Ticket to the Past - VR Experience now at Gettysburg Visitor Center

Gettysburg Foundation Launches “Ticket to the Past—Unforgettable Journeys” - Virtual Reality Experience at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center

Gettysburg, Pa. (April 1, 2025)—The Gettysburg Foundation is proud to announce the new installation of "Ticket to the Past—Unforgettable Journeys," its immersive virtual reality (VR) experience, now available at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center.

Previously offered at the historic Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad StationTM in downtown Gettysburg, this powerful, interpretive experience has been relocated to the heart of the visitor campus in the Museum & Visitor Center, making it more accessible to guests engaging with the broader museum experience.

“Ticket to the Past—Unforgettable Journeys” invites visitors to experience Gettysburg’s historic station as it was in the days surrounding the Battle of Gettysburg through the lives of three real individuals.

Cornelia Hancock, a young Quaker nurse who defied expectations to provide care on the front lines.
Eli Blanchard, a teenage drummer and soldier turned battlefield medic, and
Basil Biggs, a free Black man who played a critical role in the dignified reburial of Union soldiers in Gettysburg National Cemetery.

 The program also features President Abraham Lincoln’s historic arrival in Gettysburg on the eve of the dedication of the new national cemetery where he delivered the Gettysburg Address, offering a rare glimpse into this transformative moment in American history.

 “Ticket to the Past gives voice to those whose lives were forever changed by Gettysburg—stories of courage, care and quiet resilience often lost beneath the battle’s shadow,” said Jackie Spainhour, president and CEO of the Gettysburg Foundation. “This immersive experience helps visitors connect more deeply with what happened here—and why it still matters today.”

 The experience combines historical accuracy with innovative VR technology. Each character’s journey unfolds in a dedicated 8-minute segment, offering visitors a chance to walk in their footsteps and witness Gettysburg through their eyes. Located adjacent to the Group Lobby in the Museum & Visitor Center, the VR experience now reaches more visitors thanks to its prominent new home and is supported by new signage—including wayfinding for guests—that ensures visibility and encourages engagement.

 The relocation of Ticket to the Past reflects the Gettysburg Foundation’s ongoing commitment to providing inclusive and engaging interpretations of Gettysburg’s history while also embracing new tools to connect with contemporary audiences.

 The VR experience is available with daily showtimes every 30 minutes. Required admission tickets can be added to admission tickets for the Film, Cyclorama & Museum Experience or Battlefield Bus Tour. Tickets can be reserved by phone or online or purchased at the on-site ticket counter. Tickets and other purchases in the Museum & Visitor Center benefit Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit GettysburgFoundation.org/Ticket-to-the Past or contact the Museum & Visitor Center directly.

Richmond Battlefields Association Annual Tour on May 3rd

From the Richmond Battlefields Association…

Dear Friends,

We are thrilled to announce the revitalization of the Seven Pines Battlefield, once thought lost to history! Join us in celebrating this significant preservation victory on Saturday, May 3rd, for a special tour led by author Victor Vignola.

Please join us in honoring our past and securing its future.

Regards,
Richmond Battlefields Association
1862rba@gmail.com
www.saverichmondbattlefields.org

Central Virginia Battlefields Trust 2025 Annual Conference ~ September 12-14, 2025

The Battle of Spotsylvania Court House September 12-14, 2025

 Featuring tours focusing on

The Battle of Spotsylvania Court House

Friday Tour - To Be Announced

Saturday's Feature - Tour of the Spotsylvania Battlefield - Chris Mackowski

To fully understand the Civil War, it is important to consider the role that the landscape, environment, and weather had on the conflict, as well as what the soldiers experienced and endured off the battlefield. The 2025 Annual Conference weekend offers two opportunities to learn more about these important topics.

Saturday Banquet Keynote Speaker - Ken Noe -  "The Howling Storm: Weather Climate and the American Civil War"

Sunday Brunch Keynote Speaker - Brian Steel Wills - "Inglorious Passages: Noncombat Deaths in the American Civil War"

Join Us for Three Days of Fun, Food, Tours, History and Comradery!
More Information & Registration

Honoring Medal of Honor Recipients

March 25, 2025 - from the American Battlefield Trust

March 25 marks Medal of Honor Day, commemorating when the first Medals were awarded to Andrews Raiders during the Civil War. Since 2018, the commemoration has taken on new resonance at the American Battlefield Trust, thanks to our ongoing collaboration with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Members of the Trust leadership team were humbled and honored to once again join the Society and many recipients and their families for a luncheon prior to the wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  

We were especially proud to use the occasion to debut the Medal of Honor Valor Trail™ app, a free digital product that provides access to a global network of sites tied to the lives and legacies of those 3,517 individuals who have received the nation’s highest military honor. From hometowns to far-flung battlefields, from namesake buildings to monuments and museums, together, these places tell a fuller story of recipients’ lives, not just the combat action for which they were recognized.  

The Medal of Honor Valor Trail™ app is a dynamic, immersive way to engage with our nation’s history. It is centered around an interactive map that lets users virtually follow in the footsteps of recipients by discovering battlefields, memorials, museums, and more around the world. Pages for specific recipients show an individual journey, from birth through enlistment, citation action, death and burial, plus listings for namesake sites — many of these hometown heroes are honored with elementary schools, local parks and other meaningful places named in their honor and memory. Wherever you are in the world, a Medal of Honor connection is probably closer than you think, as illustrated by the “Near Me” feature.

As more sites around the world self-identify for inclusion, the Trail inventory will continue to grow. Future curated collections of recipients with parallel stories and experiences will deepen the connections between heroes across time. And with more than 3,500 powerful stories of individuals filled with profound acts of courage and conviction by ordinary people who rose to the occasion in which they found themselves, a steady stream of biographies will also be added.

Dread Danger: Cowardice and Combat in the Civil War, free via ZOOM on April 3rd

Join Dr. Gordon and NCWM CEO Jeffrey Nichols on April 3rd at 7pm as they discuss her latest book, Dread Danger: Cowardice and Combat in the American Civil War.
Sponsored by the American Civil War Museum

Click Here to Register 

About the book:

When cofronted with the abject fear of going into battle, Civil War soldiers were expected to overcome the dread of the oncoming danger with feats of courage and victory on the battlefield. The Fire Zouaves and the 2nd Texas Infantry went to war with high expectations that they would perform bravely; they had famed commanders and enthusiastic community support. How could they possibly fail? Yet falter they did, facing humiliating charges of cowardice thereafter that cast a lingering shadow on the two regiments, despite their best efforts at redemption. By the end of the war, however, these charges were largely forgotten, replaced with the jingoistic rhetoric of martial heroism, a legacy that led many, including historians, to insist that all Civil War soldiers were heroes. Dread Danger creates a fuller understanding of the soldier experience and the overall costs and sufferings of war.

 Click Here to Register

About the Author:

Professor Lesley J. Gordon earned her BA in History from The College of William and Mary, and her MA and PhD in American History from the University of Georgia. She taught at Murray State University and the University of Akron before becoming the Charles G. Summersell Chair of Southern History at the University of Alabama in 2016. Professor Gordon has authored three monographs, co-edited four volumes of essays, and co-written a textbook about the American Civil War.

Advocacy Update Briefing: Wilderness Crossing Development Lawsuit

Join representatives of the American Battlefield Trust, Central Virginia Battlefields Trust, Friends of Wilderness Battlefield, National Parks Conservation Association and Piedmont Environmental Council – plaintiffs and amicus curiae in the lawsuit over the Wilderness Crossing Development – for a briefing on March 17, 2025 at 11 a.m. ET in anticipation of next Friday’s preliminary hearing in the case.

Sign up HERE to participate via Zoom. You’ll hear what local advocates can do to support our day in court and what interested parties can expect in terms of process, duration and potential outcomes. Remember: March 21 is not the start of the trial itself; Orange County filed a motion to have the case dismissed, so this hearing will determine whether the case will move to trial. We’ll also provide a background briefing on this proposal and our case’s merits, as well as the broader issue of data center impact across Virginia.   

If you plan to attend, please register early. This briefing is a joint endeavor, with members from multiple organizations invited and the webinar platform does have a maximum capacity. This session will also differ from other Trust updates you may have attended because we also anticipate that members of the media preparing to cover the hearing, which is a major milestone in a high-visibility, ongoing story, will be in attendance.

‘Til the battle is won,

David N. Duncan
President
American Battlefield Trust

Annual Reenactor Recruitment Day at Gettysburg Heritage Center

Step Into History: The Second Annual Reenactor Recruitment Day at Gettysburg Heritage Center

March 11, 2025 by Community Contributors

The Gettysburg Heritage Center is thrilled to announce the return of “Reenactor Recruitment Day” on Saturday, March 15, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, this second annual gathering promises to be even more exciting for history enthusiasts and those interested in joining a reenactment group.

While many groups represent the Civil War era, attendees will also have the chance to explore portrayals from other historical periods, including the War of 1812 and World War II. This is a rare opportunity to connect with a historical era that resonates with your interests, meet passionate reenactors, and learn what it takes to become part of a group.

Due to overwhelming interest from reenactment groups, this year’s event will be held at two locations that are within walking distance of each other, Gettysburg Heritage Center (297 Steinwehr Ave.) and  GettysGear (777 Baltimore St.). Representatives will be on hand to provide insights into their portrayals, member expectations, uniform and equipment requirements, and other essential details for prospective recruits.

Weather permitting, live demonstrations will take place throughout the day on the front lawn of the Gettysburg Heritage Center. These will showcase music, uniforms, weaponry, and more, offering attendees a firsthand look at the reenactment experience. In addition, a Tintype photographer will be onsite at the Heritage Center for participants and visitors to have portraits taken and purchase as a special keepsake from the day.

Visitors can enter to win door prizes generously donated by local businesses, including The Cottage Creperie, The Dobbin House, Historical Caps, Buddy Boy Winery, Body & Soul Silversmith, Gettysburg Eddie’s, Mr. Ed’s Elephant Museum, and more! Additionally, many shops along Steinwehr Avenue will be open with special offers and new spring products for attendees to enjoy.  For a complete list of participating groups, a schedule of demonstrations, and additional event details, visit the Gettysburg Heritage Center Facebook page.

The Gettysburg Heritage Center, operated by the Gettysburg Nature Alliance, provides an immersive experience that brings Gettysburg’s history to life. Through interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and engaging storytelling, visitors gain a deeper understanding of this pivotal chapter in American history.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Gettysburg Nature Alliance is dedicated to the preservation, education, and rehabilitation of Gettysburg’s historical heritage and natural environment. This unique combination of heritage and habitat creates an unparalleled opportunity to explore the past while appreciating the importance of preserving the future.

Whether you’re a seasoned history buff or new to the world of reenactment, Reenactor Recruitment Day offers something for everyone. Don’t miss this chance to engage with history, meet passionate reenactors, and explore the diverse experiences of living history groups!

Free Zoom Lecture on Wed Mar 19th - Civil War Correspondence

From the Lehigh University Press…

Join us on Wednesday, March 19 from 5:00p.m. to 6:30 p.m. via Zoom for The Civil War Correspondence of Charles Lamborn and Emma Taylor, presented by author Dr. Richard Upsher Smith.

In his talk Dr. Smith will present work from his 2023 book, A Quaker Colonel, His Fiancée, and Their Connections. The book is a collection of recently discovered civil war correspondence written by two Pennsylvanians and their family and friends, between 1861 and 1865.

The lecture will be followed by a Q&A session led by Lois Black, Director of Library Special Collections. This event is free and open to the public.

Register

"The Lincoln Miracle" a presentation at the Lehigh County Heritage Museum on 3/15

Celebrate Lincoln’s Birthday with a Lecture & Book Signing “The Lincoln Miracle: Inside the Republican Convention that Changed History” with Edward Achorn
Saturday, March 15, 2025 – 1 pm
at the Lehigh County Heritage Museum
432 W Walnut St Allentown

Explore the crucial 1860 Republican presidential nomination in Chicago that candidate Lincoln won. 

Discover the drama that animated the Republican National Convention of 1860. 

Enjoy a slice of Lincoln’s favorite white almond cake from Mary Todd Lincoln’s original recipe.

FREE to members, non-member adults $10, age 2-11 $3, under 2 FREE

Free, In-Person book talk, Last Seen, with Dr. Judith Giesberg on April 26th at Nat CW Museum

Civil War Book Talk with Dr. Judith Giesberg

“Last Seen The Enduring Search by Formerly Enslaved People to Find Their Lost Families”

Join us for a free, In-Person book talk, Last Seen, with Dr. Judith Giesberg on April 26, 2025, from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm, followed by a book signing at the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg.

 About he book: Drawing from an archive of nearly five thousand letters and advertisements, the riveting, dramatic story of formerly enslaved peoplewho spent years searching for family members stolen away during slavery. Of all the many horrors of slavery, the cruelest was the separation of families in slave auctions. Spouses and siblings were sold away from one other. Young children were separated from their mothers. Fathers were sent down river and never saw their families again. As soon as slavery ended in 1865, family members began to search for one another, in some cases persisting until as late as the 1920s. They took out “information wanted”advertisements in newspapers and sent letters to the editor. Pastors in. churches across the country read these advertisements from the pulpit, expanding the search to those who had never learned to read or who did not have access to newspapers. These documents demonstrate that even as most white Americans—and even some younger Black Americans, too—wanted to put slavery in the past, many former slaves, members of the “Freedom Generation,” continued for years, and even decades, to search for one another. These letters and advertisements are testaments to formerly enslaved people’s enduring love for the families they lost in slavery, yet they spent manyyears buried in the storage of local historical societies or on microfilm reels that time forgot.

Judith Giesberg draws on the archive that she founded—containing almost five thousand letters and advertisements placed by members of the Freedom Generation—to compile these stories in a narrative form for the first time. Her in-depth research turned up additional information about the writers, their families, and their enslavers. With this critical context, she recounts the moving stories of the people who placed the advertisements, the loved ones they tried to find, and the outcome of their quests to reunite. This story underscores the cruelest horror of slavery—the forced breakup of families—and the resilience and determination of the formerly enslaved. Thoughtful, heart-wrenching, and illuminating, Last Seen finally gives this lesser-known aspect of slavery the attention it deserves.

About the Author

 Dr. Judith Giesberg is professor of history and Robert M. Birmingham chair in the humanities at Villanova University. She is the founder and director of the Last Seen archive, and the author of several books on Civil War history, including Army at Home, Emilie Davis’s Civil War, and Last Seen.