Annual World War II Weekend at Eisenhower National Historic Site
Aug 23, 2024
Join Eisenhower National Historic Site for the annual World War II Weekend event Friday, Sept. 20 tthrough Sunday, Sept. 22. This year’s event theme is 1944, remembering the millions of Americans and Allies in arms who joined together with General Dwight D. Eisenhower in a “great crusade” to fight for freedom over fascism 80 years ago. Park rangers, guest speakers, living historians and partner organizations will bring the stories and people of 1944 to life through three days of interactive programming and activities for visitors of all ages. All programs and activities are free of charge.
Event highlights include:
- Notable guest speakers and historians: Henry Sledge, son of famed World War II Marine Eugene Sledge, will speak Friday evening at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center. Free ticket reservations for theater seating are required. On Saturday and Sunday, speakers at Eisenhower Natioal Historic Site include Dr. John C. McManus, Dr. Sara Parry Myers, Kevin Hymel, April Cheek-Messier, Dr. Tyler Bamford, Dr. Jared Frederick and John Orloff, writer and co-executive producer of the Apple TV+ miniseries Masters of the Air. John McManus, Sarah Parry Myers and Kevin Hymel will be signing their works during a book signing event on Sept. 21 from 3 until 4 p.m. in the Museum Book Store at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center.
- Ranger-Guided Walking Tours of World War II burials in Gettysburg National Cemetery: Park rangers will offer guided walking tours of Gettysburg National Cemetery that explore stories of the 590 fallen World War II soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen buried there. These programs will focus on stories relevant to 1944.
- 1944 Living History Camp at Eisenhower National Historic Site: Visit American and Allied units, as well as groups depicting life on the homefront, to explore the people and events of 1944. Park rangers will lead guided walking tours of the living history camp throughout the weekend.
- Family Activities and Programs at Eisenhower National Historic Site: Pick up a Family Activity Booklet, explore the Living History Camp and look for special Family Activity chalkboard signs. Learn more about the military and civilian groups to complete your five-stars and earn your very own World War II dog tag. Special family programs, reading adventures and more will take place throughout the weekend.
- Special 1944 Museum Exhibits: Visit the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center to see exhibits from the Naval History and Heritage Command, the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, the National Museum of the Marine Corps and Eisenhower National Historic Site.
- Eisenhower Home Tours: Free tours of the only home that Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower ever owned are available on both Saturday and Sunday of World War II Weekend.
For a full World War II Weekend event schedule and information, visit the Eisenhower National Historic Site online.
For the safety of visitors, living history groups and staff, Eisenhower National Historic Site will close to visitation on Friday, Sept. 20 for the World War II camp set up.
How to visit Eisenhower National Historic Site during World War II Weekend:
- 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 Road, Business Route 15. For GPS, use 250 Eisenhower Farm Rd.
- Shuttle buses depart every hour from the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center, located at 1195 Baltimore Pike, on Saturday and Sunday. A shuttle fee does apply. Call the Gettysburg Foundation Guest Relations team at 877-874-2478 or stop by the Ticket Counter inside the Museum & Visitor Center to make reservations for timed shuttle tickets.
- Bus groups should plan to use the shuttle system. Accessible parking is located at the Museum & Visitor Center with access to the historic site via the shuttles. Limited accessible parking is available on-site at the Eisenhower farm.
All National Park Service World War II Weekend programming is free of charge. Outdoor programs are dependent on favorable weather conditions.
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