Special Events

Exhibits, Tours & Events / Special Events

Exhibits.
Encounters.
Illuminations.

Students stare in wonder at the Gettysburg Cyclorama

Start your Gettysburg journey at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center—your gateway to history.

Discover special exhibits, tours, programs and events that bring history to life—on the battlefield, in the museum and beyond.

Include our special events on your itinerary and enhance your experience for an even more memorable visit to Gettysburg.


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Learn even more as you continue your journey through Gettysburg's history.

You are invited to subscribe to our YouTube channel and view videos of select programming and events hosted by the National Park Service at Gettysburg and the Gettysburg Foundation.

Your gateway to history when you explore Gettysburg

Begin your Gettysburg visit with the Film, Cyclorama & Museum Experience. Tour the battlefield  with a Licensed Battlefield Guide. Purchase tickets to explore Gettysburg's historic sites and experiences—all through the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center. 

Exhibits & Tours

Eisenhower Home Tours

Eisenhower National Historic Site
250 Eisenhower Farm Lane, Gettysburg

Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays | April 3-May 24, 2026
Memorial Day | Monday, May 25, 2026
10 a.m., 11 a.m., Noon, 1 p.m. & 2 p.m.
Free and open to the public

A visit to Gettysburg would not be complete without a visit to the home and farm of our 34th President Dwight D. and First Lady Mamie Eisenhower. Enjoy a free tour of the home and grounds when you include Eisenhower National Historic Site on your Gettysburg itinerary.

  • Home tours are first come, first served. Due to limited space, 40 visitors is the maximum capacity per tour.
  • Visitors are advised to be on site at least 15 minutes prior to the time of the home tour they prefer.
  • Visitors should check in at the on-site visitor contact station and reserve a spot before their home tour.

General visitor parking and accessible parking available. Grounds open sunrise to sunset. Groups of 10 or more should reserve tour times outside of regularly scheduled home tours.

Learn More About This Historic Site

Spring Ranger Hike Series

Gettysburg National Military Park
Saturdays & Sundays, April 18-May 17, 2026
2-3:30 p.m. | Free and open to the public

Discover the powerful stories that echo across Gettysburg’s fields and ridgelines in this special spring hike series led by National Park Service rangers. Each 90-minute walk explores a unique aspect of the Battle of Gettysburg, highlighting the people, decisions and landscapes that shaped our nation’s history.

Whether a first-time visitor or a seasoned student of the Civil War, you’ll gain fresh insights and new perspectives with every hike. Topics vary weekly.

In the event of thunderstorm or tornado warnings, programs will be canceled. In the event of a heat index in excess of 91 degrees, programs will be shortened and modified. In the event of a heat index in excess of 105 degrees, all programs will be canceled. Program cancellations or modifications will be posted on nps.gov/gett and on the Gettysburg National Military Park Facebook page

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Civil War Medicine Symposium

Co-sponsored and presented by the Blue & Gray Hospital Association and the Gettysburg Foundation
Museum & Visitor Center | Ford Education Center
Saturday, May 2, 2026
8:15 a.m.-4:15 p.m. | Check in 7:45 a.m.
In-person and Virtual Options Available

Join us for topics on Civil War medicine and its importance in the overall study of the American Civil War. Learn about the fight that took place behind the lines—the struggle to save lives. Hear expert-led presentations exploring the realities of care, recovery and medical innovation during and after the American Civil War. Read more about the symposium.

The Blue & Gray Hospital Association members, make your online reservations here to receive your member discount.

Reservations required by April 22 for both in-person and virtual attendance options. Members of the Blue & Gray Hospital Association and the Friends of Gettysburg receive a special member discount, which is applied upon checkout online.

Non-members & Friends of Gettysburg Register Here

Family Day at Spangler

George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital
488 Blacksmith Shop Road, Gettysburg
Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 
Free and open to the public

Kick off the season and make history with our signature Family Day experience. Join us at one of the best preserved Civil War field hospitals for a free day of history, hands-on activities and family-friendly adventure. Enjoy a free scoop of ice cream from Gettysburg's own Cone Sweet Cone.

Guests can drive directly to the property for this event where limited on-site parking will be available.

An Accidental Success

How a Vernal Pool Appeared at the George Spangler Farm

George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital
488 Blacksmith Shop Road, Gettysburg
Friday, May 15, 2026 | 6-8 p.m. 
Ticket reservations required

More than 50 years ago, farmers working the farm inadvertently created a rare and valuable wetland. Though unintentional, this vernal pool now supports a diverse array of wildlife uniquely adapted to its seasonally changing conditions.

The evening begins with an indoor presentation with the Civil War Institute's rising historian, Maddie Ulman, introducing vernal pools and the species that depend on them. Participants will then walk—approximately a quarter mile—to the wetland site and experience the springtime activity that makes the ecosystem remarkable, led by Betsy Leppo, Senior Invertebrate Zoologist with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.

Ticket holders may drive to the property for this program where on-site parking will be available. The wetland will not be entered, but conditions may be wet or muddy. Appropriate footwear and weather-appropriate attire are recommended. Program is dependent on favorable weather conditions.

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Flag Placing Volunteer Opportunity

Gettysburg National Cemetery
Saturday, May 23, 2026
8 a.m. Registration | 8:30 a.m. Flag Placement

Gettysburg National Military Park is calling for volunteers, requesting your assistance for the placement of American flags on the graves of servicemembers interred in Gettysburg National Cemetery. Scouts, youth groups and families are invited and encouraged to join the National Park Service for this long-standing tradition to honor those who gave their lives in service to our nation.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. Flag placement begins at 8:30 a.m. The National Park Service looks forward to having your assistance again this year.

All voluteers are required to register ahead of the event and complete a volunteer service agreement form. Youth under the age of 18 will need parental/legal guardian consent to volunteer.

Register by Email

Double Decker Battlefield Bus Tour

Departs the Museum & Visitor Center
Saturday, May 23, 2026 | 4 p.m.
Sunday, May 24,  2026 | 4 p.m.
Saturdays, June 13, 20 & 27, 2026 | 4 p.m.
Saturdays, July 4, 18 & 25, 2026 | 4 p.m.
Saturdays, Aug. 1 & 8, 2026 | 4 p.m.

Sensational views and spectacular scenery await you on your battlefield tour aboard a double decker bus. With a 360-degree view of the Gettysburg battlefield, you will gain a new perspective of the battle as your expert Licensed Battlefield Guide provides the narrative for this insightful and visually stunning tour.

Double Decker tours can be included in your Battlefield Value Package that includes the Film, Cyclorama & Museum Experience.

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Volunteer Work Day

Gettysburg Natonal Millitary Park &
Eisenhower National Historic Site
Registration begins at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center
Saturday, June 6, 2026 | 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Free | Reservation Required

Join us for our annual event where volunteers complete important work across both parks by helping to maintain and restore the historic landscape. Volunteers will be asked to participate in events such as fence repair/building, removing invasive species, painting fences and historic structures, cleaning historic structures, painting headstones in the cemetery and other activities. Once registered, volunteers will be contacted by staff to be placed into one of the day's activities.

This event will take place outdoors and volunteers are encouraged to dress appropriately in long sleeves, long pants and closed toed shoes. Sunscreen and bug spray are recommended. All tools and equipment will be provided, but a water bottle is recommended.

Reserve Your Space Today

Highway of Heroes

A collaboration among national and state historic parks, the Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor and Pennsylvania destination marketing organizations, this effort coincides with the Commonwealth’s commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Through March 26, 2027
Free | Sign up and mobile check-in at each location required

Follow Pennsylvania’s historic Lincoln Highway (U.S. Route 30) from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh on the Highway of Heroes trail, featuring six sites that honor the nation’s legacy of courage, sacrifice, and freedom—including Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site

Visit all six sites to receive the 2026 Highway of Heroes commemorative coin set with display case, shipped directly to your mailing address. A coins set is on display at the Friends Desk in the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center for visitors to view only.

Sign up and check in at each site using your mobile phone.

Sign Up Today