Gettysburg National Military Park has posted their schedule of Ranger Programs for June of 2024. The rangers do a fantastic job. If you’re in the area, I highly recommend going to one of their programs. [begin quote]
Ranger Programs: June 8 – July 14
Free Ranger-led hikes, walks, and talks that explore key moments and locations on the Gettysburg battlefield. All programs are free and open to the public. Schedule subject to change.
Hike the Battlefield
These special Ranger-guided hikes are perfect for those looking to better understand the battle and its aftermath.
Gettysburg History Hike (90 minutes)
Hike from the Visitor Center to Cemetery Ridge, where fighting raged on July 2 and 3, 1863. Get an overview of the battle, visit the site of Pickett’s Charge, explore the Bloody Angle, and walk in the footsteps of the men who struggled there. Meet at Ranger Program Site 1, Museum and Visitor Center. Daily at 10:00 AM.
National Cemetery Hike (90 Minutes)
Hike from the Visitor Center to Gettysburg National Cemetery with a Park Ranger. Along the way explore the story of the aftermath of the Battle of Gettysburg, the care of the wounded and the burial of the dead. Follow in the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln and visit the site where he delivered the Gettysburg Address. Meet at Ranger Program Site 1, Museum and Visitor Center. Daily at 1:00 PM.
July 1: McPherson Ridge Hike (60 Minutes)
The Edward McPherson farm witnessed the opening shots of the Battle of Gettysburg, initiated between Union cavalry and Confederate infantry. How did the fighting on this simple farm shape and influence the strategy of the battle in the coming days? Join a Ranger on this hour-long hike to discover the answers. Meet at Tour Stop 1, McPherson Ridge. Daily at 11:00 AM.
July 2: Culp’s Hill Hike (60 Minutes)
Hike the wooded slopes of Culp’s Hill where the most sustained fighting of the battle took place. Meet at the Culp’s Hill Tower, Slocum Ave. Daily at 2:00 PM.
July 3: Pickett’s Charge Hike (60 minutes)
Learn what happened during “Pickett’s Charge” on July 3, 1863 and discover what its outcome meant for the Union and Confederacy. Walk in the footsteps of the Confederate assault and end at the Union battleline on Cemetery Ridge. Meet at the Virginia Memorial, Auto Tour Stop 5. Daily at 3:30 PM. Program Ends at Tour Stop 15, The High-Water Mark.
Battle Walk (2 hours)
Want to experience the battlefield from the same vantage point as the men who fought there? Walk the fields and woods that men struggled for over 160 years ago and get a closer look at the places and people that impacted the battle’s result. Water, insect repellant, a hat, and proper foot gear are highly recommended. Friday, Saturday, Sunday at 10 AM.
Family Programs
While all programs are family-friendly, these have been specifically developed for families & children.
Hands on History Cart
Look for our themed Hands on History Carts where visitors of all ages can meet a Park Ranger or Educator to explore some of the people and stories of the Battle of Gettysburg with hands-on replicas and original artifacts from the American Civil War. Find the cart in the Museum and Visitor Center. Times vary, check at the information desk or visit www.nps.gov/gett
Cannoneers to Your Post! Join the Artillery (30 minutes)
Join a National Park Service living historian and become part of a gun crew as you discover the role artillery played during the Battle of Gettysburg. Meet at Ranger Program Site 1 at the Museum and Visitor Center.Daily at 11:30 AM & 2:00 PM.
Junior Ranger Program (Self Directed)
Discover the history of Gettysburg National Military Park through the Junior Ranger Program, a project for our young visitors to have fun while they learn about the importance and history that is Gettysburg. Get a booklet and materials at the Ranger Desk in the Museum and Visitor Center, open from 8 AM–5 PM.
Special Programs
Explore Gettysburg National Cemetery, visit the home where Abraham Lincoln spent the night, or chat with a National Park Service Ranger. These special programs are designed to make your visit to Gettysburg one you’ll never forget.
National Cemetery Tour (35 minutes)
Visit the site of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and explore the Soldiers’ National Cemetery where over 3,500 Union soldiers killed in the battle were laid to rest. Meet inside the Taneytown Gate, Gettysburg National Cemetery. Daily at 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM.
The David Wills House Museum (Self-Guided)
The home of Gettysburg attorney David Wills was the center of the immense clean-up process after the Battle of Gettysburg and where President Lincoln put the finishing touches on his Gettysburg Address. Admission to the Wills House is free. Open Friday-Sunday, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Caring for the Wounded (35 Minutes)
Over 27,000 soldiers were wounded in the Battle of Gettysburg. Learn how they were evacuated, treated, and how most of their lives were saved by the medical personnel of both armies. Meet at Ranger Site 1, Daily at 10:30 AM, 3:00 PM.
Evening Programs
Licensed Battlefield Guide Tour of Gettysburg National Cemetery (90 minutes)
Meet a member of Gettysburg’s Licensed Battlefield Guides at the Cemetery Rostrum for a free guided walk exploring the history of Gettysburg National Cemetery. This program will conclude at the Soldiers’ National Monument prior to the performance of Taps. Meet inside the Taneytown Gate, Gettysburg National Cemetery. Daily at 5:30 PM.
100 Nights of Taps Program(30 minutes)
The notes of “Taps” will once more fill the air every evening as the famous 24-note call is sounded in Gettysburg National Cemetery from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The Lincoln Fellowship of Pennsylvania and Gettysburg National Military Park will co-sponsor the seventh year of One Hundred Nights of Taps, in partnership with Taps for Veterans and Gettysburg’s Licensed Battlefield Guides. Meet at the Soldiers’ National Monument, Gettysburg National Cemetery. Nightly at 7:00 PM.
Summer Campfire Series (60 minutes)
Rangers present evening campfire talks on a wide variety of topics on the Battle of Gettysburg and the American Civil War. Programs take place at the Pitzer Woods Amphitheater, near Tour Stop #6. Friday, Saturday, Sunday at 8:30 PM.
Living History
From the roar of artillery to the flash of bayonets, living history demonstrations at Gettysburg National Military Park help bring the past to life. Explore their camps, interact with knowledgeable historians, and witness as they demonstrate the tools, tactics, and firepower of the two armies that waged war across these now hallowed fields.
June 15-16
Steuart’s Brigade
Encampment and programs at Auto Tour Stop 13, Spangler’s Spring
Sat: 10:00, 12:00, 2:00
Sun: 10:00 & 12:00
1st North Carolina Artillery
Encampment and programs at Pitzer Woods, West Confederate Avenue
Sat: 11:00, 1:00, 3:00
Sun: 11:00 & 1:00
June 22-23
20th Maine & Vincent’s Brigade Infantry
Programs at Auto Tour Stop 12, Pennsylvania Monument
Sat: 10:00, 12:00, 2:00
Sun: 10:00 & 12:00
1st Rhode Island Light Artillery, Battery B.
Encampment and programs at Auto Tour Stop 12, the Pennsylvania Memorial
Sat: 11:00, 1:00, 3:00
Sun: 11:00 & 1:00
June 29 – June 30 (Battle Anniversary)
Confederate Military Forces
Encampment and programs at Auto Tour Stop 13, Spangler’s Spring.
Sat: 10:00, 12:00, 2:00
Sun: 10:00 & 12:00
1st Pennsylvania, Battery D.
Encampment and programs at Auto Tour Stop 12, the Pennsylvania Memorial
Sat: 11:00, 1:00, 3:00
Sun: 11:00 & 1:00
In the event of thunderstorm or tornado warnings, programs will be canceled. In the event of a heat index in excess of 91 degrees, programs will be shortened and modified. In the event of a heat index in excess of 103 degrees, all programs will be canceled. Program cancellations or modifications will be posted on http://www.nps.gov/gett and on the Gettysburg National Military Park Facebook and Twitter accounts.[end quote]
Student of the American Civil War 