World War II Weekend at Eisenhower National Historic Site

Two men in World War II uniforms listen to a veteran.

NPS Photo

Eisenhower National Historic Site (EISE) hosted the 23rd annual World War II Weekend on September 21-22, 2019. Over 500+ living history volunteers were on site to interpret 50+ WWII military unit displays across the former cattle pastures once owned by the 34th President and Supreme Allied Commander of Allied Forces Europe, Dwight D. Eisenhower. Military units portrayed United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force. Other Allied forces represented were Polish Armored Division, British Airborne, Free French Army, as well as civilian organizations like the Salvation Army Emergency War Services and British Women’s Land Army. Over 3,100 visitors walked the grounds and learned about each of the unit’s history and contributions to the war effort from 1939-1945.

Invited speakers discussed topics such as; the importance of the war between Germany and Russia and how the eastern front was vital in securing the Allied success at Normandy; the training of the “Psycho Boys” at Gettysburg’s Camp Sharpe, which follows the lives of European immigrants that were trained by the WWII Military Intelligence in psychological warfare; the meaning and cost of June 6, 1944 using primary source accounts through newspaper accounts, journalism, and personal letters from those serving on D-Day; and a variety of other subjects related to WWII.

NPS Park Rangers hosted over 300 children and family members at the Family Tent throughout the weekend. Children created their own WWII war effort posters and completed a children’s activity booklet that encouraged them to explore the camp and talk to the living history volunteers. Families and visitors were also encouraged to attend the talks in the Hall of Heroes. Over a dozen WWII veterans were able to meet with the public and tell their stories in this emotionally moving experience held in the Reception Center. Children were encouraged to talk to the veterans and ask questions about their time serving during WWII. The ability to host these veterans was a highlight of the weekend for many that worked, volunteered, and visited the event. We hope to continue to be a venue for WWII veterans to tell their stories and educate visitors about their experiences.

A USO Dance was held on Saturday night at the Gettysburg Area Middle School with music provided by the Gettysburg Big Band. Over 340 living history volunteers, local swing dancers, and the general public attended to dance to popular 1940s tunes and to enjoy the experience of watching the living history volunteers cut a rug in period clothing.

Additionally, this was the first year that WWII Weekend was planned under a local Type III Incident Management Team. Planning for the safety, logistics, and operations of the event began in May of 2019 and included staff from Gettysburg National Military Park, Eisenhower National Historic Site, Fort Necessity National Battlefield, Friendship Hill National Historic Site, and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. The IMT structure allowed EISE staff to focus on the content of the interpretive programs and coordination of the living history volunteers. The operations of the event included parking for over 2600 individual visitors, escorting visitors and veterans with mobility impairments through the camps, providing water, first aid, and historic weapons supervision for the camp. Operational challenges were solved and mitigated quickly and contributed to the overall success and management of the event. The staff at EISE are extremely grateful for the assistance of the IMT and look forward to continuing work within the Incident Command System for future WWII Weekends.