Below is the remaining 2014 calendar of events for Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site, provided by Katie Lawhon, National Park Service spokesperson:
FEBRUARY
Feb. 1
Free lecture at Gettysburg National Military Park. “Yankees in Georgia! How did they ever get in?!” Sherman’s army and the march from Atlanta to the sea – By Bert Barnett. Begins at 1:30 p.m. in the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center film theater.
Feb. 2
Free film at Gettysburg National Military Park. The Civil War – The Untold Story – A Public Television film premiere: Episode Five – With Malice Toward None – The 60-minute film will be presented in conjunction with Gettysburg NMP’s winter lecture series about the Civil War in 1864. The film on the Western Theater of the war and the events in 1864 that would bring the final impetus in ending the civil war, including the movement towards Abraham Lincoln’s 2nd term election. Produced for public television by Great Divide Pictures, the new documentary series will be shown nationally on public television stations beginning in April 2014. Begins at 1:30 p.m. in the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center film theater.
Feb. 8
Free lecture at Gettysburg National Military Park. “The saddest affair of the war” – The Battle of the Crater – By John Hoptak. Begins at 1:30 p.m. in the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center film theater.
Feb. 9
Free lecture at Gettysburg National Military Park. “So you think you could command a Civil War army?” – By Chuck Teague. Begins at 1:30 p.m. in the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center film theater.
Feb. 15
Free lecture at Gettysburg National Military Park. Civil War artifacts: if these things could talk – 1864 – Original objects from the park’s museum collection are examined for the larger stories they tell about the war in 1864 and the advances in technology of weapons that occurred that year – Tom Holbrook. Begins at 1:30 p.m. in the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center film theater.
Feb. 16
Free lecture at Gettysburg National Military Park. Little Mac vs. Honest Abe: Abraham Lincoln, George McClellan, and the election of 1864 – By Chris Gwinn. Begins at 1:30 p.m. in the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center film theater.
Feb. 22
Free lecture at Gettysburg National Military Park. Kennesaw Mountain and the Atlanta Campaign – By Dan Vermilya. Begins at 1:30 p.m. in the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center film theater.
Feb. 23
Free lecture at Gettysburg National Military Park. “Can those be men?” – The prisoner of war experience in 1864 – By Dan Welch. Begins at 1:30 p.m. in the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center film theater.
MARCH
March 1
Free lecture at Gettysburg National Military Park. The battle of Brice’s Crossroads – Nathan Bedford Forrest’s greatest victory – By Matt Atkinson. Begins at 1:30 p.m. in the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center film theater.
March 2
Free lecture at Gettysburg National Military Park. Freedom’s Dilemma – examining the struggles of newly freed slaves – By Angie Atkinson. Begins at 1:30 p.m. in the Ford Education Center at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center.
March 8
Free lecture at Gettysburg National Military Park. Spring 1864 congressional hearings on Meade at Gettysburg: “Witch hunt or fair play?” – By Troy Harman. Begins at 1:30 p.m. in the Ford Education Center at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center.
March 9
Free lecture at Gettysburg National Military Park. Longstreet to the Rescue: The Battle of the Wilderness, May 6, 1864 – By Karlton Smith. Begins at 1:30 p.m. in the Ford Education Center at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center.
APRIL 2014
April 5
Gettysburg Civil War living history weekends begin – On the battlefield at Gettysburg National Military Park. Continuing through October. The schedule will be announced in March and will be posted on www.nps.gov/gett/
April 5
Civil War park day at Gettysburg – Join volunteers from the Civil War Trust and Gettysburg National Military Park cutting brush on the slopes of Little Round Top to reveal historic terrain and original breastworks. Space is limited and advance registration is required. Contact: Jo Sanders at Gettysburg NMP, 717/ 334-1124 x3351 or by email: Jo_Sanders@nps.gov. For information about Park Day opportunities nationwide go to: www.civilwar.org/aboutus/events/park-day/.
April 26
National Junior Ranger day – Children ages 7-12 can participate in special activities at Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center and Eisenhower National Historic Site. Free at Gettysburg NMP. At Eisenhower NHS the activities are included in site admission.
MAY
May 17
Mamie remembers Gettysburg – Join living historian Ruthmary McIlhenny as she performs her first person program as Mamie Eisenhower. Also watch a 1950s fashion show presented by the Victory Society. Included in site admission (717) 338-9114. As part of this event, the Gettysburg Foundation will host a special High Tea for an added fee. For tickets call 877-874-2478 or visit www.gettysburgfoundation.org.
JUNE
June 7
D-Day anniversary weekend Join a Park Ranger for a talk on Eisenhower and the Men of D-Day. World War II living historians portray a variety of soldiers and talk informally with visitors at Eisenhower National Historic Site. Included in site admission. For more information call 717-338-9114 or visit www.nps.gov/eise.
June 7
National Park Ranger walks and programs begin at Gettysburg National Military Park – Offered daily. Free. The schedule will be announced in March and will be posted on www.nps.gov/gett/.
June 7
National Park Ranger programs begin at Eisenhower National Historic Site – Offered daily. Activities are included in site admission. The schedule will be announced in March and will be posted on www.nps.gov/eise.
June 14
Gettysburg National Military Park brass band concert – The Wildcat Regimental Band will perform free at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center as well as present an evening concert at the Pennsylvania Memorial. Call for a program schedule 717-338-4433 or 717-334-1124 x8023. More information is available at www.gettysburgfestival.org.
JULY
July 1 – 4
Battle of Gettysburg anniversary programs – Special National Park Ranger guided walks and programs will be offered. Free.
July 4 – 6
Sacred Trust talks and book signings – Historians, authors, National Park Service Rangers and others provide talks and book signings about Gettysburg and the Civil War. Topics encourage the general public, as well as students of the Civil War, to delve deeper into the nature of the conflict that divided our nation. Free. Events take place from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center.
July 6-11
The Eisenhower Academy – A one-week institute for school teachers covering Eisenhower’s foreign and domestic policy, 1950s popular culture and Eisenhower’s leadership. Graduate credit or Pennsylvania Professional Education Credit available. Registration required. Fee. Go to: www.nps.gov/eise.
AUGUST
Aug. 15-16
18th Annual Civil War Music Muster – All performances take place at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center and the Dobbin House Courtyard, followed by a concert at the Pennsylvania Memorial in the early evening. Free.
SEPTEMBER
Sept. 12-14
Gettysburg National Military Park Seminar – “The Unfinished Work: Abraham Lincoln, David Wills and the Soldiers’ National Cemetery” – Registration fee includes attendance to all lectures, field programs and refreshments. Sponsored by Gettysburg National Military Park, Harrisburg Area Community College – Gettysburg Campus and the Gettysburg Foundation. Space is limited and advance registration is required. Contact Evangelina Rubalcava (717) 334-1124 ext. 3251 or email evangelina_rubalcava@nps.gov.
Sept. 20-21
World War II Weekend – A living history encampment at Eisenhower National Historic Site with Allied soldiers, a German camp, World War II jeeps and trucks, and USO Dance (off-site). Programs are scheduled Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and included in site admission. Shuttle service available. Weather permitting, on-site parking is also available this weekend only. For more information call 717-338-9114 or visit www.nps.gov/eise.
OCTOBER (No Events Scheduled)
NOVEMBER
Nov. 15
Remembrance Day parade – An annual event held in conjunction with the Gettysburg Address anniversary. A parade of Civil War living history groups begins at 1:00 p.m. Sponsored by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. For information call 717-259-6156 or go to www.suvcw.org.
Nov. 15
11th Annual Remembrance Illumination, Soldiers’ National Cemetery – Sponsored by the Gettysburg Foundation. From 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. luminary candles will be placed on each Civil War grave as a testament to the sacrifices made here in 1863. Free. For information call 717-338-1243 or visit www.gettysburgfoundation.org.
Nov. 19
Dedication Day – An annual ceremony observing the anniversary of the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery and President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. The program includes the Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Soldier’s National Monument and a formal ceremony with a keynote speaker. Sponsored by the Lincoln Fellowship of Pennsylvania, Gettysburg National Military Park, the Gettysburg Foundation and Gettysburg College.
Nov. 19
Graveside Salute to the United States Colored Troops – In the Soldiers’ National Cemetery immediately after the Dedication Day ceremony. Sponsored by “For the Cause” Productions, www.gettysburghistories.com.
DECEMBER
Dec. 5
Holiday wreaths at the Soldiers’ National Cemetery – Hundreds of holiday wreaths will be placed on graves in the Soldiers’ National Cemetery at Gettysburg National Military Park as part of the Sgt. Mac Foundation’s ongoing effort to honor veterans. For more information go to www.sgtmac.org.
Dec. 1-31
An Eisenhower Christmas – The president’s home at Eisenhower National Historic Site is decorated in the traditions of the Eisenhowers. Some original decorations and Christmas cards will be on display; included in site admission. For more information call 717-338-9114 or visit www.nps.gov/eise.
Dates and events are subject to change. For more information contact:
Gettysburg National Military Park events contact 717-334-1124 or visit www.nps.gov/gett.
Eisenhower National Historic Site events contact 717-338-9114 or visit www.nps.gov/eise.
Gettysburg Foundation events contact 717-339-2161 or visit www.gettysburgfoundation.org.
Gettysburg Convention and Visitors Bureau call 800-337-5015 or visit www.gettysburg.travel, for additional community events, attractions and accommodations.