On this day, 204 years ago, President Abraham Lincoln was born in a humble log cabin in Kentucky. While he was always a modest man in his personal life, he achieved greatness throughout his presidency.

Although President Lincoln's only visit to Gettysburg lasted less than 24 hours on November 18, 1863, the impact he had on the town and on the nation as a whole was monumental. Lincoln's purpose, to dedicate the Soldiers' National Cemetery, framed the Gettysburg Address which is forever imbedded in the history and values of America.  

Lincoln's brief visit began and ended at the architecturally unique train station located in downtown Gettysburg. He then lodged and put the finishing touches on his Dedication Day remarks at the home of attorney David Wills. Finally, he processed up Baltimore Street to the Soldiers' National Cemetery for the Dedication Day ceremony.

As we commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address this November, it is our goal to unify these sites into one comprehensive learning experience for our visitors.

If you'd like to be included on the Foundation's mailing list, please join the Friends of Gettysburg, or contact Wendy Nulty. 

The Gettysburg National Military Park and the Gettysburg Foundation expect to have the demolition portion of the project competed before the end of this summer. 

 

Thank you to all of our members and supporters who have supported the rehabilitation of Cemetery Ridge for the past 10 years. We look forward to keeping you updated on the future progress of this project.

The conference, which is jointly sponsored by Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg College, and the Gettysburg Foundation will devote itself to exploring new ways the historical community can make the Civil War past more engaging, more accessible, and more usable to public audiences as we look beyond the 150th commemorations and to the future of Civil War history. Built around a wide variety of panels, presentations, working groups and field experiences, The Future of Civil War History will include small group conversations on topics such as the environmental history of the war; internationalizing our understanding of the Civil War; interpreting slavery and contraband history at Civil War sites; conflict tourism; teaching the Civil War; reinterpreting Civil War monuments; and gaming the war.

Registration is filling quickly, but seats are still available. Those planning to attend are strongly encouraged to register by Feb. 15. For registration information and a draft program, please visit the conference website.
 

Questions? E-mail civilwar@gettysburg.edu.

Immerse yourself in a week-long service vacation offered by the Friends of Gettysburg. Participants will join together in a five day, four night work project that includes   accommodations, selected meals, and the equipment needed to make this a vacation to remember. You will work on battlefield projects such as brush clearing, painting, and other maintenance tasks. There will also be time on your own to tour the battlefield and plan other activities.

The Vacation is held from May 19-23, 2013 and registration is open to Friends members and their Guests 12 years of age and older. Registration closes on April 19, 2013 and spaces fill quickly so please visit our website to sign up for this unique service opportunity today!