Gettysburg, Pa. (July 10, 2025)—The Gettysburg Foundation presents a summer series of evening programs at the historic George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital, offering visitors and area residents unique opportunities to explore the medical, military and civilian history of Gettysburg. These expert-led sessions will take place in the restored barn on the 80-acre site, beginning at 6 p.m. with gates opening at 5:30 p.m.
The series kicked off June 27, 2025, with "Bonded in Misery," presented by historians Doug and Wendy Shupinski. This moving program delved into the lives of eight young soldiers treated at the 11th Corps field hospital, sharing their stories from before the Civil War through the Battle of Gettysburg and beyond. Attendees also learned about the dedicated medical staff who cared for these men at the very site where they were treated and where history was made.
On Friday, July 25, 2025, local historian Erin S. Pearce will present "Camp Letterman to Camp Colt: Military Medicine & Civilian Care in Gettysburg". This presentation highlights the vital roles of Camp Letterman and Camp Colt from the aftermath of the Battle of Gettysburg to World War I, including insights into the leadership of then Captain Dwight D. Eisenhower. Pearce will discuss how military medicine and civilian support shaped the experiences of the men and women who served in and utilized these hospitals and the impact they had on the local community. Ticket reservations are required and can be made now.
The final program will take place Thursday, July 31, 2025, featuring living historian Trevor Steinbach with “General Custer’s and the Almost Fatal Gettysburg Charge”. Guests will uncover the lesser-known and “real” story of the Battle of Hunterstown Road, where General Custer faced General Hampton Wade on July 2, 1863. The presentation reveals the true story behind this crucial cavalry engagement during this second battle at Gettysburg. Tickets are now available for this event.
“These programs bring the history of Gettysburg to life in a deeply personal way,” said Jackie Spainhour, President and CEO of the Gettysburg Foundation. “We are excited to offer visitors the chance to connect with the stories of individuals who played an important role in the historical events that took place here in Gettysburg.”
A successful family farm before and after the Battle of Gettysburg, George and Elizabeth Spangler’s home and farm served as the Union Army’s 11th Corps field hospital where more than 1,900 wounded soldiers received care. The site also served as an artillery reserve, an ammunition reserve, a provost and a temporary cemetery for Union and Confederate soldiers. Today, the 80-acre George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital is one of the best-preserved field hospitals from the Battle of Gettysburg. Its original buildings have been thoughtfully restored and renovated, providing a powerful place to learn, reflect and connect with the human cost of war.
Tickets for programs can be purchased online at GettysburgFoundation.org, by calling 877-874-2478 or 717-334-2436, or at the Ticket Counter inside the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center. Guests with advance tickets for these programs may drive to the property and park on-site.