Gettysburg will step back in time November 16–19, 2026, as the community marks the anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's historic visit and the speech that helped define the nation. The centerpiece of the celebration will be a re-creation of Lincoln's arrival in Gettysburg, the events surrounding his visit, and the procession to Soldiers' National Cemetery on Thursday, November 19.
Hosted as part of America250PA – Adams County programming, the celebration offers families, history enthusiasts, and visitors an opportunity to experience this pivotal moment in American history through a variety of free public events.
Monday, November 16
The celebration begins early in the week with opportunities to explore Gettysburg's history and enjoy community activities.
7–10 p.m. – Square Dance on the Square
Presented by the Lincoln Fellowship, this evening event invites visitors to enjoy a traditional square dance in the heart of Gettysburg.
The David Wills House will also be open for tours throughout the event period.
Tickets: Events in the designated area are free, but a ticket is required for entry.
Tuesday, November 17
Tuesday offers a full schedule of history, literature, music, and family-friendly programming. Licensed Gettysburg Town Guides will be available for tours, and the David Wills House will remain open for visitors.
Here's the scheduled lineup:
- 10 a.m.–1 p.m. – Jeff Shaara Book Signing: Meet the author as he signs his new book, The Unfinished Work: A Novel of Abraham Lincoln.
- 11 a.m. – Children's Storytime: Dennis Fowler and Ray Owen present Abraham Lincoln's Friend.
- Noon – Music of 1863: Jari Villanueva presents music from the Civil War era.
- 1 p.m. – Presidential Descendants: A program featuring Massee McKinley, Tweed Roosevelt, and Ulysses Grant Dietz. The program title is to be announced.
- 2 p.m. – Special History Program: Jeff Shaara and Andrew Dalton present a special program courtesy of Gettysburg History.
- 3–4 p.m. – Jeff Shaara Book Signing: Another opportunity to meet the author and get a copy of The Unfinished Work: A Novel of Abraham Lincoln signed.
- 3 p.m. – Children's Storytime: Christopher Oakley and Brian Kennall present Evergreen: A Gettysburg Tale.
- 4 p.m. – Lincoln's Funeral Train: Shannon Brown explores the story of Lincoln's funeral train.
- 5 p.m. – "That Marvelous, Undying Utterance": Codie Eash, Director of Educational Interpretation at the Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center, presents a program on abolitionists' reflections on the Gettysburg Address.
- 6 p.m. – President Lincoln's War Correspondent Soldier: Carolyn Ivanoff discusses journalist Henry E. Wing.
- 7 p.m. – Live Music: A musical performance by Laura Bielan, a local music teacher.
- 8 p.m. – Civil War Music: Jari Villanueva returns for another program of Civil War-era music.
Tickets: All events are free, but a ticket is required to enter the designated event area.
Wednesday, November 18: Event Kickoff on Gettysburg Square
Before the afternoon and evening kickoff activities, visitors can attend a morning program exploring one of the most frequently asked questions about Lincoln's historic speech.
10 a.m.–noon – Where Did Lincoln Stand During the Gettysburg Address? Visit the Chambersburg Street tent for a program examining the location where Lincoln stood when he delivered the Gettysburg Address.
Tickets: Events are free, but a ticket is required to enter the designated event area.
Then the main celebration begins Wednesday afternoon as President Lincoln arrives in Gettysburg and makes his way to the historic David Wills House.
3 p.m. – President Lincoln Arrives
President Lincoln will arrive at the Gettysburg Lincoln Train Station before walking around the inner Square to the David Wills House. There, he will be greeted by David Wills and wave to the public from the house's steps.
4–5:30 p.m. – David Wills House Open House
Visitors can explore the David Wills House during an open house celebrating its important place in the story of Lincoln's Gettysburg visit.
5:30–7 p.m. – Welcome Ceremony: "Conceived in Liberty"
Presented by the Lincoln Fellowship of Pennsylvania, this welcome ceremony will set the stage for the commemoration.
7–8:30 p.m. – The Gettysburg Address Considered
This program will explore the significance of the Gettysburg Address through three perspectives:
- The Gettysburg Address in 1863: "We Are Met on a Great Battlefield"
- The Gettysburg Address in 2026: "The Unfinished Work"
- The Gettysburg Address in the Future: "Shall Not Perish From the Earth"
8:30 p.m. – Cascading Taps Around Lincoln Square
Students will call for Lincoln as Taps echoes around the Square.
8:45 p.m. – Inside the Wills House
Additional programming will continue inside the historic house.
9 p.m. – Seward's Impromptu Remarks
The evening will conclude with a re-creation of remarks by William H. Seward, Lincoln's Secretary of State.
Tickets: All Wednesday events are free, but a ticket is required to enter the designated event area. Advance tickets are available through the event organizers.
Thursday, November 19: Re-Creating Lincoln's Historic Visit
Thursday's events will bring the commemoration to its centerpiece: a procession from Gettysburg Square to Soldiers' National Cemetery, where Lincoln's Gettysburg Address will be remembered.
6:40 a.m. – Lincoln's Morning Departure
Lincoln, Secretary of State William H. Seward, and John Hay will meet in front of the Majestic Theater on Carlisle Street before traveling to the Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center.
7 a.m. – Battlefield Tour
The three historical figures will tour the battlefield on foot along Seminary Ridge Road.
7:30 a.m. – Return to Gettysburg
Lincoln, Seward, and Hay will return by vehicle to the Majestic Theater.
10 a.m. – Town Bells Ring
Gettysburg's town bells will ring for two minutes and 50 seconds to announce the start of the procession.
10–11 a.m. – Procession to Soldiers' National Cemetery
The procession will depart from the David Wills House and Lincoln Square, traveling toward Soldiers' National Cemetery.
Noon–2 p.m. – Cemetery Program
Participants will gather at the rostrum at Soldiers' National Cemetery for the commemorative program.
2:30 p.m. – Stop at Gettysburg Presbyterian Church
Selected participants will stop at Gettysburg Presbyterian Church, with space for approximately 200 people.
3:30–4 p.m. – Lincoln's Farewell
The re-creation will conclude as President Lincoln waves goodbye from the historic David Wills House.
Tickets: No tickets are required for Thursday's events.
The November 18–19 re-creation provides a meaningful opportunity for families to explore the history of Gettysburg and reflect on the words and ideals that continue to shape the United States. With historical reenactments, live music, author appearances, children's programs, and a commemorative procession, there will be opportunities for visitors of many ages to participate.
