Gettysburg Winter Lecture Series -- Weekends in January & February

Winter Lecture Series 2025

Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m.
January 4 through February 23, 2025
Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center

Featuring some of the best Rangers, historians, and authors from across the country, this popular eight-week Winter Lecture Series will once again return to the Gettysburg National Military Park (NMP) Museum and Visitor Center in 2025!

The Winter Lecture Series (detail in link below) is held at 1:30 p.m. on weekends in the Gettysburg NMP Museum and Visitor Center from January 4 through February 23, 2025. Seating is available on a first come – first serve basis. Free tickets are available day of at the Gettysburg NMP Museum and Visitor Center. Schedule is subject to change.

Thanks to the Gettysburg Foundation, all presentations will be recorded and made available on the Gettysburg Foundation YouTube channel at Gettysburg Foundation - YouTube. 
No live stream will be available.

CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR THE COMPLETE SCHEDULE

Battle of the Bulge 80th Anniversary Commemoration at Gettysburg National Cemetery

American soldiers march down a snow-covered road during the Battle of the Bulge.

Photo courtesy of The National WWII Museum New Orleans.

Commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge with Special National Cemetery Program on December 14th

Gettysburg PA—Eighty years ago this December, General Dwight D. Eisenhower and Allied forces faced one of their greatest challenges of World War II when the Battle of the Bulge erupted in the Ardennes Forest. More than 30 Americans who died in the Battle of the Bulge are buried in Gettysburg National Cemetery. On Saturday, December 14, join a park ranger in Gettysburg National Cemetery at 3 pm for a special ranger-guided walking tour to commemorate the 80th anniversary of this battle.

In December 1944, a massive German assault left a gaping hole in Allied lines, leading to thousands of troops cut off from reinforcement, as well as thousands more killed, wounded, captured, or missing. The Battle of the Bulge was the largest and costliest battle of World War II for American forces. Nearly one out of every ten American casualties in the war occurred in this month-long battle.

This free guided walking tour will explore the stories of these Americans who, in General Eisenhower’s words, “endured greatly in their country’s cause” 80 years ago. This hour-long program will meet at the Taneytown Road entrance to the national cemetery. Visitors are encouraged to dress for the elements and check the Eisenhower NHS website (www.nps.gov/eise) and Facebook page for updates in the event of inclement weather. In the event this program is postponed, there is a rain date of Monday, December 16, also at 3 pm.

Gettysburg NMP Museum & Visitor Center to Begin Winter Hours

November 21, 2024
by Gettysburg Connection News Team

The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center will begin winter hours on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. The Museum & Visitor Center is open daily from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. December through February.

Timed tickets are issued for all Film, Cyclorama & Museum Experience showtimes. During the winter months, showtimes begin every 30 minutes from 9:15 a.m., with the final experience of the day beginning at 3:15 p.m.

The Museum & Visitor Center closes annually on the following holidays: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, Christmas Eve at 1 p.m. and New Year’s Day. Hours are subject to change.

Winter hours at the Museum & Visitor Center are in effect through Feb. 28, 2025.

Also, beginning Dec. 1, the Museum & Visitor Center will close Parking Lot 3 for the winter season. Parking Lot 3 is scheduled to remain closed through March 2025.

Parking Lot 1 and the Bus Parking Lot are available to visitors during the winter months.

Visit GettysburgFoundation.org or call 877-874-2478 to check operating hours and weather, emergency or early closures for the Museum & Visitor Center.

Visit nps.gov/gett or call 717-334-1124 to check operating hours and weather or emergency closures at Gettysburg National Military Park.

Visit nps.gov/eise or call 717-338-9114 to check operating hours and weather or emergency closures at the Eisenhower National Historic Site.

Visit GettysburgFoundation.org or call 877-874-2478 for information and tickets for the experiences at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center, the exhibits, tours, historic sites and events offered by the Gettysburg Foundation. Friends of Gettysburg memberships and donations to the Gettysburg Foundation can also be obtained and transacted online at GettysburgFoundation.org or at the Friends Desk inside the Museum & Visitor Center.

Source: Gettysburg Foundation

Preservation Alert - Downtown Gettysburg

Dear Friends,

 A proposed multistory development near the Gettysburg historic train station has raised concerns because of its potential impact on the town’s historic character and iconic viewsheds.   

Our Foundation purchased the train station at the National Park Service’s request; it’s the historic site where President Lincoln arrived to deliver the Gettysburg Address. 



The developer has submitted a request to theGettysburg Borough Council to construct a 72-foot-tall building (about six stories) adjacent to the train station. If approved, this structure would impact the town’s skyline and alter visitors’ experience of this historically significant area. We are particularly concerned about how the project might impact viewsheds from landmarks such as Cemetery Hill, Culp’s Hill, and sites associated with the Battle of Gettysburg’s first day. 

While the Foundation has not yet taken an official position, we encourage you to review the proposal and share your thoughts.

Also, for those interested, “Save Historic Gettysburg” has started a petition to preserve the town’s historic integrity. You can find that petition here.

As always, we value our Friends perspective as we continue to advocate for the preservation of Gettysburg’s historic landscape. Please feel free to share this alert with others who may be interested. Also, let us know if you have any comments or questions – which can be directed to Friends Membership Program Manager, Bethany Yingling. We will keep you updated as the situation progresses. 

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to Gettysburg’s legacy. 

The Gettysburg Foundation 

NPS Invites Public Comment On Fort Pulaski Development Plan

Fort Pulaski National Monument / NPS

From National Parks Traveler
October 11, 2024

Fort Pulaski National Monument, built on Cockspur Island between Savannah and Tybee Island, Georgia, is in a low-lying coastal area prone to flooding during storms and as sea level rises. The National Park Service invites the public to comment on proposed developments meant to mitigate future damage.

Fort Pulaski was the site of the Union Army's cannon test-firing facility during the Civil War. It also served for a time as a prisoner-of-war camp. 

The NPS invites the public to review and comment on the proposed development concept plan for Fort Pulaski National Monument. The purpose of the development concept plan is to provide comprehensive guidance for addressing the national monument's facility and infrastructure deficiencies in the wake of recent storms and continued sea level rise. In addition, the inherent obsolescence of facilities has outlived their life cycle and do not meet current laws and regulations, or the evolving needs of the park. The development concept plan would help the National Park Service provide a safe and quality visitor experience and ensure that adequate and resilient facilities are developed to protect park resources and support monument operations and park-partner access requirements on Cockspur Island.  

The following concepts are proposed to help address issues identified during this planning process:
 

• Relocate the entrance booth closer to the visitor center and provide a queueing lane for entry. 

• Construct a new building near the US Coast Guard station to house park maintenance, cultural and natural resources, and law enforcement staff and equipment. 

• Add a third tier of parking and a large vehicle turnaround at the visitor center parking area. 

• Modify fort parking entrance road to use the original alignment and use a one-way loop. 

• Ensure that Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) standards are met by improving the picnic area and restrooms. 

• Relocate the Volunteers-In-Parks (VIP) campsites to the field across from the maintenance yard.

The NPS has prepared and is making available for public review an environmental assessment to evaluate the effects of proposed actions in the development concept plan, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). The development concept plan/environmental assessment is available for a 30-day public review and comment period and can be accessed on the project website at: 

https://parkplanning.nps.gov/fortpulaskidcp.

Comments must be submitted by November 9, 2024.

Written comments may also be mailed to: Park Superintendent, Attention: DCP/EA, Fort Pulaski National Monument, 41 Cockspur Island Road, Savannah, GA 31410.

Zoom Civil War Speaker Series by Bucks County CWRT Library and Museum

Bucks County CWRT Library and Museum presnts a series of Civil War Lectures.

For the Zoom link for each lecture, email: civilwarmuseumdoylestown@gmail.com

Gettysburg NMP and Eisenhower NHS Names New Deputy Superintendent

Zachary Bolitho has been named the new Deputy Superintendent at Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site. Photo courtesy, National Park Service, Gettysburg National Military Park.

NPS News Release Date: October , 2024

Contact: Jason Martz

GETTYSBURG, PA – Superintendent Kristina Heister announced today that Zachary Bolitho has been selected as the Deputy Superintendent for Gettysburg National Military Park (NMP) and Eisenhower National Historic Site (NHS). Bolitho has worked at Gettysburg NMP and Eisenhower NHS as Division Lead of Resource Stewardship and Planning since 2011. He started his new assignment on September 22, 2024.

“For the last 13 years Zach has served as the Division Lead of Resource Stewardship and Planning providing leadership in the preservation and protection of our museum collections, cultural and natural resources, and lands. He's been involved in every large-scale project these parks have engaged in and brings a wealth of commitment and institutional knowledge. We know him and we love him”, said Heister.“

It’s an incredible honor to continue serving as Deputy Superintendent within a community that my family and I have grown to love. These two parks embody the resilience, courage, and dedication that have shaped our country. My experiences as the Division Lead for Resource Stewardship and Planning have taught me that our shared heritage is still relevant today and that these two parks hold unique and special meaning to all visitors whether in person or from afar. I look forward to contributing to the preservation and interpretation of these powerful legacies, ensuring that their stories continue to inspire future generations. It’s the “unfinished work” that inspires me to contribute in new ways, growing alongside the park and the people who make it special", said Bolitho.

Bolitho has worked for the National Park Service (NPS) for 24 years, serving in resource stewardship offices at several NPS units across the country. He has also served in Acting Superintendent details at multiple parks as well as in leadership positions with the NPS Eastern Incident Management Team. His civil service began as a Rural Training Instructor with the United States Peace Corps in the Solomon Islands, South Pacific. Bolitho started his career with the NPS as a Student Conservation Association intern at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve in Idaho, worked as a field biologist for the NPS Northeast Region’s Invasive Plant Management Team, Natural Resources Specialist at Gettysburg NMP and Eisenhower NHS, and Chief of Resources Management at Lewis and Clark National Historical Park in Oregon. He holds a B.S. in Conservation of Natural Resources and a M.S. in Environmental Biology.

In his spare time, he can often be found cycling or running with his dog, Gracie Mae, throughout the park. His two teenage daughters, Ada and Violet, are accomplished equestrians and his wife, Carolyn Davis, is a Regional Program Coordinator for the National Park Service's National Natural Landmarks Program.

www.nps.gov

Free Grand Army of the Republic Civil War Museum Program on Oct 6

THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC (G.A.R.) CIVIL WAR

MUSEUM & ARCHIVE

 Presents a Free Zoom Program

Sunday, October 6, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.

 “Soldiers of Faith – The Chaplains of the Civil War”By Walt Lafty

  In the American Civil War, the overwhelming numbers of soldiers (both Union and Confederate), looked to religion and faith as a great sustainer of morale. Providing the spiritual needs were the clergy of almost every Christian denomination, rabbi’s and preachers of the Jewish faith, and even non-traditional ministers of the gospel.

Many of those preachers of God and their various denominational leadership, struggled with the issue of slavery in the years leading up to the war. Interpretations of scripture divided many. Yet, a few thousand of those “Soldiers of Faith” volunteered to serve as Hospital, Regimental, and Post Chaplains.

Many suffered and died, both of disease and killed in combat. Some even took up arms when situations arose, and some earned high accolades in official reports as well as a few who earned the Medal of Honor. The focus will be on highlighting some of the instrumental Chaplains who served from many religious organizations.

  Walt Lafty is a historian with a focus on the American Civil War (1861-1865), but also World War 2, as well as the history of Ireland. He has been active in various Civil War groups for many years. Those include the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Museum where he serves as the research administrator and volunteer. He is also active in the Delaware Valley CWRT where he is a board member as well as a member of the preservation committee. Walt is also an active member of Baker-Fisher Camp 101 Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War in Hatboro and currently serves as the camp secretary. In addition, he is a member of the Old Baldy CWRT and the General Meade Society.

  To reserve a virtual seat for this outstanding presentation, reply by e-mail to garmuslib1866@gmail.com

  You will be sent a link with a password that will enable you to access the program within 24 hours of the start of the presentation. 

  Deadline for signing-up is Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Noon.

  As a lover of history, you know how critical it is to keep history alive, especially today.  We very much appreciate your continued support for the GAR Civil War Museum & Archive

 GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC MUSEUM & ARCHIVE
8110 Frankford Ave. (Holmesburg - N.E. Philadelphia), 19136
 www.garmuslib.org

New Walking Trail at Daniel Lady Farm in Gettysburg

Explore the historic Daniel Lady Farm in Gettysburg with a new, free public walking trail

Harrison Jones
Hanover Evening Sun

A new walking trail is giving the public a fresh, and free, look at a historic Gettysburg site.

The trail, which opens on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, provides free access for visitors to explore the historic Daniel Lady Farm, located at 1008 Hanover Road in Straban Township, according to a release from the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association that owns the farm.

Public hours will be dawn to dusk, and parking is available in a grass lot to the left of the main entrance.

Featuring 14 self-guided stops, the quarter-of-a-mile trail provides numerous markers with additional information on the history of the farm, from its founding to its involvement as a field hospital during the Battle of Gettysburg.

Free brochures will be available outside the front office for those participating in self-guided tours on the trail, and will feature additional information about each marker as well as a map of the trail.

The trail can be expected to be completed in around 30 minutes, according to the release.

The association credited farm facilities manager Chris jones and museum curator Lauren Wilmoth with the creation of the tour, who it said worked to compile facts and sift through information to produce a compelling history of the farm.

"The story of the Lady family's involvement in the Battle of Gettysburg is a harrowing tale of survival, acceptance, and perseverance," said Wilmoth in the release.

In 1863, the farm was used as the headquarters of Major General Edward Johnston, as well as a staging area for the confederate attack on Culp's Hill. During the Battle of Gettysburg, the site served as a field hospital for the countless wounded from the battle.

The farm has been owned and operated by the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association since 1999, which has sought to restore and preserve the historic property.

Camp William Penn and Historic La Mott Day on September 21.

Annual Camp William Penn and Historic La Mott Day on September 21.

This is a great opportunity to learn about the United States Colored Troops who trained at Camp William Penn during the Civil War.

Also, learn about our historic community which has been Integrated since its mid-1800’s beginning and how the community came to be called La Mott in honor of Lucretia Mott.