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Gettysburg Revisited / Great Conversations at Gettysburg

The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.

President Abraham Lincoln
Gettysburg Address
November, 1863

During his Gettysburg Address, President Lincoln humbly acknowledged that his brief speech would not stand the test of time; that words alone could never compare to the actions of the men who nobly fought and died here.

However, his words of democracy and civility still resonate today. Gettysburg and Lincoln’s address still inspire new dialogues, thoughtful discussions and great conversations.

Through a signature series of thought-provoking lectures, panels and events, Great Conversations at Gettysburg brings the lessons, teachings and inspiring stories of Gettysburg to today’s audiences.

Now more than ever, we need Gettysburg. We need Great Conversations.

You’ll never forget them.

Join the (Great) Conversation

Talks, chats and presentations inspired by the stories and lessons of Gettysburg, the Great Conversation series features authors, historians and personalities such as podcasters Tracy V. Wilson & Holly Frey ("Stuff You Missed in History Class" Podcast) and esteemed actor Stephen Lang.

Great Conversations at Gettysburg, June 2019

Speakers & Authors

Human endurance and suffering and stuff you missed in history class were among the topics for the June 2019 Great Conversations event at the Rupp House History Center.

Speakers included Gettysburg College professor of history Michael Birkner, Ph.D. on President James Buchanan; author Ronald D. Kirkwood on the George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital; National Civil War Museum CEO Wayne Motts on the Lewis Armistead and Winfield Hancock friendship; author Cory Pfarr on Longstreet at Gettysburg; Gettysburg National Military Park Cultural Resource Program Manager Winona Peterson on caring for the National Parks; and podcast hosts Tracy V. Wilson and Holly Frey of “What You Missed in History Class” on the women of Gettysburg.

Great Conversations at Gettysburg, October 2018

Stephen Lang &
Harold Holzer

Stories of challenge, humility and healing highlighted the October 2018 performance of actor Stephen Lang’s “Medal of Honor” trilogy with post-show conversation featuring Lang and Lincoln Prize-winning author and historian, Harold Holzer.

Lang and Holzer engaged the audience in a conversation regarding the performance and how Gettysburg is not just a battlefield nor a singular event in history. Gettysburg is comprised of broader stories rooted in humility still relevant today. The duo addressed the power of using the performing arts like the movie “Gettysburg” and Lang’s plays to keep the ongoing relevance of Gettysburg at the forefront.

Great Conversations at Gettysburg, June 2018

Inaugural Event

Gettysburg Foundation kicked off its Great Conversations at Gettysburg series with presentations on the challenges facing museums, the Gettysburg battlefield, the continuing struggle surrounding civil rights and the Eisenhower legacy.

Offering nine presentations and panel discussions over two days, the event opened with “What is the Role of Museums and the History Community?” with Dr. Edward L. Ayers, Tucker-Boatwright Professor of the Humanities and President Emeritus, University of Richmond and Ms. Christy Coleman, Chief Executive Officer, American Civil War Museum, Richmond, Virginia.

Join the (Great) Conversation

Speakers & Authors

Stephen Lang & Harold Holzer

Inaugural Event

Stephen Lang &
Harold Holzer