A Field of Remembrance invites the public to commemorate the more than 51,000 Americans killed, wounded, captured or missing during the Battle of Gettysburg. Learn more.

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 Centeryour gateway to history.

As America commemorates its 250th anniversary this year, discover special exhibits, tours, programs and events that bring the nation’s story to life—on the battlefield, in the museum and beyond.

Make our special events part of your itinerary to experience Gettysburg in new and memorable ways throughout the America250 commemoration.


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

Author Walk-and-Talks

George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital
488 Blacksmith Shop Road, Gettysburg
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Sunday, July 5, 2026
Friday, July 31, 2026
6-8 p.m. | Ticket reservations required

Join author Ron Kirkwood who will lead presentations and guided walks exploring stories from the historic site. Guest speakers will join the presentations.

Ticket holders may drive to the property for this program where on-site parking will be available. Program is dependent on favorable weather conditions.

Gettysburg of the West

Desert Empire: The 1862 New Mexico Campaign

George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital
488 Blacksmith Shop Road, Gettysburg
Friday, June 19, 2026 | 6-8 p.m. 
Ticket reservations required

Often overlooked, even though the climactic battle was referred to as the "Gettysburg of the West" by historians, the 1862 Confederate invasion of New Mexico was a pivotal point in the history of the Southwest and whether the Confederacy could effect a country that went from "sea to shining sea." Learn about the last lancer charge in American military history, a tale about mules and places such as Valverde, Apache Canyon and Glorietta - names not often associated with the American Civil War.

The evening begins with an introductory presentation with the Civil War Institute's rising historian, Michael Aaron. The program will be presented by author Phillip S. Greenwalt, co-founder of Emerging Revolutionary War and full-time historian with Emerging Civil War.

Ticket holders may drive to the property for this program where on-site parking will be available. Program is dependent on favorable weather conditions.

Double Decker Battlefield Bus Tour

Departs the Museum & Visitor Center
Saturdays, June 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.

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, June 23, July 28, 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.

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.

June 27-28 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Society of Civil War Surgeons: 11th Corps Field Hospital

July 1-3 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Evening Candlelight Talks | July 1 & 2 | 8 p.m.
Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg with
Officers for the Union & Ladies for the Union

July 4-5
Saturday | Noon-6 p.m.
Sunday | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
62nd PA Volunteer Infantry

July 11-12, Aug. 1-2, 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

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. 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.

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.

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.

Civil War Ceramic Paint & Take

Presented by Cindy Gates & Designed by Gary Casteel
Children of Gettysburg 1863®
451 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg
Wednesdays, July 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, 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.

There Will Never Be Another Battle

The Battle of First Manassas, July 18–21, 1861

George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital
488 Blacksmith Shop Road, Gettysburg
Friday, July 17, 2026 | 6-8 p.m. 
Ticket reservations required

Explore the Civil War’s first major battle and the events along Bull Run from July 18–21, 1861. Historian Kevin Pawlak examines the fighting near Manassas Junction, its staggering human cost and its lasting significance in shaping the course of the war.

The evening begins with an introductory presentation by the Civil War Institute's rising historian, Ryan Melinn.

Ticket holders may drive to the property for this program where on-site parking will be available. Program is dependent on favorable weather conditions.

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.