News Release

2021 Summer and Battle Anniversary Ranger Programs Announced

Cemetery Ridge as storm clouds roll in overhead.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: June 9, 2021

Contact: Jason Martz, 717-338-4423

Gettysburg National Military Park is pleased to announce Ranger walks, talks, and hikes will resume beginning Saturday, June 12. These interpretive programs will offer 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. There are a host of new and exciting offerings that will appeal to first time and repeat visitors alike.

Additionally, Gettysburg National Military Park will commemorate the 158th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg with special in-person programming and interpretive experiences throughout the three-day battle anniversary from July 1-3, 2021. These programs include special talks that provide an overview of key battlefield moments, an in-depth Battle Walk that will explore Pickett’s Charge, the climactic moment of the battle, and special evening programs at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center. Additionally, park staff will provide unique and behind the scenes access to some of the iconic buildings on the battlefield landscape.

“After a year of connecting with visitors virtually, we’re excited to be back out on the battlefield. The summer season, and especially the anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, is a special time for our staff and our visitors. To be able to share the inspiring, tragic, and relevant stories of the battle and its aftermath. Our professional Park Rangers make the past come to life on this hallowed ground,” said Superintendent Steven Sims.

Please Note: Our special July 1-3 Battle Anniversary program schedule will replace the regularly scheduled summer program schedule from July 1-3. All regularly scheduled summer programs resume on July 4. The schedule is subject to change and is weather dependent. Water, headgear, sun protection, insect repellent, and sturdy footwear are highly recommended. All programs are free of charge.

The full Summer schedule can be found on our website at https://www.nps.gov/gett/planyourvisit/interpretation.htm.

The full July 1-3 Battle Anniversary schedule can be found on our website at https://www.nps.gov/gett/planyourvisit/battle-anniversary-158.htm.

All programs will be conducted consistent with CDC recommendations. People who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces. Masks are required for everyone on all forms of public transportation. Additional details are available at www.nps.gov/coronavirus.

Gettysburg National Military Park is a unit of the National Park Service that preserves and protects the resources associated with the Battle of Gettysburg, the Gettysburg 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 our website at www.nps.gov/gett for additional information.

-NPS-

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 423 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreation opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.