Gettysburg will commemorate the 163rd anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and the 250th anniversary of the United States with a special Dedication Day ceremony on Thursday, November 19, 2026. This free public event will recreate key moments from Lincoln’s historic visit to Gettysburg in November 1863.
The commemoration will begin on November 18 with a reenactment of Lincoln’s arrival by train in Gettysburg. On November 19, visitors can watch a recreation of the formal procession that will travel from the David Wills House down Baltimore Street before entering Gettysburg National Cemetery through the Taneytown Road gate.
The procession is scheduled for 10 to 11 a.m., followed by the Dedication Day ceremony in Gettysburg National Cemetery from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The annual observance offers families and history enthusiasts an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of the Gettysburg Address and the sacrifices made during the Civil War. As the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, this year's event provides a meaningful way to connect with the history that helped shape the United States.
Event Details
- What: Dedication Day Ceremony
- When: Thursday, November 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Where: Procession begins at the David Wills House, continues down Baltimore Street, and proceeds to Gettysburg National Cemetery.
- Cost: Free and open to the public
The public is invited to attend this special commemoration and experience a recreation of one of the most significant moments in Gettysburg’s history.
