The Gettysburg National Military Park will host a series of events in July, honoring the legacy of the Battle of Gettysburg.
2025 marks the 162nd Anniversary of the battle, where on July 1, 1863, Confederate and Union troops fought in Gettysburg. This conflict would become a major turning point in the Civil War and be known as its bloodiest battle.
In a press release, Kristina Heister, Superintendent of Gettysburg National Military Park, said the events this year will offer something for “all ages.”
“The anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg is a time for reflection, education, and connection,” Heister said. “This year’s schedule offers diverse opportunities for visitors of all ages to explore this pivotal moment in American history on the ground where it happened.”
Attendees can experience daily walks and talks with a park ranger, walks through battle, activities for families, and nightly talks hosted by historians. Here’s a complete list of special programs from July 1- 3.
July 1-3
Note:
The events listed below are happening across all three days at the same times
Build It, Paint It, Mold It (60 Minutes)
When
: 10 a.m., daily
Where
: Meet at the McPherson Barn, park along Stone Avenue.
Children ages 4 to 14 and their families will learn about the McPherson family and then have the opportunity to build the barn with Legos, paint the scene with watercolors, or mold monuments with clay.
Little Round Top Hike (60 Minutes)
When
: Daily at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Where
: Meet at the “Rangers Program begins here” sign, inside the Taneytown Road entrance to the National Cemetery
Guests can explore the rocky summit and learn why Little Round Top was important in the battle.
Hands-On History Experience
When
: Daily from 1-4 p.m.
Where
: Group lobby of the Military Park Visitor Center
Interested guests can catch a hands-on history experience.
The Third Day and Beyond (45 Minutes)
When
: 4 p.m. daily
Where
: Meet at the “Ranger Program” sign in the National Cemetery parking, between Taneytown Road and Steinwehr Avenue.
Guests will learn what happened during “Pickett’s Charge” and see how the Battle of Gettysburg ended on July 3, 1863.
Sacred Trust Talks and Booksignings
When
: Daily, the doors open at 6 p.m. The talk will begin at 7 p.m.
Where
: 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg
Guests can attend these nightly events, as the park will have different authors each night who share more about their unique perspectives through their books. Tickets are free, but a reservation must be made ahead of time. Tickets for each day will be released from June 9 -13.
More information about tickets can be found
here
.
Battle Walks
When
: 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 6 p.m. daily
Where
: Locations vary, see website for more details
The military park will have three different battle walks each day. Each progresses through the Battle of Gettysburg, with the final battles being “fought” on July 3. More information about the walks can be found
here
.
If the summer weather is too hot or rainy, the park’s website lists what will change.
“In the event of thunderstorm or tornado warnings, or a heat index in excess of 103 degrees, all programs will be canceled,” the website reads. “In the event of a heat index in excess of 91 degrees, programs will be shortened and modified.”
When visiting, the park also encourages guests to bring items like bug repellent, comfortable walking shoes, and water. More information about the 162nd celebration can be found
here
.
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