Logo

October 2008

Catalog 



Remembrance Day 2008 & Celebrating Lincoln!

Greetings!
Fall is an exciting time of year for Gettysburg.  The weather is brisk and the leaves are changing to beautiful hues of red & brown.  It is at this time each year we commemorate Lincoln's famous Gettysburg Address.  This year marks the 145th anniversary of one of the most notable speaches ever given.  The words of the Gettysburg Address can still be heard around the world today.

As 2008 draws to a close, we find ourselves on the eve of a very important year.  2009 marks the 200th Birthday of Abraham Lincoln.  The year will be full of special events and programming focusing on Lincoln and his historic accomplishments. 

The American Civil War Museum and Gettysburg Gift Center  will host a number of special events in the coming weeks.  Please take a moment to read through what all we have to offer!
 
Come be a part of history in Gettysburg!


Exterior image 
 
In This Issue
NEW! 2009 Catalog Release
Best-Selling Author Jeff Shaara Schedules Appearance
Meet Sculptor Andrew Chernak
Jewelry At Its Finest
Annual Nancy Wilkins Remembrance Day Bake Sale!
History Comes to Life
Official Book Seller for 2008 Lincoln Forum
Mark Your Calendar
Join Our Mailing List!
NEW! 2009 Catalog Release
2009 catalogThe hustle and bustle of the Holiday season is quickly approaching.  This year, why not shop from the comfort of your own home! The Gettysburg Gift Center 2009 catalog will be out in just three weeks! Inside you'll find the perfect gift for the history buff in your family, games & toys for the kids, and something special for mom's kitchen.  There is something for everyone in the new 2009 catalog!

Not on our mailing list?  We can fix that! Just click here!

We have a lot of products featured in our printed catalog, but as you know, our store has thousands of items and we can't picture them all.  Visit our online store for more products and new arrivals!  If you can't find what you're looking for, contact our courteous and knowledgeable sales staff at 717-334-6245. Someone is available to answer your questions seven days a week from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. EST.  Or email your question to info@gettysburgmuseum.com


***Don't let the holiday rush get you down! Shop early and receive a free gift! Orders received by November 30, 2008 will receive a FREE Gettysburg National Military Park screen saver! Give it to the history buff in your family, or keep it as a special gift for yourself! Limited time offer, 
Best-Selling Author Jeff Shaara Schedules Appearance

Shaara

Best-selling author Jeff Shaara announced he will be signing copies of all of his works November 19 - 21, 2008.  His appearance falls in conjunction with the annual Dedication Day observance honoring Abraham Lincoln's deliverance of the Gettysburg Address. The Gettysburg Gift Center will be the only place Shaara will be signing that you can purchase all of his publications. "We are very excited that Jeff will be here at the Gift Center three days during his visit," states General Manager Tammy Myers, "we are only store he'll be appearing at that carries all of his titles!"

Shaara recently complete the second book in the World War II trilogy that began with the "Rising Tide".  In June he released "The Steel Wave", which quickly became a New York Times Bestseller. Once his visit in Gettysburg is over, he plans to start work on the thrid and final book of the triology. 

Meet author Jeff Shaara at the Gettysburg Gift Center:
  • Wednesday, November 19 - 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Thursday, November 20 - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Friday, November 21 - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, November 22 - 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Student groups are welcomed to visit the Gettysburg Gift Center during Shaara's visit. Students interested in speaking with Jeff can do so on a one-on-one basis while he signs copies of his works. This is a unique opportunity for students interested in history or one day publishing works related to historical events. 

Jeff Shaara is the author of the New York Times bestsellers "Gods and Generals" and "The Last Full Measure"-two novels that complete the Civil War trilogy that began with his father's Pulitzer Prize-winning classic "The Killer Angels", and the best-selling "Gone for Soldiers". Jeff was born in 1952 in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He grew up in Tallahassee, Florida, and graduated from Florida State University in 1974.


All of Shaara's works are available for pre-sale and can be personalized and shipped following his appearance at the Gift Center.To place an order, visit us online at
www.GettysburgMuseum.com 
Meet Sculptor Andrew Chernak
Andy SculptingArtist, historian, and veteran Andrew Chernak has been keeping busy over the past year.  As 2008 quickly draws to a close, Chernak can look back at the year as one of hard work, and little sleep!  Balancing his work load has been a difficult task, but after the ground breakings are over and the projects near end, the hard work and sleepless nights seem to be worth it.

Currently, Chernak is in the process of working on the Gold Star Mothers Memorial that will reside in our nations capital.  Earlier this year he attended the ground breaking for the placement of the Gold Star Mothers memorial in Manchester, New Hampshire.  This is the second memorial in honor of the gold star mothers that Chernak has created.  The commissioned works he has been working on have encompassed much of his time and concentration. 

There are not enough hours in the day, or days in the week to allow Chernak to work on expanding his current Civil War pewter collection, but it is still one of his most remarkable and popular series among collectors.  Chernak's attention to detail and historical accuracy place him in a league of his own.  Not only can he capture the emotions and struggles of the the soldiers of our nation's greatest conflict, he can do so with historical accuracy.  Chernak spends countless hours researching every sculpture he creates, down to the what insturments were on a surgeons table, or the number of buttons on and officers jacket.
Meet sculptor Andrew Chernak on Saturday, November 22 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Visitors will be able to meet with the artist, discuss current projects and purchase sculptures from his Civil War pewter collection.  Andrew Chernaks complete collection is available for sale at the Gettysburg Gift Center. For more information, or to place and order, please visit us online at www.GettysburgMuseum.com.

Jewelry At Its Finest
tricolor hair braceletWhen it comes to Civil War fashion and accessories, Rebecca Marie Schmehl and Lucy Cadwallader know what women want.  These two ladies are well known and revered among the reenactment community and beyond. Although their jewelry is completely different, they both share a common bond, the love their craft. 

Lucy spends countless hours creating intricate pieces of hair jewelry, using human hair, horse hair or synthetic hair. A lost art and fashion, Lucy has been able to bring the art of Victorian hair jewelry into the 21st century and captivate a new audience. 

Becky Schmehl has always had a love for jewelry.  She wanted to have a creative outlet that allowed her to make something that people would enjoy and appreciate.  Using antique settings, each piece of Becky's jewelry takes you back to a by-gone era, yet is perfect in today's ever changing fashion.  becky's chocker

If you are looking for something more personal, both Lucy and Becky can custom make your jewelry.  Lucy can use your own hair to create a piece of jewelry! It typically takes 8 hours to create a piece of hair jewelry, but she can take your order and ship it to you when it is complete.  Typically, Becky can create your custom jewelry while you wait.  These unique pieces of jewelry would make the perfect gift for that special someone this holiday season!

Stop by the Gettysburg Gift Center Saturday, November 22, to meet these talented ladies. Lucy will be appearing from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., and Becky will be appearing 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.  Their jewelry is on display and for sale at the Gift Center year round! For more information, or to place an order, visit us online at www.GettysburgMuseum.com
Annual Nancy Wilkins Remembrance Day Bake Sale!
relay logoLooking for some hot coffee, tasty treats, or healthy snacks?  Look no further!  The annual Nancy Wilkins Remembrance Day Bake Sale hosted by the Gift Center will once again be set up for the Remembrance Day observance on Saturday, November 22nd.  All proceeds benefit the local Adams County chapter of the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life event.  

Over the years the bake sale has grown and become a Remembrance Day tradition.  The growth and success of the sale is largely due to the help of Terria Chernak, wife of sculptor Andrew Chernak.  Over the past four years since Terria began coordinating the sale, the proceeds have multiplied exponentially! The amount of time and energy Terria devotes to the event is remarkable.  She spends months planning the sale and gathering donations, not to mention recruiting help for the event. 

Donations and support for the event come from all around the region.  Many of the much needed supplies and baked goods come from businesses and business owners, personal friends, and frequent visitors! Helpers from all around join together to make the sale a success!   

The Gift Center has participated in the local Relay for Life event for over five years in honor and memory of friend and co-worker Nancy Wilkins. Over the course of the Gift Center's participation, the team has raised over $10,000 toward the cause.  The event not only helps raise money for research and treatment, it also raises awareness about prevention and detection.  For more information visit our website at www.GettysburgMuseum.com

History Comes to Life!
LincolnWeekends March - November the Gift Center hosts living history encampments on our grounds.  During the Remembrance Day observance, the Civil War Heritage Foundation will be set up to talk to visitors, do demonstrations, and conduct programs.  Comprised of generals from both the Union and Confederate armies, the Foundation will offer special programing throughout the weekend. 

On Saturday, November 22, visitors are welcome to hear our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln speak.  He will be addressing the crowd at 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.  He will discuss his life and more directly the Gettysburg Address.  The living history camp and all the special programming is free and open to the public. 

On Sunday, November 23, Chaplain Rene Kinard and his wife Rommi, in conjunction with the Foundation will hold a Civil War Era Church Service.  The service will begin at 10 a.m. on the lawn of the Gift Center.  It is a non-denominational service where everyone is welcome!

Come be a part of history at the American Civil War Museum!
Official Book Seller for 2008 Lincoln Forum!
Looking for Lincoln bookThe Gettysburg Gift Center is the official book seller for the 2008 Lincoln Forum held in Gettysburg November 16 - 18.  If you are looking for Lincoln books, or anything Lincoln related - look no further! 

2009 marks the 200th Birthday of President Lincoln and the Gift Center is your resource for Lincoln books, collectibles, and classroom aides.

To see our line of Lincoln related books and other collectibles, visit our online store at www.GettysburgMuseum.com
Mark Your Calendar
There are many events taking place in Gettysburg throughout the year.  Here are a few to remember!

November 29, 2008 - Gettysburg's Annual Christmas Parade at 6:30 p.m.

December 5, 12 & 13, 19 & 20, 2008 -
Live Nativity at the Gettysburg Gift Center. Sponsored by local churches.  Programs at 6:30 & 7:30  (December  5 - 7:30 program only.)

December 31, 2008 - Ring in the New Year on Lincoln Square in downtown Gettysburg.  Fireworks and music.

February 12, 2009 - Abraham Lincoln's 200th Birthday!Grand Opening of the David Will's House, downtown Gettysburg.

April 18 - 19, 2009- History Meets the Arts

June 18 - 28, 2009
- Gettysburg Festival ~ Celebrating America's contributions to the arts.

July 4,5, & 6
, 2009
- 146th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg Civil War Reenactment.

For more information on these events, or other events around Gettysburg, visit us online at www.GettysburgMuseum.com or visit the Gettysburg Convention and Visitor's Bureau at www.gettysburg.travel.


Have a wonderful holiday season! We look forward to hearing from you in the future! Our knowledgeable and courteous staff is available to assist any your request. 
 
Sincerely,

Stephanie Lightner
Public Relations
American Civil War Museum/Gettysburg Gift Center