April 2008

Catalog 

Gettysburg Gift Center 


11th Annual History Meets the Arts Festival Schedule of Events

Greetings!

The Gettysburg Gift Center is proud to announce the 2008 schedule of Events for the Annual History Meets the Arts Festival. The three-day festival will take place April 18 -20 with artist and author appearances, a Civil War era church service, Living History encampments and many other exciting events. Artist appearing at the Gettysburg Gift Center on Saturday, April 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. include: sculptor Andrew Chernak, Artillerist George Funt, and Jewelry Maker Rebecca Schmehl. Artist Bradley Schmehl will be appearing from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. For more information, please visit our website at www.gettysburgmuseum.com

In This Issue
Andrew Chernak Attends Ground Breaking
Funt Back in Business
Artist Bradley Schmehl Continues Commission Project
Meet Jeweler Becky Schmehl
Francis Barnum's Birthday Bash
Author Appearance Schedule
Celebrating 46 years!
Attend a Civil War Era Church Service
Other Upcoming Events
Join Our Mailing List!

Andrew Chernak Attends Ground Breaking

Gold Star Mother MemorialAndrew Chernak has been working very hard over the winter months on numerous commissioned projects.  One of the most recent, and moving projects is the placement of the Gold Star Mother's Memorial in Manchester, New Hampshire.  This is the second Gold Star Mother's Memorial to be placed in the United States.  On March 30, Andrew, and his wife Terria, attended the ground breaking ceremony in Manchester. It was a stirring event bringing strong, and vibrant mothers together who shared one common factor, the loss of a child in the line of duty.  This memorial illustrates the grief and feeling of loss each mother had the minute they learned the news of their child's death.  NECN News covered the ground breaking ceremony and you can learn more by clicking here.
 
There are so many projects in the works for Andrew Chernak, that unfortunately this year he will not produce be an annual event miniature. Andrew is focusing his time and attention on a new line of Civil War pewter.  Look for more information in the coming months, but do expect the same quality, detail, and precision that you find in every Coventry Pewter piece of art.

Funt Back in Business

George FuntWe are pleased to announce that artillerist George Funt is once again producing 1/8th scale field artillery.  Funt had previously announced in 2007 that he would be producing a limited number of iron barreled cannons, and would no longer create bronze barreled cannons.  His decision for ceasing production of bronze was mainly due to the hazards of pouring the molds.  In addition, the cost of materials in recent years has soared.  As luck would have it, in early 2008, Funt was able to locate a foundry that could reproduce the bronze barrels accurately, and safely.

George Funt will be making his first appearance for 2008 at the 11th Annual History Meets the Arts event at the Gettysburg Gift Center on Saturday, April 19, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.  Collectors and visitors are encouraged to come and talk with Funt about his artillery, previous works, and future endeavors.    

Artist Bradley Schmehl Continues Commissioned Project

Bradley SchmehlTo the public, artist Bradley Schmehl may appear to be missing in action.  On the contrary, Schmehl is as busy as ever.  Over the past two years he has worked diligently, researching and painting 8 of 12 commissioned works that will be a part of a new collection being assembled for a historical art museum in Fredericksburg, VA.  The museum is part of the new "Celebrate Virginia" complex emerging in Fredericksburg. The completed 2,400 acre development will contain museums, residential homes, retail shops, golf courses, accommodations, and much more.  Schmehl continues to work on the final four paintings for the museum, and that encompasses much of his time. 

Due to the nature of his commissioned work, there will not be any new releases out in the near future. Once his commission is complete with "Celebrate Virginia", the possibilities are endless on his next endeavor! Stop by the Gettysburg Gift Center on Saturday, April 19 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and meet and speak with Bradley Schmehl.  He will be available to answer any questions and talk about his extensive commission work and where he'll be headed next.  Don't miss this opportunity!
Meet Jewelry Maker Becky Schmehl of Rebecca Marie Jewelry
Rebecca SchmehlAntique jewelry maker Becky Schmehl will be appearing at the Gift Center on April 19 during History Meets the Arts.  Becky will be meeting customers, and customizing jewelry from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Come and see what she has to offer! She can customize your jewelry while you wait! All of Becky's jewelry is set in antique settings and a must have for any collection! 
 
This is Becky's spring debut, so stop by the Gift Center to see what new settings she has, and new stones she's acquired over the winter months.  There is something for every lady!

Francis Barnum Birthday Bash Scheduled for August - Only Appearance in Gettysburg for 2008!

Fran BarnumFrancis Barnum will celebrate his 80th Birthday in August, and he wants all of his chilmark family to be a part of the big event!  Everyone is invited to the Gettysburg Gift Center August 8, 9, and 10 to help Fran turn the big 8-0! The weekend will be packed full of special events, speakers, and fun!  Our goal is to have fun, spend time with friends we haven't seen in years, and throw in a little history and learning at the same time. At this time, we're still putting the finishing touches on the plans for the weekend, but more information will be out very soon! 

One of the events we are trying to put together for Fran is a Pig Roast.  This isn't just any pig roast.  We're not only roasting a pig, we're roasting FRAN! That's right! We want to take a look back over the years at all of Fran's accomplishments, and maybe some failures, share some laughs and really show him how special he is.  This is where we need your help.  In order to make this roast a success, we need pictures, videos, letters, anything and everything you may have to share about Fran.  It would be wonderful to have his friends who have shared so many memories with him stand up and speak to everyone about the true Francis Barnum.   If you do not feel comfortable getting up and sharing, please feel free to jot down some memoirs or messages you'd like to share and we'll be happy to pass them on.  Your job now is to send us anything you can via email or snail mail about Fran.  Our email is info@gettysburgmuseum.com or you can mail us at The Gettysburg Gift Center, 297 Steinwehr Ave., Gettysburg, PA 17325.  We look forward to your help and participation in this event.  Let's work together to make this a memorable event for Fran.
 
Even though Fran will not be attending History Meets the Arts, he will release his annual event miniature.  This year his event miniature is Armistead.  The cost of the piece is $95, and a limited edition of 500. Pieces will be signed by Fran and available for purchase over History Meets the Arts weekend.  To place an order, please contact the Gettysburg Gift Center at 1-800-887-7775 or online at www.GettysburgMuseum.com

Several Author Appearances Schedule

The Gettysburg Gift Center will host a number of authors over History Meets the Arts weekend.  No matter what area of study you are looking for, we will have a broad list of titles and authors to meet with and have your books autographed.  If you are unable to be in Gettysburg for History Meets the Arts, but would still like to purchase a book, please visit our on-line store at www.GettysburgMuseum.com
 
April 19th, 2008
J.D. Petruzzi                         10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
George Newton                     10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Bradley Gottfried                      1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Scott Mingus                            1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Michael Boyd & Paul Frey           3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Craig Caba                                3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Michael Kanazawich                   3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
 
April 20th, 2008
Bob O'Connor                          12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Michael Sanders                        2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Thomas McGrath                        2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
 

Celebrating 46 years with up to 46% OFF!

The American Civil War Museum Complex is celebrating it's 46th year in business!  Since we first opened our doors in April of 1962, the "Wax Museum", as it is so foundly referred to, has been a staple in the community.  How does a business stay so strong and continue to grow over 46 years?  It's all because of YOU!  Our loyal customers make us stronger each year, and continue to shop with us and refer us to family and friends. Our goal is simple: offer a variety of quality products, a friendly and helpful sales staff, and the most reasonable prices.  We are here to serve you, and in celebration of 46 years of service, a number of items in our store will be on sale over History Meets the Arts weekend, up to 46% off!  To shop for these great sales, visit our online store at www.GettysburgMuseum.com! The sale will continue through the summer months, ending August 21, 2008.  Limited supplies are available, take advantage of these great deals whild supplies last! New items are added daily, so please stop back often!

Attend a Civil War Era Church Service

Church Chaplain Rene` Kinard and his wife, Rommi have slated an interdenominational, Civil War period church service for 10 a.m. on April 20, 2008, at the Gettysburg Gift Center. Kinard, a union chaplain, said his service is "both north and south friendly." Come out and enjoy a peaceful service filled with singing and uplifting messages.

The Kinards will also be conducting services on May 25, July 6 and November 22 at the Gettysburg Gift Center.

Mark Your Calendar

The Gettysburg Gift Center has a number of events taking place over the next few months. Make sure you mark your calendar for these special events!

May 26, 2008 - Memorial Day

2 p.m. - 139th Annual Gettysburg Memorial Day Parade (One of the nation's oldest Memorial Day oberservances)

June 9, 2008 - 97th Regimental String Band
 
2 p.m. - A FREE performance open to the public. (Weather permitting)

June 19 - 29, 2008 - Gettysburg Festival

A town-wide festival celebrating all of America's unique contributions to the arts in a town rich in history and charm! 
 
July 4 - 6, 2008 - 145th Anniversary Battle of Gettysburg Reenactment
 
Tickets are now on sale for the 145th Anniversary Reenactment held 2 miles north of Gettysburg.
 
August 8-10, 2008 - Francis Barnum's Birtday Bash!
 
Join us for a weekend of fun and history while we celebrate sculptor Francis Barnum's 80th birthday!
 
November 22, 2008 - Annual Remembrance Day
 
Gettysburg's best kept secret! Join thousands of reenactors in honoring the sevice of the men who fought during the American Civil War.  (Parade Saturday at 1 p.m.)

Every weekend, March to November, Living History encampments and presentations. Free and open to the public.

We look forward to seeing you at History Meets the Arts!
 
Sincerely,

Stephanie Lightner
Public Relations 
 
American Civil War Museum/Gettysburg Gift Center
History Meets the Arts Drawing
In an effort to better serve you, please provide your contact information.  One lucky participant will receive a product featured at "History Meets the Arts"! 
 
Name _________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________
City____________________  State__________ Zip Code _______
Daytime Phone__________________________________________
Email _________________________________________________
 
Please mail the entry form to  Gettysburg Gift Center - 297 Steinwehr Ave - Gettysburg, PA  17325  or  email information to vip@gettysburgmuseum.com  and enter "drawing"  in the subject line.
 
Limit one entry per person.  Not responsible for incomplete and entries not received.
Offer Expires: May 15th, 2008