Exhibits.
Encounters.
Illuminations.
Start your Gettysburg journey at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center—your gateway to history.
As America commemorates its 250th anniversary this year and Gettysburg commemorates the 163rd anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, discover special exhibits, tours, programs and events that bring the nation’s story to life—on the battlefield, in the museum and beyond.
You are invited to include our special events on your itinerary to experience Gettysburg in new and memorable ways throughout the anniversary of the battle and America250 commemorations.
View More Experiences & Buy Tickets
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.
A Field of Remembrance
Sponsorships accepted now through Veterans Day
Carry Them Forward. Preserve the Ground.
Join us in remembrance now through Veterans Day and beyond.
Each flag sponsored is an act of remembrance, in memory of the more than 51,000 Americans killed, wounded, captured or missing during the Battle of Gettysburg, creating a field shaped entirely by the public choice to carry them forward and preserve the ground, one flag at a time.
Your gift supports the Gettysburg Foundation’s preservation and education work with the National Park Service, helping preserve the places where Americans continue to confront sacrifice, citizenship and what democracy still requires. This work can be seen in preservation of the David Wills House and stewardship of the Eternal Light Peace Memorial.
The Field opens at the Eternal Light Peace Memorial Nov. 12 - Nov. 23, 2026. Mark your calendar. Join us on the Field of Remembrance. Learn more.
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An Evening with the Painting
Museum & Visitor Center
Ford Education Center | Cyclorama Platform
Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026 | 5-7 p.m.
Saturdays, Sept. 5 & 26, 2026 | 5-7 p.m.
Explore the story behind the Gettysburg Cyclorama—from its origins as a powerful visual medium to the creation, symbolism and preservation of this renowned artwork. This immersive, after-hours program offers a behind-the-scenes, close-up look at one of the nation’s most significant works of 19th-century art, highlighting the careful conservation efforts that restored the Cyclorama to its original impact. Participants will enjoy exclusive platform access, an under-diorama perspective and an engaging, interactive discussion. Read more about this extraordinary program.
Friends of Gettysburg members receive special member rate.
From the Battlefield to the Cyclorama: A Photographic Journey
Museum & Visitor Center | Gettysburg Battlefield
Ford Education Center | Double Decker Bus | Cyclorama Platform
Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 | 3-6:15 p.m.
Step into the origins of the iconic Gettysburg Cyclorama in this new, immersive program. Begin with William Tipton’s 1882 photographs—created to guide the artists—then travel into the field by double decker bus to stand at the exact vantage point where they were taken.
From a recreated elevated perspective, photograph the landscape yourself and experience the view that shaped the painting. The program concludes on the Cyclorama platform, where you’ll compare your images to the finished work and see how the battlefield was interpreted into one of Gettysburg’s most powerful visual narratives.
Led by Licensed Battlefield Guide and Cyclorama expert Chris Brenneman.
Bring a camera. Space is limited. Call to make your reservation today. Online reservations to be available soon.
Friends of Gettysburg members receive special member rate.
Summer Ranger Programs
Gettysburg National Military Park
Through Aug. 9, 2026
Free & open to the public
Enjoy National Park Service Ranger-led hikes, walks, talks and family activities that explore key moments on the Gettysburg battlefield and at the museum.
Explore the Battlefield - Better understand the battle and its aftermath.
- Gettysburg History Hike (90 min.)
- Devil's Den Hike (45 min.)
- National Cemetery Tour (45 min.)
- The First Day of Battle (45 min.)
- The Third Day and Beyond (45 min.)
- Culp's Hill Hike (60 min.)
- Little Round Top Hike (60 min.)
- Battle Walk (2-3 hrs.)
- Campfire with a Ranger (60 mins.)
Museum Programs - Explore all there is to do at the Museum & Visitor Center.
- Civil War Soldier (30 mins.)
- Care of the Wounded (40 mins.)
- Cannoneers to Your Post (20 mins.)
Family Programs - Enjoy programs specifically developed for families and children.
- Hands-on History Cart (Times and days vary. Inquire at the Museum & Visitor Center Information Desk.)
- Join the Army (40 mins.)
- Junior Ranger Program (Self directed. Get a booklet and materials at the Museum & Visitor Center Information Desk.)
Visit the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center Information Desk or Gettysburg National Military Park online for details and updates. Schedule subject to change without notice. Prepare for a variety of field conditions and wear clothing to match the forecast. Park in designated locations only. In the event of inclement weather, visit nps.gov/gett or follow Gettysburg National Military Park on Facebook for modification or cancellation information.
Ranger Guided Walking Tours
Eisenhower National Historic Site
250 Eisenhower Farm Lane, Gettysburg
Tuesdays & Wednesdays, Through Sept. 2, 2026
10-11 a.m. & 1-2 p.m.
Free & open to the public
Join a park ranger for a free guided walking tour of the historic Eisenhower farm landscape. Explore the fascinating history and stories of the Eisenhower property. Discover how the Eisenhowers connected with this peaceful landscape.
Meet a ranger in front of the Eisenhower home. These tours do not include a tour of the Eisenhower home. Genera visitor parking and accessible parking are available. For driving directions, visit Eisenhower National Historic Site online.
Civil War Ceramic Paint & Take
Presented by Cindy Gates & Designed by Gary Casteel
Children of Gettysburg 1863®
451 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg
Wednesdays, Aug. 5, 12 & 19, 2026
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Included with your museum adventure ticket
Create your own Gettysburg souvenir! Choose one of four different Civil War themed ceramic items to paint in your own unique way. Take your creation home as a keepsake from your visit in historic Gettysburg.
Each design was sculpted by Gary Casteel, famous local artist who has sculpted numerous Civil War monuments around the country.
Tickets are required to experience the children's history museum adventure. Ticket holders can participate in painting a Civil War themed souvenir while supplies last.
Eisenhower Summer Home Tours
Eisenhower National Historic Site
250 Eisenhower Farm Lane, Gettysburg
Thursdays - Mondays, Through Oct. 26, 2026
10 a.m.-3 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. Space may be limited depending on crowd sizes on the day of your visit.
- 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.
Living History Weekends
George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital
Timed Shuttles Depart the Museum & Visitor Center
Friday & Saturday, Aug. 7-8, 2026
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
On select weekends this summer, step back in time and experience history brought to life at the best-preserved field hospital from the Battle of Gettysburg.
Explore authentic military camps, watch engaging demonstrations and interact with knowledgeable historians portraying both soldiers and civilians. Enjoy the immersive experience great for families, history enthusiasts and curious minds of all ages.
Timed shuttle/admission ticket required. Shuttles depart the nearby Museum & Visitor Center every 20 minutes from 10 a.m. through 1:40 p.m., with return shuttles on schedule. The final return shuttle departs the historic site at 3:20 p.m.
WWII Tours
Gettysburg National Cemetery
Saturdays, Through Sept. 5, 2026 | 1-2 p.m.
Free & open to the public
More than 500 WWII veterans are buried in Gettysburg National Cemetery, including combat casualties from Pearl Harbor, D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge.
Join an Eisenhower National Historic Site Park Ranger and explore some veterans' stories you may not have heard before.
This free 45-60 minute ranger program will meet at the Taneytown Road entrance to Gettysburg National Cemetery.
Double Decker Battlefield Bus Tour
Departs the Museum & Visitor Center
Saturdays, Aug. 8, Sept. 19 & 26, 2026 | 4-6 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.
Hike with Ike: Camp Colt
Presented by Eisenhower National Historic Site
Gettysburg National Military Park
Sundays, Through Sept. 6, 2026
1-2 p.m. | Free & open to the public
In 1918, Captain Dwight Eisenhower commanded a tank training camp on the historic Gettysburg battlefield.
Explore the grounds of Camp Colt with a National Park Service Ranger. Discover this important story in Eisenhower's life and career.
These one-hour long programs meet at the High Water Mark Monument on Cemetery Ridge, Auto Tour Stop 15.
Rock Talk & Walk
Presented by Britt Isenberg
George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital
488 Blacksmith Shop Road, Gettysburg
Friday, Aug. 14, 2026 | 6-8 p.m.
Ticket reservations required
Discover how the ancient landscape of Gettysburg helped shape one of the Civil War’s defining battles. This engaging program begins with an introduction to the area's fascinating geological history before taking participants on a short, hands-on walk at the historic George Spangler Farm. Explore more than 500 million years of geological change and learn how the terrain influenced the events of July 1863, revealing the powerful connection between the land beneath our feet and the Battle of Gettysburg.
Ticket holders may drive to the property for this program where on-site parking will be available. Program is dependent on favorable weather conditions. This program will include less than a half mile of walking on flat, mixed surfaces including grass, dirt, and most importantly, ROCK.
Coffee with a Historian
Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad StationTM
35 Carlisle Street, Gettysburg
Saturdays, Aug. 15 & Sept. 19, 2026
9-10 a.m. | Covered Pavilion
Start your morning with conversation and connection at one of Gettysburg's most historic buildings.
Have a question you’ve never had the chance to ask? This is your moment. Skip the crowds and sit down for an informal, small-group discussion with a local historian, where your curiosity guides the conversation. Join us at the historic station for a relaxed, hour-long chat.
Schedule
- Aug. 15: Mike Rupert
- Sept. 19: Ted Hirt
The one-hour history discussions takes place under the covered pavilion. Coffee will be provided. Seating is limited and ticket reservations are required.
Guided Tours
George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital
Fridays & Saturdays
Aug. 21-22, Sept. 25-26 & Oct. 23-24, 2026
10 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
Timed Shuttles Depart the Museum & Visitor Center
Step back in time and explore the history of the George Spangler Farm. During your guided tour of the historic site, hear stories of the individuals connected to the farm.
Timed shuttle/admission ticket required. Shuttles depart the nearby Museum & Visitor Center at 9:40 a.m. and 1:10 p.m. on tour dates.
Patriotic Lawn Concert
Free Open-air Concert
Children of Gettysburg 1863®
451 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg
Friday, Aug. 21, 2026
10:30-11:30 a.m. | Side Yard
Free and open to the public
Join us for patriotic music presented by the Flute Flock of Gettysburg on the lawn at the historic Rupp HouseTM.
Bring your lawn chairs and gather in the side yard of the children's history museum to enjoy the open-air concert.
Concert is dependent on favorable weather conditions. The interactive children's history museum is open before, during and after the concert. Tickets are required for the museum adventure.
Summer Living History
Children of Gettysburg 1863®
451 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg
Select Summer Weekends Through Sept. 12, 2026
Living History | Times Vary | Free & open to the public
Museum Adventure | Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Step into the past as you interact with living historians and explore their camps and stations on the lawn of the children's history museum.
Aug. 22-23
Saturday | 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday | 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Civil War Historical Impressions
Aug. 29-30 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Society of Civil War Surgeons: 11th Corps Field Hospital
Sept. 5-6
Saturday | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday Evening Candlelight Talk | 8 p.m.
Sunday | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Officers for the Union & Ladies for the Union
Sept. 12 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Patriot Daughters of Lancaster
Living history presentations are free and open to the public. Schedules subject to change without notice. Dependent on favorable weather conditions. Tickets are required to experience the museum adventure.
Pajama Storytime Around the Campfire
An Adams County Library Event Co-sponsored by the Gettysburg Foundation
Children of Gettysburg 1863®
451 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg
Tuesdays, Aug. 25 & Sept. 22, 2026
6:30-7 p.m. | Side Yard | After-hours program
Storytime for all ages | Books geared for grades K-1
Free & open to the public
Join us for a relaxing storytime in your pajamas around the campfire. Stories will be read and campfire songs will be sung at these outdoor events. Your siblings and stuffed animals are welcome!
This outdoor, after-hours event is free and open to the public. Reservations or tickets are not required to attend the story time.
In the event of inclement weather, storytime will be canceled. The children's history museum is open prior to the events from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the final adventure of the day starting at 5 p.m. Tickets are required for the museum adventure.
World War II Weekend
The Fight for Liberty: The Revolution to the Great Crusade
Eisenhower National Historic Site
250 Eisenhower Farm Road, Gettysburg
Friday, Sept. 18 - Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026
Join the National Park Service for the 28th annual World War II Weekend. The 2026 event will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States by exploring the deep connections between the ideals of the American founding and those of the Second World War. The 2026 event will feature a living history encampment, guest presenters, ranger-guided walking tours, family activities and more.
Free and open to the public. Dependent on favorable weather conditions. Free on-site parking is available for passenger vehicles.
A WORLD WAR II WEEKEND EVENT
Churchill's Citadel
Chartwell and the Gatherings Before the Storm
Museum & Visitor Center
Friday, Sept. 18, 2026 | Doors open at 6 p.m.
6:30-7:30 p.m. | Kinsley Theater
Free tickets required
General Dwight Eisenhower believed that World War II was won through alliances. No partnership was greater than that between Prime Minister Winston Churchill and the United States.
Katherine Carter, the curator of Chartwell, Churchill’s home in Kent, England, joins us to discuss the man whom Eisenhower once described as “a champion of freedom.” She is the author of Churchill’s Citadel: Chartwell and the Gatherings Before the Storm. This conversational program will explore Churchill's leadership, personality and how he prepared both himself and Britain for war in the 1930s.
Katherine Carter will sign her works following the presentation. Her book will be available to purchase.
Free ticket reservations are required for the lecture in the theater.
Chartwell and the Gatherings Before the Storm
Museum & Visitor Center
Friday, Sept. 18, 2026 | Doors open at 6 p.m.
6:30-7:30 p.m. | Kinsley Theater
Free tickets required
General Dwight Eisenhower believed that World War II was won through alliances. No partnership was greater than that between Prime Minister Winston Churchill and the United States.
Katherine Carter, the curator of Chartwell, Churchill’s home in Kent, England, joins us to discuss the man whom Eisenhower once described as “a champion of freedom.” She is the author of Churchill’s Citadel: Chartwell and the Gatherings Before the Storm. This conversational program will explore Churchill's leadership, personality and how he prepared both himself and Britain for war in the 1930s.
Katherine Carter will sign her works following the presentation. Her book will be available to purchase.
Free ticket reservations are required for the lecture in the theater.
A Field of Remembrance
Flag Installation & Display
Gettysburg National Military Park | Eternal Light Peace Memorial
Thursday, Nov. 12 - Monday, Nov. 23, 2026
Free & Open to the Public
Experience A Field of Remembrance as thousands of American flags surround the Eternal Light Peace Memorial in a moving display of memory.
Created by Gettysburg Foundation, the display commemorates the more than 51,000 Americans who were killed, wounded, captured or missing during the Battle of Gettysburg. Each sponsored flag represents remembrance of the fallen, supports our preservation and education work in partnership with the National Park Service and invites visitors to reflect on the human cost of the Civil War.
Walk among the flags, remember those affected by the battle and experience one of Gettysburg's most meaningful commemorations this year.
Flag sponsorships will be accepted through Veterans Day.
Remembrance Day Illumination
Gettysburg National Cemetery
97 Taneytown Road, Gettysburg
Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026
5:30-9:30 p.m. | Free and open to the public
Join us for the 24th Annual Remembrance Day Illumination on Saturday, Nov. 21 to commemorate the Gettysburg National Cemetery dedication of 1863. This solemn event features a luminary candle on all of the 3,512 Civil War soldiers' graves. Names of the fallen soldiers are read throughout the evening.
Volunteer opportunities are available to be involved in helping set up, reading the names of the Civil War soldiers and cleaning up at the end of the evening. Volunteer opportunities are limited and will be accepted on a first-come first-served basis. Contact Gettysburg Foundation by emailing Friends@GettysburgFoundation.org or calling 717-339-2163 to inquire about volunteer assignments.
Entry is at both the Baltimore Street and Taneytown Road entrances to the Cemetery. The event is dependent on favorable weather conditions. Candle sponsorships will be available online soon. Check back to our website and follow us on social media for announcements about this annual commemorative event and the luminary candle sponsorships online.
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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.
Now 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.
Member Events
Mark Your Calendar | Make Your Reservations
Join us for Friends of Gettysburg 2026 events. Friends events are announced throughout the year.
- Fall Muster | Oct. 2-3 | Online reservations will be available in the coming months.
- Remembrance Day Illumination | Nov. 21 | Candle sponsorships to open online in the coming weeks.
The heart of the Gettysburg Foundation, our Friends' volunteer efforts and donations support the Foundation, in partnership with the National Park Service at Gettysburg in maintaining our mission of preservation and education. Learn more about becoming a member of the Friends of Gettysburg. Help our mission, become part of history and enjoy exclusive benefits, invitations, rates and discounts.
Select events are open to the public. Visit GettysburgFoundation.org/Friends to learn how you can become a First Corps level member to enjoy exclusive benefits, programming and sneak peeks.
Special Exhibit
A Rough Coarse Life: The World of the Civil War Soldier
Museum & Visitor Center
Gilder Lehrman Institute Special Exhibits Gallery
Artifacts, documents and works of art from the collections of Gettysburg National Military Park and the Civil War Museum of Philadelphia, offer a window into the lives, experiences and memories of those who struggled, suffered and survived a century and a half ago.
The special exhibit includes some artifacts never-before-seen on display and is included with your Film, Cyclorama & Museum Experience ticket.
