the Battlefield Overlook Event Center!

Historian Ralph Siegel will discuss the Battle of Princeton, followed by historian Ken Gavin's talk on the Valley Forge winter encampment.

Tickets are FREE for Gettysburg History members and $10 for general admission. Reserve yours today!

-Battle of Princeton: https://113910.blackbaudhosting.com/113910/10-Days-Campaign-Battle-of-Princeton
-Valley Forge: https://113910.blackbaudhosting.com/113910/There-is-But-One-Option-for-the-Winter---Valley-Forge