November Events in Gettysburg Commemorate History & the Holidays

gettysburg-foundation-danceIf you are looking for some historical holiday fun, head to Gettysburg for the following upcoming November events, co-sponsored by the Gettysburg Foundation and Gettysburg National Military Park (unless otherwise noted):

Find Your Story: Explore Your Family History at Gettysburg National Military Park

November 11 & 12, 2 p.m.

Did you ever wonder if you had an ancestor who fought in the Civil War or World War II? Join a National Park Service Ranger for a free 45-minute introduction to genealogy, with a particular focus on uncovering your family’s military history. Discover the knowledge and skills needed to track down your ancestors and get access to the free tools and databases provided by Ancestry.com in the newly redesigned McKenna Foundation Resource Room at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center. This free program, open to the public and holding a special focus on military history in recognition of Veterans Day, takes place in the Ford Education Center at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center. 

Community Appreciation Day (Veterans Day)

November 11

The Gettysburg Foundation and Gettysburg National Military Park invite Adams County residents to a Community Appreciation Day on Friday, November 11. On four designated Community Appreciation Days a year, including Veterans Day, Adams County residents enjoy free admission to the Cyclorama, Film and Museum Experience at Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center and at the David Wills House. Since this fourth appreciation day of the year falls on Veterans Day, military veterans will be admitted free of charge (active duty military receive free admission year-round). In conjunction with Community Appreciation Day, the Rupp House History Center will be open with special hours (admission is free/tickets are not required). For more information, visit the Gettysburg Foundation website.
 

gettysburg-foundation-willsEvening at the David Wills House

November 18, 6–8 p.m.

Visit the place where President Abraham Lincoln, orator Edward Everett and numerous other dignitaries spent the evening on November 18, 1863, when the Wills family hosted 38 guests at their home the night before the Soldiers’ National Cemetery dedication ceremony. Tour David Wills’ office, where he oversaw the creation and dedication of Soldiers’ National Cemetery, and the room where Lincoln finished his now immortal Gettysburg Address the night before delivering “a few appropriate remarks.” The David Wills House is located at 8 Lincoln Square. This non-ticketed special event is free and open to the public.

Evening at the Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad Station

November 18, 6–8 p.m.

Visit the historic 1858 structure that served as a hospital during the Battle of Gettysburg. The wounded and the dead were transported from Gettysburg through the station to other cities across the east after the battle. Abraham Lincoln arrived at the station when he visited in November 1863 to deliver the Gettysburg Address. Living historians in period dress will be at the train station to tell the story of President Lincoln’s arrival. The Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad Station is located at 35 Carlisle St. in Gettysburg.
 

gettysburg-foundation-wreathDedication Day Ceremony

November 19, 10–11:30 a.m.

This Dedication Day Ceremony will observe the anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. The event takes place in the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, located in Gettysburg between Baltimore Pike and Taneytown Road, and is sponsored by Gettysburg National Military Park, the Gettysburg Foundation, the Lincoln Fellowship of Pennsylvania and Gettysburg College. This non-ticketed event is free and open to the public.
 gettysburg-foundation-illumination

14th Annual Remembrance Illumination

November 19, 5:30–9 p.m.

The Gettysburg Foundation presents the 14th Annual Remembrance Illumination at the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, located between Baltimore Pike and Taneytown Road in Gettysburg. This solemn commemoration features a luminary candle on each of the 3,512 Civil War soldiers’ graves. Names of the fallen soldiers will be read throughout the evening. Enter the Cemetery through the gate at Taneytown Road or the gate at Baltimore Street. This non-ticketed event is free and open to the public. 

A community parade of Civil War living history groups will also be held in conjunction with the Gettysburg Address anniversary. The parade begins at 1 p.m. at LeFever Street.

The public can support the Gettysburg Foundation with a heartfelt donation to the Remembrance Illumination to sponsor a candle in honor or memory of a loved one. The cost is $18.63; sponsorships will be accepted until November 9. More information can be found at the Friends of Gettysburg website.
 

Christmas in the 1860s

November 25, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

The Victorian Dance Ensemble, the performing troupe of the Civil War Dance Foundation (CWDF), will offer exhibits and dance demonstrations in the Group Lobby at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, located at 1195 Baltimore Pike. Visitors will see the Ensemble perform some of the most common dances of the era as they re-create an authentic 1860s Christmas Ball and will have a chance to join in. Civilian artifacts such as jewelry and photographs will be on display. In the spirit of holiday giving, the CWDF will also have “Soldiers Boxes” on hand for donations to our military. This non-ticketed event is free and open to the public.

1860s Holidays at the David Wills House

November 25, 5–8 p.m.

Enjoy the Christmas tree lighting in the center of downtown Gettysburg with a side of history at the David Wills House, located at 8 Lincoln Square, right across from the tree. Gettysburg Foundation is sponsoring a crafts table for children where they can create and take home their very own Victorian Christmas ornament. Local cider will be provided for the entire family; the David Wills House will be open at a reduced $2 admission fee for adults (free for children under 18). An NPS Ranger will be available to talk about the historic significance of the house and how holidays were celebrated in the nineteenth century. Living historians will be onsite greeting your family in period dress.

For more information about any of these special programs, visit The Gettysburg Foundation website.

  • Photos: Gettysburg Foundation