World War II Weekend 2022
August 19, 2022
In 1942, Americans were building our military forces, supporting our Allies with industrial and agricultural supplies, waging war across two oceans, and struggling to define freedom and citizenship at home.
Eisenhower National Historic Site's World War II Weekend will take place from Sept. 16 to 18, 2022. Park staff, living historians and volunteers will help bring to life the ways ordinary citizens confronted these extraordinary challenges from 80 years ago. This year's event will focus on 1942, a year when millions of Americans came together to fight fascism and the Axis powers. World War II Weekend will feature:
- Keynote address by Susan Eisenhower, granddaughter of Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower in the Kinsley Theater at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center;
- A living history encampment, family activities and special programming at Eisenhower National Historic Site;
- Special exhibits in the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center; and
- Ranger-led walking tours at Gettysburg National Cemetery.
World War II Weekend 2022 Schedule:
- Keynote Presentation: Friday, September 16, 7-8 p.m. Susan Eisenhower will discuss her grandfather’s leadership style and her book How Ike Led in the Kinsley Theater at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center. A book signing with Susan Eisenhower will follow the program. Books will be available to purchase during the book signing. The Museum Book Store will be open 6-9 p.m. Free tickets are required in advance for theater seating for the presentation.
- Friday, September 16, Saturday, September 17, and Sunday, September 18, 5-6 p.m. Park rangers will offer guided walking tours of Gettysburg National Cemetery, exploring the stories of the 590 fallen WWII soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen buried there. The programs will focus on stories relevant to 1942. Meet at the Taneytown Road entrance to Gettysburg National Cemetery.
- Saturday, September 17, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, September 18, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Visitors to Eisenhower National Historic Site can explore a living history encampment featuring American and Allied units. Volunteers will share how the American public was encouraged to support the war on the home front. Throughout the weekend, park rangers and guest speakers will provide presentations on a variety of topics at the speaker’s tent. Park staff and living historians will provide interactive activities at our Family Education Tent, including a special WWII Weekend Family Activity Booklet. Those completing the booklet can visit the enlistment station and earn their very own WWII style dog tag. For the complete schedule of programming, visit nps.gov/eise.
- Saturday, September 17, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, September 18, 9 a.m. -3 p.m. The Naval Heritage Command Center, U.S. Museum of the Navy and the National Museum of the Marine Corps will share special exhibits at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center.
- Tours of the Eisenhower home will be offered throughout the weekend.
How to visit Eisenhower National Historic Site during World War II Weekend 2022:
- Shuttle buses depart every 30 minutes from the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center, located at 1195 Baltimore Pike, during both days of the event. To purchase timed shuttle tickets, visit GettysburgFoundation.org or call 877-874-2478 to make reservations in advance. Timed tickets are required for the shuttle.
- Weather permitting, free on-site parking for passenger vehicles only will be available at Eisenhower National Historic Site in a farm field accessible from Emmitsburg Rd., Business Route 15.
- Bus groups and visitors using wheelchairs should plan to use the shuttle bus from the Museum & Visitor Center.
For free tickets to attend the keynote presentation with Susan Eisenhower, make reservations by phone, 877-874-2478, or online at GettysburgFoundation.org.
World War II Weekend programming is free of charge. Timed tickets are required to ride the shuttle bus to the historic site.
Read the National Park Service press release.