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Contact: Jason Martz
GETTYSBURG, PA – Join National Park Service staff to commemorate the events of 1943 for Eisenhower National Historic Site’s (NHS) 2023 World War II Weekend event. The theme for this year’s events is “1943: America at War.” The year 1943 saw the American people take park in a global struggle against fascism and tyranny, joining together with their Allies abroad to provide the material, manpower, and leadership needed to fight the Axis powers during WWII. From September 15-17, park rangers, guest speakers, living historians, and partner organizations will bring the stories of 1943 to life through three days of programming and interactive activities for visitors of all ages.
World War II Weekend will feature an evening keynote program with Dr. Craig Symonds, America’s preeminent naval historian. Programming also includes a 1943 themed living history encampment, a family activity tent with a functioning WWII dog tag machine, guest speakers and authors at Eisenhower NHS, special exhibits in the Gettysburg National Military Park (NMP) Museum and Visitor Center, and ranger-led walking tours at the Gettysburg National Cemetery.
The full World War II Weekend event schedule, including speaker biographies, can be found on the Eisenhower NHS website https://www.nps.gov/eise/world-war-ii-weekend.htm.
Note: On Friday September 15, Eisenhower NHS will be closed to visitation to facilitate event set-up. Only event participants and staff will be on-site that day. No house tours or guided tours of the Eisenhower site will occur. The Friday evening cemetery walk, and keynote program will take place off-site.
Keynote Presentation
Friday, September 15 at 7 pm
Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center
Dr. Craig Symonds will discuss two pivotal leaders of 1943: General Dwight D. Eisenhower and Admiral Chester Nimitz. Both men faced daunting challenges in the European and Pacific Theaters 80 years ago. Their successes of 1943 were instrumental in paving the way for Allied victories in both theaters of the war. Dr. Symonds will be signing copies of his latest book, Nimitz at War, following the presentation.
NOTE: This event is FREE, but tickets are required. Tickets are available on the Gettysburg Foundation website at https://cart.gettysburgfoundation.org/26068.
Friday, September 15, Saturday, September 16, and Sunday, September 17 from 5pm to 6 pm
World War II Tour of the Gettysburg National Cemetery
Taneytown Road entrance to Gettysburg National Cemetery
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. These programs will focus on stories relevant to 1943.
Saturday, September 16 from 9 am – 5 pm, and Sunday, September 17 from 9 am – 3 pm
Living History Encampment and House Tours of the Eisenhower Home
Eisenhower National Historic Site
Visitors can explore a living history encampment featuring American and Allied units, as well as groups depicting life on the Homefront. Park rangers will lead guided walking tours of the camp throughout the weekend, focusing on major events and themes from 1943. On Saturday, several authors will be featured at the speaker’s tent, including Andrew Biggio, Jared Frederick, Anne Keene, and David Chrisinger. These presentations will accompany book signings at a pop-up bookstore on-site. Park staff and living historians will also provide interactive activities at our Family Education Tent, including a special WWII Weekend Family Activity Booklet. Those completing the booklet can visit our enlistment station and earn their very own WWII style dog tag. See our website for a full schedule of programming. Sunday’s programming will feature a WWII veteran meet and greet opportunity.
Saturday, September 16 from 9 am – 5 pm, and Sunday, September 17 from 9 am – 3 pm
Special exhibits at the Gettysburg NMP Museum and Visitor Center with the Naval Heritage Command Center, U.S. Museum of the Navy, and the National Museum of the Marine Corps
Tours of the Eisenhower home will also be offered throughout the weekend.
Community Events
Thursday September 14
Join the Majestic Theater for a screening of Casablanca, one of the greatest films of all-time. Journey back to the 1940s to see Humphrey Bogart light up the silver screen in this classic film that debuted in January 1943.
Saturday September 16
The WWII American Experience Museum in Gettysburg will host a USO-style swing dance.
How to visit Eisenhower National Historic Site during World War II Weekend
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Weather permitting, free on-site parking for passenger vehicles only will be available at Eisenhower NHS in a farm field accessible from Emmitsburg Rd, Business Route 15. For GPS, use 250 Eisenhower Farm Road.
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Shuttle buses depart every half hour from the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, located at 1195 Baltimore Pike, on both days of the event. A shuttle fee does apply. Visit the Gettysburg Foundation website or call 877-874-2478 to make reservations.
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Bus groups should plan to use the shuttle system, Accessible parking is located at the Museum and Visitor Center with access to the site via the shuttle. Limited accessible parking is available on-site.
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Note: On Friday September 15, Eisenhower NHS will be closed to visitation to facilitate event set-up. Only event participants and staff will be on-site that day. No house tours or guided tours of the Eisenhower site will occur. The Friday evening cemetery walk, and keynote program will take place off-site.
All National Park Service World War II Weekend programming is free of charge.
Outdoor programs are weather dependent.
Weather Modifications
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In the event of thunderstorm or tornado warnings, or a heat index more than 105 degrees, all programs will be canceled.
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In the event of a heat index more than 91 degrees, programs will be shortened and modified.
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 425 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Last updated: August 16, 2023