Lincoln Cemetery at Gettysburg

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Lincoln Cemetery at Gettysburg

This page is managed by the Lincoln Cemetery Project Association.

Information on individuals buried in the cemetery can be found here: https://lincoln-cemetery.achs.sites.gettysburg.edu/s/lincolncemetery/item

08/02/2026

Reflection on Frederick Douglass’s Return to Gettysburg – August 1, 2026

Tonight, Saturday, August 1, 2026, Frederick Douglass “returned to Gettysburg.” Through the extraordinary talent of Nathan M. Richardson, Douglass was brought to life in a way that was nothing short of mesmerizing. Nathan’s mastery of Douglass’s voice, presence, and oratory — paired with his deep historical knowledge — made this evening unforgettable.

As I watched him speak, I could not help but think of those who now rest in Lincoln Cemetery. Many of them may well have stood just a short distance from here in 1869 when Frederick Douglass addressed the people of Gettysburg. I believe they would have been proud to witness his words echo once again through our community tonight.

To our audience — thank you. Your thoughtful questions, your engagement, and your presence made this program truly special. You were a wonderful audience, and your support means more than you know.

A job well done to Mr. Richardson, and heartfelt thanks to everyone who came out this evening to share in this powerful moment of remembrance and celebration.

After the program, Mr. Richardson and I went to dinner at the Sign of the Buck. As we talked about the evening, he offered a compliment that touched me deeply. He said he could feel the presence of our ancestors — those who walked this ground, those who rest in Lincoln Cemetery, and those whose courage still shapes Gettysburg’s story today.

To hear that from someone who embodies Frederick Douglass with such depth and reverence made the moment even more meaningful. It was a reminder that history is not only remembered — it is felt.

07/29/2026

Special Program at Lincoln Cemetery

Frederick Douglass Returns to Gettysburg
The Lincoln Cemetery Project Association is proud to host a special program in honor of our country’s 250th anniversary. This meaningful celebration will take place at historic Lincoln Cemetery, continuing our tradition of remembrance, education, and community pride.
Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026 Time: 6:30 PM Location: Lincoln Cemetery — Corner of Lincoln Lane & Long Lane
Parking: Rec Park and PNC Bank Seating: Seating will be available. You are welcome to bring your own chairs. Note: Please sit in an appropriate and respectful area within the cemetery grounds.
Join us for an evening of reflection, history, and celebration as we honor this milestone in our nation’s story.

Nathan M. Richardson is a published author, performance poet and Frederick Douglass Historian. He is the author of four collections of poetry and teaches a variety of workshops for emerging writers and spoken word artists. Nathan is now in the 10th year of The Frederick Douglass Speaking Tour - a living history performance that captures completely the physical, spiritual and intellectual essence of the former slave, writer, orator and abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Nathan is a Chautauqua Scholar with living history performances at The White House Visitors Center, American Studies Programs at Christopher Newport University, Founding Forward at Valley Forge, PA and other universities across the country. The Frederick Douglass Speaking Tour is a feature on American Cruise Lines (Small Ship Historic Cruises). Mr. Richardson has film credits with the National Park Service and Alabama Public Television. You can learn more about Nathan Richardson and his work at www.scpublishing.com

07/22/2026

Taps is played each Sunday at 6:00 PM, from May through September, at Lincoln Cemetery.

This weekly tribute is part of the 100 Nights of Taps and ensures that the United States Colored Troops and all military veterans laid to rest here are never forgotten.

It is a sacred observance — a moment set apart so that the bravery, service, and sacrifice of these men continue to be honored.

Without the courage of our veterans everywhere, we would not enjoy the freedoms we have today.

07/19/2026

TAP's Lincoln Cemetery today Sunday July 19th 6:00 P.M.

07/12/2026

TAP'S at Lincoln Cemetery 6:00 PM Sunday July 12th.

07/11/2026

Lincoln Cemetery’s Commitment to the “250th” Remains Strong

As part of Lincoln Cemetery’s recognition of the nation’s “250th,” six commemorative flags were placed along the Lincoln Lane fence line. Unfortunately, two flags went missing on Saturday, July 4th, and today, during lock‑up, another was found removed. Todays disappearances occurred sometime between 12:30 PM and 7:00 PM.

Each flag had been securely fastened with zip ties, yet only three remain. While this is disappointing, it does not diminish the spirit or purpose behind our display. Lincoln Cemetery continues to proudly honor the “250th,” and our commitment to preserving and uplifting this sacred historic site remains unwavering.

07/05/2026

"TAP'S at Lincoln Cemetery Sunday July 5th. Time: 6:00 P.M.

06/27/2026

Special Evening Program – Commemorating America’s 250th Anniversary
Please mark your calendars for a very special evening at Lincoln Cemetery. August 1, 2026 Time: 6:30PM - 7:30 PM. As part of the nationwide commemoration of our country’s 250th anniversary, we are honored to host a program that celebrates history, legacy, and the enduring strength of our community.

This will be an outdoor evening gathering. Seating will be available, and you are welcome to bring your own chairs if you prefer.

We invite you to come out and hear one of the most celebrated voices in historical interpretation, sharing stories that connect our past to our present in powerful and inspiring ways.

More details will follow soon — but for now, save the date and plan to join us for an unforgettable evening at Lincoln Cemetery.

About the Speaker:
Nathan M. Richardson is a published author, performance poet, and Frederick Douglass historian. He is in his 14th year of The Frederick Douglass Speaking Tour, a nationally acclaimed living‑history performance with more than 500 appearances across the country. A Chautauqua Scholar, Richardson supports American Studies programs at Christopher Newport University, Founding Forward at Valley Forge, and the Rochester Institute of Technology. His work includes film credits with the National Park Service, Alabama Public Television, and C‑SPAN. Learn more at www.scpublishing.com.

06/26/2026

TAP'S at Lincoln Cemetery June 28th at 6:00 P.M.

Then join the National Cemetery at 7:00 P.M. for TAP'S.

06/21/2026

Gettysburg marked a truly wonderful Juneteenth weekend, beginning on Friday, June 19th, with a powerful program at Lincoln Cemetery.

Prof. Scott Hancock delivered an insightful message on the meaning of Juneteenth, grounding the audience in the long arc of freedom and the work still carried forward today. Jean then read from her book, My Ancestors’ Journey, sharing the moment her own ancestors were told they were free — a personal and emotional reminder of why this day matters.

One of the most moving parts of the program came when attendees were invited to lift the orange flags marking the unknown graves. It was a solemn act of recognition, restoring dignity to those whose names were lost but whose lives still speak.

This was also the perfect moment to display the newly installed National Register of Historic Places sign — a milestone that honors the cemetery’s rightful place in American history.

The ceremony closed with Al Trapani playing TAPS, a fitting tribute that echoed across the sacred ground.

The celebration continued at Rec Park, where the film “Glory” was shown — a reminder of the courage and sacrifice of the United States Colored Troops, whose story is intertwined with Gettysburg’s own.

Illuminations were set up earlier that day and you could see the amazing effect as you left the movie.

I want to thank Destination Gettysburg for all of the hard work that was put into this and the whole weekends event. Moellen Ramos Yetsko you rock!!

Address

2170 Biglerville Road/Physical Location: Corner Lincoln Lane & Long Lane
Gettysburg, PA
17325

Website

http://www.lincolncemeterygettysburg.org/

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