2026 News

Gettysburg National Military Park launches its annual winter programming in January 2026 with family-friendly Reading Adventures and a Winter Lecture Series. These programs take place in the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center. The events are free and open to the public.

“We are thrilled to announce this lecture series and family-friendly programming in partnership with the National Park Service,” said Jackie Spainhour, president and CEO of the Gettysburg Foundation. “During the America250 commemoration year, these programs offer opportunities for visitors of all ages to reflect on their roles in preserving our nation’s history.”

Winter Lecture Series

The 2026 lectures feature presentations by National Park Service rangers, historians and authors from across the country. One-hour lectures are held Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 10. Access to a printable program is available. Free tickets are available in person on the day of each lecture. Seating in the theater is first-come, first-served. The lecture scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 25 is canceled. The lecture scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 22 is canceled.

Lecture topics explore a wide range of Civil War themes, including the ideals of 1776 versus the realities of 1861; stories of Union and Confederate prisoners of war captured at Gettysburg; the experiences of residents in the National Capital Region; international diplomacy during the war; the history of Gettysburg National Cemetery; and personal stories connected to artifacts preserved today.

The program on Saturday, March 8, 2026, features a unique audiovisual experience. Historian and musician Tyone Cornbower will narrate original slides projected with an 1890s stereopticon, accompanied by music performed by his wife, Sue, on an 1880s portable parlor organ.

The final lecture of the series now takes place Saturday, March 14, and features an illustrated program that explores the origins and major events of the reunion on the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg (the largest gathering in the town’s history), culminating in the dedication of the Eternal Light Peace Memorial. Licensed Battlefield Guide Richard Goedkoop will highlight President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s commemorative address, as well as a reflection on the reunion’s impact and enduring memory.

Reading Adventures

The History Kids Reading Adventures Club, designed for children ages 4 to 10, features the “250 Years of Change-Makers” in recognition of the America250 commemoration. These sessions include book readings led by a park educator and hands-on activities. Programs take place Saturdays at 11 a.m. through February 28 in the theater.

For ages 7 to 12, the Time Travelers Reading Adventures Club focuses on the young adult Civil War novel, Charley Skedaddle, by Patricia Beatty. Participants meet on Saturdays in March at 11 a.m. in the Ford Education Room to read aloud and take part in activities. Activities include a library research project and behind-the-scenes experience learning about the care of Civil War artifacts and historical buildings. 

Details and Updates

For more information on the winter programming in 2026 at Gettysburg National Military Park, including inclement weather or other updates, visit nps.gov/gett or GettysburgFoundation.org.

For those unable to attend the lecture series in person, each presentation will be recorded and shared on the Gettysburg Foundation YouTube channel in the weeks following the lectures.

The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center is located at 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg. For the complete listing of programs and events, visit GettysburgFoundation.org.

Updated Feb. 22, 2026