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Pennsylvania

The Battle of Gettysburg: Heroism, Sacrifice and History

Program No. 9114RJ
Relive one of our nation’s most defining moments as you join experts to learn about the Battle of Gettysburg, experiencing the museums, monuments and culture of this historic site.
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Start
National ParksSmall GroupMilitary History
Length
4 days
Rating (4.94)
Activity Level
Starts at
1,349
Program
At a Glance
Duration
4 days
Program Begins
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Program Concludes
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
7 ( 3B, 1L, 3D )
Activity Level
The Battle of Gettysburg — July 1-3, 1863 — determined the outcome of the Civil War. This bloodiest of battles left 28,000 Confederate and 23,000 Union casualties. Expert battlefield guides bring history alive as you trace battlefield strategies, separate legend from lore and gain an understanding of the impact on the town and its people. We’ll also pay our respects at the Soldiers’ National Cemetery.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Experience the new Gettysburg National Military Park & Museum and explore sites related to each day of the battle.
  • Be entertained by a folk musician who plays Civil War-era music on his handmade dulcimer, banjo, accordion and harmonica.
  • Meet Hannah Shearer, close friend to Mary Lincoln, in an exceptional living-history presentation.
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Featured Expert
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Tom Jolin
Tom was a founding member of the West Orrtanna String Band, as well as the Orrtanna Mountain Steamers, and played with these groups from 1972 to 1999. Through funding from The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, their five albums were archived and preserved in a set, “Traditional Music from Orrtanna.” Tom is also an instrument maker, specializing in the hammer dulcimer. He is a sought after artist-in-residence and lives with his family in the foothills of the Appalachians, near Gettysburg.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Tom was a founding member of the West Orrtanna String Band, as well as the Orrtanna Mountain Steamers, and played with these groups from 1972 to 1999. Through funding from The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, their five albums were archived and preserved in a set, “Traditional Music from Orrtanna.” Tom is also an instrument maker, specializing in the hammer dulcimer. He is a sought after artist-in-residence and lives with his family in the foothills of the Appalachians, near Gettysburg.
Lauren Biddle Kain is the site coordinator for Philadelphia Landmarks Road Scholar. She received her BS/BA from Randolph Macon College in Ashland, Virginia. After marriage and transfer to the San Diego area, she began working at EVENT NETWORK, a leading experiental retail operator, on behalf of cultural attractions such as zoos, botanical gardens, aquariums, museums, science centers and other cultural attractions. Lauren and her family now reside in the Philadelphia area. She started working with Road Scholar as a junior Group Leader for Grandparent Programs.
Richard Kohr has been a Licensed Battlefield Guide since 1995, and is the former president of the Association of Licensed Battlefield Guides. Rich has led presentations at several seminars and Civil War round tables, and has taught continuing education courses on the Gettysburg campaign at the Gettysburg campus of Harrisburg Area Community College.
Living and working in the Philadelphia area for 30 years, Maryann Oelkers found a renewed love for American history. Since retiring from a nursing career in 2009 and moving to Gettysburg, Maryann has been involved in learning about and sharing the history of this special town. Her ongoing experiences include working as a visitors’ services rep for the Gettysburg Foundation. Maryann enjoys continually learning about the history of Gettysburg, including the civilian experience during that fateful year of 1863.
Pete Miele is a native of northern New Jersey. After graduating from Ramapo College with a degree in History and Secondary Education, he began teaching American History, World History, and American Studies. In 2013, Pete relocated to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, earned a MA in Applied History from Shippensburg University, and worked with the new Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center. He was named the Museum’s Executive Director in 2020. His interests include 19th century mid-Atlantic social and cultural history, environmental and medical history, and museum studies.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to one mile daily and standing indoors and out; climbing flights of stairs; getting on/off a motorcoach.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Books and Resources
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You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

  • Peace of Mind

    We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

  • Assurance Plan

    Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

  • Want to Protect Your Investment?

    Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

  • Sustainable Travel

    We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.