Community News
Gettysburg National Military Park and the Gettysburg Foundation are pleased to announce and co-host at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center the annual Sacred Trust Talks & Book Signings event Saturday through Monday, July 1, 2 and 3, 2023. A special musical evening Friday, June 30, 2023, will kick off the 160th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg and Sacred Trust programming.
Details below
The NPS will make four historic houses available essentially as an Airbnb rental and is looking for private business or people to manage the sites.
from WITF, central PA’s Public Radio Station
by Tim Lambert
Rose Farmhouse
The view from the Rose Farmhouse on the Gettysburg battlefield provides a glimpse into the past, a moment when the nation’s future could have tipped away from the “united” states.
The names given to the surrounding ground — The Wheatfield, The Peach Orchard, Devil’s Den — are part of American legend and lore. In just three hours on the afternoon of July 2, 1863, as many as 20,000 soldiers scratched and clawed for every inch of the surrounding fields, woods, and ridges.
“There were accounts of soldiers who were kind of the last ones to go in at the Wheatfield. By the time they got there, there had already been maybe six or seven charges and countercharges,” said Gettysburg National Military Park spokesman Jason Martz. “At that point, they were no longer walking on soil. They were walking on bodies in order to get from point A to point B in the Wheatfield.”
The battlefield is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Pennsylvania. But, visitors may soon have the chance to experience the historic grounds at the Rose farm and three other historic structures in a whole new way. Under a new program, the National Park Service is attempting to launch at Gettysburg, they’ll be able to spend the night or nights smack dab in the middle of the three-day fight between U.S. and Confederate troops. The NPS will make Rose and three other houses available essentially as an Airbnb rental. The agency is looking for private business or people to manage the sites.
One of the largest is the Bushman Farmhouse, which also sits within sight of pivotal clashes that occurred on July 2, 1863 — Little Round Tip, Devil’s Den, and the Wheatfield. “From what would be the front door area on the west side of the house, you have a direct view over (to) Seminary Ridge,” Martz said.
Bushman was part of an initial rental effort launched before the COVID-19 pandemic. Martz says its short-run was a success.
“The comments that those who were able to stay here really reflected it was, to them, an opportunity to get close to the battlefield ….(by) being able to stay here,” Martz said. “But in addition to giving that very unique opportunity to the public, it also helps benefit the park and the longevity of these historic structures because we have the opportunity to have additional eyes and ears on these structures.”
Martz under the old approach, the Park Service handled everything — from booking to collecting fees to maintaining the building. It wasn’t the ideal set-up.
“We were trying to do all of that ourselves with just one building,” he said. “We realized pretty quickly that that was unsustainable. We couldn’t be everywhere at once.”
Across the park system, at least 211 historic lease projects exist from coast to coast.
The Gateway National Recreation Area operates one of them. It spans from Sandy Hook, New Jersey, to Breezy Point in New York City — and includes beaches, green spaces and cultural landscapes. Spokeswoman Daphne Yun says it was one of the first urban national recreation areas.
“The idea being New Yorkers didn’t have to go all the way across the country to visit a park. There’s gonna be a park in their backyard,” Yun said. “We are located in three of the five boroughs of New York City, Staten Island, Brooklyn, and Queens, as well as Sandy Hook, New Jersey. It’s about 26,000 acres.”
Yun says Sandy Hook has the most buildings in the leasing program — 35 historic structures. It’s different from Gettysburg’s because it’s more of a mixed use — ranging from a restaurant to a convenience store to AirBnB-type vacation rentals.
“Sandy Hook was a military base and mainly used in World War II, and at that point,was basically its own village. It had housing, grocery stores…everything that a military base would have,” she said. “Having all of this different type of use is not out of historic context.”
Back at the battlefield, Martz unsuccessfully tried to unlock one of the doors at the Bushman house. So, he walked to the front of the building and bounded up the steps onto the porch. The key worked, and he stepped inside.
“Everything is an attempt to maintain the look and feel of the mid-19th century. None of the items are original. Everything is new to look old, but it’s to be lived in,” he said. “You shouldn’t be afraid to sit on something. It’s not like grandma’s big white couch in the formal parlor that you’re only allowed to look at and not actually sit in.“
So how will the new leasing program at Gettysburg work?
A person or businesses would be selected to run it — meaning the day to day management — while the National Park Service would still own the property and maintain it. Tax money will go to the borough, township and county. Martz notes a portion of the dollars generated will go toward maintenance of historic structures throughout the park and Eisenhower National Historic Site.
“Any house. Any barn. Any outbuildings…summer kitchens. It is very strict as to what that money can actually be used for,” he said. “So, it really is a situation where everyone can win, because we have an opportunity to maintain these structures in a way that we wouldn’t have under normal circumstances.”
Protections will be baked into the lease agreement — such as if a guest causes extensive damage to the house or any furnishings.
After a tour, Martz locked up and walked down the porch. He took a look at the landscape around him. He said he hopes the new leasing program will allow more people to understand this place in a whole new way.
“It’s a very somber, humbling experience,” he said. “So, brew your coffee in the morning. It’s a great place to watch (the sunrise).”
If a person or business is selected — at least one of the properties could be ready for an overnight stay sometime this summer.
WITF graphic
Here’s a brief rundown of the houses that will be part of the program:
Bushman Farmhouse: Within sight of Little Round Top. The division of Confederate Major General John Bell Hood occupied the property on July 2, 1863, with as many as 7,000 Confederate soldiers moving through the farm on their way to assault the Union position at Little Round Top, Devil’s Den, and the Wheatfield.
Jeremy Long / WITF
The Bushman House on the Gettysburg Battlefield
Slyder Farmhouse: Just south of Devil’s Den, the property was occupied by elements of the Second United States Sharpshooters on July 2, 1863, who transformed it into a formidable defensive position. These Union soldiers held their position until that afternoon when a deadly battle ensued with Alabamians and Texans of Evander Law’s and Jerome Robertson’s Confederate brigades and Union troops were driven back.
Jeremy Long / WITF
The Slyder House on the Gettysburg Battlefield
Rose Farmhouse: Along Emmitsburg Road, the Rose farm gained tragic notoriety as the “bloodiest farm” in American history when, over the course of three hours on the afternoon of July 2, 1863, as many as 20,000 men battled across the fields, woods, and ridges surrounding the house. As many as 6,000 men were killed, wounded, or captured, transforming the once peaceful property into a scene of “devastation, desolation, and death.”
Jeremy Long / WITF
Althoff Farmhouse: Just east of Devil’s Den, this farmhouse was constructed just after the battle. On July 2, 1863, the log home present at the time was occupied by Confederate troops who harassed Union soldiers until six members of the 6th Pennsylvania Reserves volunteered to take the house and drive out the Confederates. In 1897, these six men were awarded the Medal of Honor for their heroism.
AMERICAN BATTLEFIELD TRUST AND SEMINARY RIDGE MUSEUM ANNOUNCE LEE’S HEADQUARTERS OPEN HOUSE DATES
Visitors to Gettysburg can immerse themselves in the history of the 1863 battle by stepping through the door of this iconic home (Gettysburg, Pa.) — History enthusiasts with an affinity for exploration and thirst for knowledge can help satisfy their cravings this summer by adding an inside look at General Lee’s Gettysburg Headquarters to their itinerary.
The American Battlefield Trust and Seminary Ridge Museum will once again be opening the building to visitors every Friday from June 2 to August 25, between 10:00 a.m. – 3 p.m EST.
Standing on Seminary Ridge, this simple stone house was transformed into an icon of the Gettysburg Battlefield over the course of the first day’s battle and beyond. To expand upon the many faces and actions that the house witnessed throughout its history, on-site interpreters will be present during open house hours.
See complete release below….
NPS News Release Date: April 14, 2023
Contact: Jason Martz
GETTYSBURG, PA – Gettysburg National Military Park recently installed two bronze relief tactile tables, with a third to come, at key locations within the park. These new bronze relief tables depict three-dimensional landscape elevations of the battlefield. Visitors will now have access to better understand the landscape across which the battle was fought and how terrain influenced the movements of the two armies at Gettysburg in July of 1863.
These tables, which visitors are encouraged to touch and feel, feature braille and raised lettering, making them the first such additions to Gettysburg National Military Park. “We hope these new additions to the battlefield landscape will make a visit to Gettysburg more accessible and meaningful for our visitors. We are excited for visitors to interact with them, and for Park Rangers and Licensed Battlefield Guides to utilize them in their programming,” said Steve Sims, Gettysburg National Military Park Superintendent.
The creation of the bronze relief tactile tables is part of a larger project to update interpretive signage throughout the battlefield park, which has been ongoing since 2019. Visitors can find the tables installed at the plaza at the Virginia Memorial – Auto Tour Stop 5, the National Cemetery Parking Lot – Auto Tour Stop 16, and soon to be at the Eternal Light Peace Memorial – Auto Tour Stop 2.
April 4, 2023
From National Parks Traveler
In mid-April the National Park Service will begin a multi-year, multi-phase project to stabilize portions of Vicksburg National Cemetery in Vicksburg National Military Park to address grave disturbances and erosion caused by severe weather events in 2020 and 2021.
Back in January 2020 unprecedented rainfall caused extreme erosion, road loss, sinkholes and severe landslides at Vicksburg National Military Park and the National Cemetery. This weather event impacted historically significant landscapes, including burial sites in the national cemetery. Additional storm activity in 2021 contributed to further impacts.
The park will begin the stabilization project by temporarily relocating approximately 50-80 endangered burials through this summer and constructing a soldier pile and lagging wall early next year to prevent further erosion. Once stabilization is complete, the park will conduct a respectful reinterment process and complete other mitigation measures. The Park Service has committed approximately $4.7 million for the first two phases of this project.
“This project affirms our commitment to commemorate the fallen and protect one of the nation’s most sacred landscapes,” said Carrie Mardorf, acting superintendent, Vicksburg National Military Park. “Several of the impacted burials are unknown United States Colored Troops. Throughout this process, we are engaging with several communities, organizations and leaders to provide the soldiers their due honor and help give voice to undertold stories.”
All remains previously recovered, as well as those yet to be disinterred, will continue to be treated with the utmost dignity and respect. Burials must be disinterred to ensure they are protected and secured during the stabilization and construction process. A specialized facility was built within the park for the temporary care of recovered remains, burial objects and grave markers until the items can be respectfully reinterred.
Future mitigation measures for the project will include additional research about the role of United States Colored Troops (USCT) and local African American community contributions to the cemetery. This is an opportunity to bring co-stewardship into the forefront concerning our collective histories of USCTs at Vicksburg and across the region. This effort also restores awareness of Vicksburg’s national significance during the Civil War and Reconstruction era. Future mitigation measures will also include further exploration of the Native American and Spanish colonial eras and their significance within Vicksburg National Military Park.
The largest Union cemetery in the nation, Vicksburg National Cemetery sits on 40 acres overlooking the Yazoo River Diversion Canal. It was established in 1866 to serve as the final resting place for United States soldiers. After its inception, the War Department led an effort throughout the South to locate the graves of Union soldiers who died during the Civil War so they could be reinterred in the national cemetery. More than 17,000 troops — 13,000 of which are unknown soldiers — are buried in Vicksburg National Cemetery. These burials include the final resting place of more than 5,500 USCTs who served with distinction in the Civil War.
As of March 28, 2023, the new gravel parking lot and driveway have been installed and visitors are now welcome to drive to, and park, at the site.
On the morning of July 1, 1863, the 8th Illinois Cavalry established a vidette post at the home and blacksmith shop of Ephraim Wisler. From its position on Knoxlyn Ridge, the Wisler House was an ideal location from which to spy any Confederate advance toward Gettysburg down the Chambersburg Pike. At 7:30 am, Union cavalrymen detected the advance on Henry Heth's Confederate division, which had departed their Cashtown bivouac to conduct a reconnaissance in force toward Gettysburg. Lt. Marcellus E. Jones, who commanded the picket line of the 8th Illinois, borrowed the carbine of Sgt. Levi Shafer, rested the weapon on one of the Wisler's fence posts, and from the western yard of the home fired the first shot of the Battle of Gettysburg. The Ephraim Wisler home would become enshrined in Gettysburg lore as "The First Shot House"...the location from which the great Battle of Gettysburg was inaugurated.
CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR DETAILS OF THE COMPLETE RESTORATION OF THE WISLER HOUSE
Join us on 29 March,
National Vietnam War Veterans Day,
as Americans unite to thank and honor
Vietnam veterans and their families
for their service and sacrifice.
The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 was signed into law by 45th U.S. President Donald J. Trump, designating every March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
This special day joins six other military-centric annual observances codified in Title 4 of the United States Code §6, among them Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day.
29 March is a fitting choice for a day honoring Vietnam veterans. It was chosen to be observed in perpetuity as March 29, 1973 was the day United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam was disestablished and also the day the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam. In addition, on and around this same day Hanoi released the last of its acknowledged prisoners of war.
The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration honors all veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time from November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of location, and their families.
November 1, 1955 was selected to coincide with the official designation of Military Assistance Advisory Group-Vietnam (MAAG-V); May 15, 1975 marks the end of the battle precipitated by the seizure of the SS Mayaguez.
The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that today there are more than 7 million U.S. Vietnam veterans living in America and abroad, along with 10 million families of those who served during this timeframe.
We make no distinction between veterans who served in-country, in-theater, or who were stationed elsewhere during the Vietnam War period. All were called to serve and none could self-determine where they would serve.
Additional Background: U.S. involvement in Vietnam started slowly with an initial deployment of advisors in the early 1950s, grew incrementally through the early 1960s and expanded with the deployment of full combat units in July 1965. The last U.S. personnel were evacuated from Vietnam in April 1975.
This national commemoration was authorized by Congress, established under the Secretary of Defense, and launched by the President to thank and honor our Nation’s Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.
In 2007, the 110th Congress incorporated language in House of Representatives (H.R.) 4986 authorizing the secretary of defense to conduct a program commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.
H.R. 4986 was signed into law as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2008 by 43rd U.S. President George W. Bush on January 28, 2008.
44th U.S. President Barack Obama officially inaugurated this Commemoration at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. on Memorial Day, May 28, 2012.
Section 598 (Public Law 110-181) of the 2008 NDAA specifically addresses Commemoration activities.
Congress outlined a total of five objectives for The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, with the primary objective being to thank and honor Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the Nation, with distinct recognition of former prisoners of war and families of those still listed as missing in action.
The four remaining objectives highlight the service of our Armed Forces and support organizations during the war; pay tribute to wartime contributions at home by American citizens; highlight technology, science and medical advances made during the war; and recognize contributions by our Allies.
By Presidential Proclamation, The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration will continue through Veterans Day, November 11, 2025.
Demonstrations of cannon fire will be offered at Shiloh National Military Park this weekend/NPS file
Compiled From NPS New Releases
By National Parks Traveler - March 28th, 2023
The impact of 24-pound Howitzers that the Union Army deployed during the Battle of Shiloh will be discussed this coming weekend as Shiloh National Military Park marks the 161st anniversary of the battle.
“The Shiloh battle anniversary activities from April 1 through April 15 will be our first signature event for 2023, and we invite everyone to come out to the park and remember the epic battle and the Americans who fought here in 1862,” said Acting Park Superintendent Stacy Allen.
On Saturday, April 1, Shiloh will present McAllister’s Battery Day at the park. Battery D, of the 1st Illinois Light Artillery, was one of the most conspicuous Federal artillery units that participated in the Battle of Shiloh. Led by Captain Edward McAllister, the unit also had the singular distinction of being armed with 24-pounder Howitzers.
Historians will portray McAllister's battery and teach visitors about the unique 24-pounder Howitzers they used in the battle. The crew will display the drill, the movement, and the ammunition used on an original 24-pounder Howitzer from the Starkville Civil War Arsenal.
Park rangers will lead car caravan tours to McAllister’s Monument twice on Saturday. Participants will learn about actions of McAllister’s Battery during the battle of Shiloh. All kids who attend this program will receive a McAllister Civil War trading card.
Cannon firing demonstration will be provided by the Shiloh Cannon Crew firing a 6-pounder Field Piece on Saturday, April 1, and Sunday, April 2. Visitors will learn about the implements, projectiles, and tools cannoneers used during the Civil War. Everyone is invited to see and hear a cannon being fired on the battlefield 161 years after the battle. The presentations will be 20 minutes in length with the gun being fired twice during each demonstration.
10 a.m. – Organization of McAllister’s Battery (at Howitzer)
(Hear about the birth of the battery and its service through the battle of Fort Donelson)
10:30 a.m. – Introduction to the 24-pounder Howitzer (at Howitzer)
(Learn about the cannon and its projectiles and see cannoneers maneuver the gun)
11 a.m. – Firing the 6-pounder Field Piece (demo area)
(Experience a firing demonstration by the Shiloh Cannon Crew)
11:30 a.m. – Organization of McAllister’s Battery
(Hear about the birth of the battery and its service through the battle of Fort Donelson)
12 p.m. – Introduction to the 24-Pounder Howitzer
(Learn about the cannon and its projectiles and see cannoneers maneuver the gun)
12 p.m. – Car Caravan to McAllister’s Monument and talk “Action at Shiloh”
* Meet in front of the Visitor Center
12:30 p.m. – Firing the 6-pounder Field Piece
(Experience a firing demonstration by the Shiloh Cannon Crew)
1:30 p.m.– Organization of McAllister’s Battery
(Hear about the birth of the battery and its service through the battle of Fort Donelson)
2:00 p.m. – Introduction to the 24-pounder Howitzer
(Learn about the cannon and its projectiles and see cannoneers maneuver the gun)
2:30 pm – Firing the 6-pounder Field Piece
(Experience a firing demonstration by the Shiloh Cannon Crew)
3 p.m. – Organization of McAllister’s Battery
(Hear about the birth of the battery and its service through the battle of Fort Donelson)
3 p.m. – Car Caravan to McAllister’s Battery and talk “Action at Shiloh”
* Meet in front of the Visitor Center
3:30 pm – Introduction to the 24-pounder Howitzer
(Learn about the cannon and its projectiles and see cannoneers maneuver the gun)
4 p.m. - Firing the 6-pounder Field Piece
(Experience a firing demonstration by the Shiloh Cannon Crew)
11 a.m. – Firing the 6-pounder Field Piece
(Experience a firing demonstration by the Shiloh Cannon Crew)
1 p.m. - Firing the 6-pounder Field Piece
(Experience a firing demonstration by the Shiloh Cannon Crew)
2:30 p.m. – Firing the 6-pounder Field Piece
(Experience a firing demonstration by the Shiloh Cannon Crew)
Saturday, March 25, was Medal of Honor Day — marking the 160th anniversary of the first medals being awarded to Andrews’ Raiders, whose irregular operation exploits 200 miles behind Confederate lines were immortalized as The Great Locomotive Chase.
Since then, a total of 3,516 men – and one woman – have been awarded the nation’s highest honor for valor, their individual citations describing an act far beyond the call of duty. When viewed collectively, as on a map, they tell a much broader story about the exceptional Americans who, generation after generation, have answered the nation’s call to service.
The Congressional Medal of Honor Society's John Falkenbury and Medal of Honor recipient Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts (Ret.) were among the first to interact with the new display at the Medal of Honor Museum at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum.
Few Americans can visit Iwo Jima, the Chosin Reservoir or the mountains of Afghanistan, but the American Battlefield Trust and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society are committed to marrying history with the latest technology to allow anyone to get to know these patriots. We’ve teamed up through the Medal of Honor Valor Trail™ initiative to place a first-of-its-kind interactive exhibit at the Medal of Honor Museum at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, outside Charleston, S.C., allowing visitors to explore these places of valor around the globe – and the warriors who hallowed that ground with their exceptional actions.
Exciting in its own right, the new exhibit is also the precursor to a broader reimagining of the Society’s Medal of Honor Museum in the coming years, thanks to a major leadership gift from the Medal of Honor Leadership and Education Center announced last week. We are thrilled to be part of this dynamic and forward-thinking museum community and hope you will pay the exhibit a visit, should you find yourself in Charleston!
More than 20 Medal of Honor recipients came to Washington, D.C., to mark the anniversary with a special wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Trust leadership and staff were honored to join that august group as special guests, including at a welcome luncheon.
During an evening dinner ceremony, the Society presented six ordinary Americans with its 2023 Citizen Honors Awards, demonstrating that the values inherent in the Medal of Honor — courage, commitment, integrity, sacrifice, citizenship and patriotism — can be embodied by each of us. Congratulations to this year’s winners!
Medal of Honor Recipient and Congressional Medal of Honor Society President Leroy Petry commented, “Ordinary people do extraordinary things. There are inspiring acts of service, sacrifice and heroism happening every day all over our country. Service and sacrifice don’t require wearing a military uniform.”
News Release Date: March 16, 2023
Contact: Jason Martz
GETTYSBURG, PA – Eisenhower National Historic Site is pleased to announce that tours of the Eisenhower home will resume on Saturday, April 1, 2023, for the Spring and Summer season. Individuals, families, and groups with fewer than 20 people can now drive directly to the site.
April Tours of the Eisenhower Home
House tours will be offered Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Tour times will be at 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, and 2 pm.
May Tours of the Eisenhower Home
House tours will be offered Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Tour times will be at 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, and 2 pm.
Special Memorial Day tours will be available on Monday, May 29.
June 1 to August 13 Tours of the Eisenhower Home
House tours will be offered Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
Tour times will be at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, and 3:30 pm.
June 1 to August 13 - Free Ranger led programs
Free Ranger led programs will be offered Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
Tours of the grounds will begin at 9:30 am and last approximately 45 minutes. Tours begin near the gravel parking lot.
New for 2023: Individuals, families, and groups with fewer than 20 people are no longer required to make advanced reservations or take a shuttle bus to the site. Visitors may now drive directly to the farm. Access is via the Emmitsburg Road at 250 Eisenhower Farm Lane, Gettysburg, PA. General visitor parking and accessible parking is available. Once onsite, please follow directions to the appropriate parking area.
All tours of the Eisenhower home will be offered on a first come, first served basis to the first 40 visitors during each time slot.
Groups with 20 or more individuals should contact visitor services at 877-874-2478.
Note: Due to tight turns and cattle guards, no oversized vehicles (RVs, campers, trailers, coach buses, etc.) are permitted on site.
The grounds of Eisenhower National Historic Site are open daily throughout the year from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
Eisenhower National Historic Site preserves and interprets the home and farms of the Eisenhower family as a fitting and enduring memorial to the life, work, and times of General Dwight David Eisenhower, 34th president of the United States, and to the events of far-reaching importance that occurred on the property. Learn more at www.nps.gov/eise.
