News Release

Exploring Gettysburg this summer with National Park Rangers

A park ranger leads a tour of the battlefield.
A park ranger leads a tour of the battlefield.

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News Release Date: June 6, 2018

Contact: Katie Lawhon, 717-338-4402

Gettysburg National Military Park’s free summer interpretive program series begins on June 9 and offers visitors a chance to learn about the people and places that made history during the Battle of Gettysburg. Hike the fields of Pickett’s Charge, explore the rocky summit of Little Round Top, reflect on the words of the Gettysburg Address, and much more on these Ranger guided experiences. New offerings will appeal to first time and repeat visitors alike, such as:
 
Family History Hike (75 minutes) Perfect for families with children ages 4-13! Join a Park Ranger for an interactive hike across the battlefield. Plan for battle, learn how to march like a soldier, explore the farms on the battlefield and much more!
 
Lincoln Comes to Gettysburg: Downtown History Hike (75 minutes) - Explore the impact of the battle upon the Gettysburg community, walk in the footsteps of President Lincoln, and visit the room where he completed the Gettysburg Address. This program begins and ends inside the Historic David Wills House Museum.
 
The David Wills House Museum – Free during the summer of 2018! Explore the home of David and Catherine Wills, learn what it was like to be a civilian during the Battle of Gettysburg and visit the room where Abraham Lincoln finished writing the Gettysburg Address. Located in the center of Gettysburg at 8 Lincoln Square.
 
The Face of Battle: The Soldier Experience (1 hour) - Over 160,000 soldiers participated in the Battle of Gettysburg. Discover the story of just one, follow in his footsteps across the battlefield, and learn why he fought and what he encountered at Gettysburg. Water, insect repellant, a hat, and proper foot gear are highly recommended.
 
America the Beautiful: Storybooks About our National Parks (1 hour) - Join a Park Ranger for a reading adventure to one of our over 400 national park sites. Begin with an activity, followed after nightfall with a storybook reading by firelight. Recommended for families with children ages 4 to 11.

Coffee with a Ranger (15 Minutes) – Exclusively for a digital audience! Join us on Facebook Live and every Saturday morning at 8:30 am from the comfort of your home as we explore a different location and aspect of the battle, battlefield, and Civil War. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on the last programs and news from Gettysburg National Military Park!
 
Gettysburg National Military Park is a unit of the National Park Service that preserves and protects the resources associated with the Battle of Gettysburg and the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, and provides an understanding of the events that occurred there within the context of American history. For a complete listing of all of the free summer ranger programs, please visit www.nps.gov/gett, or pick up the Today in the Park planning guide available at the information desk inside the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg.



Last updated: June 11, 2018

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Gettysburg, PA 17325

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