The Gettysburg Foundation will host Family Day at Spangler, a free, a one-day event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, August 15, 2020, at the George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital. The event marks the final opportunity for the public to visit the historic site for the 2020 season.
Family Day at Spangler offers an educational celebration for families to experience and learn more about the history of the 80-acre historic site.
“The day is ideal for young families and those who want to enjoy time together outside and learn about history,” said Paul Semanek, Spangler Farm Site Coordinator. “That’s why on August 15, we are offering this unique opportunity to allow families the opportunity to visit the farm for free.”
Throughout the day, the family-friendly programming includes the opportunity to:
- Hear stories about the role of civilians during and after the Battle of Gettysburg.
- Visit one of the best-preserved Civil War field hospitals used during the Battle of Gettysburg.
- See Civil-War era games and toys.
- Learn how care packages were made for the Civil War soldiers.
- Discover various uses for herbs in medicines of the day.
“The COVID-19 outbreak has made things challenging for everyone this year, and that’s why it is important to us to provide families with a way to spend quality time outdoors,” said Brian Klinzing, Gettysburg Foundation’s Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships.+
Visitors to this special Family Day at Spangler event may drive directly to the property and park onsite. To follow current guidelines, allow for social distancing and ensure ample parking, attendance and vehicle capacity at a given time will be limited. Throughout the property, visitors and volunteers will be required to wear a face-covering.
The site, a successful family farm before and after the battle, served as the Union Army’s 11th Corps field hospital where more than 1,900 wounded soldiers—both Union and Confederate—received care. In addition, the site served as an artillery reserve, ammunition reserve, provost guard, and a temporary cemetery for both Union and Confederate soldiers.The George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital is located at 488 Blacksmith Shop Road, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.