News Release

Free Admission will continue at the David Wills House in Gettysburg through 2018

A park ranger talks to a group of visitors in the Lincoln bedroom at the Wills House.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: July 31, 2018

Contact: Katie Lawhon, 717-338-4402

The National Park Service wants the David Wills House to be part of every visit to Gettysburg. To help make that happen, Gettysburg National Military Park has announced that free admission to the David Wills House in downtown Gettysburg will continue through the rest of 2018.

The three-story brick house at 8 Lincoln Square served as the home of David and Catherine Wills before and after the Battle of Gettysburg. President Abraham Lincoln was their house guest the night before the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery. Lincoln finished composing his Gettysburg Address in the second story bedroom the evening of November 18, 1863.

“During the summer months admission to the site was free and visitation increased dramatically,” said Lewis H. Rogers Jr., acting superintendent of Gettysburg National Military Park. “The David Wills House exhibits provide an opportunity to learn about the Wills family and reflect on the meaning of Gettysburg, the aftermath of the battle, and the legacy of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.”

The David Wills House is part of Gettysburg National Military Park and is operated by the Gettysburg Foundation. Throughout the late summer and fall, the Gettysburg Foundation will continue to staff the front desk, provide visitor services and information, and manage the sales area.

In 2019 entrance fees will be reinstated. For more information about hours and fees go to:  https://www.nps.gov/gett/planyourvisit/david-wills-house.htm.