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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At a Glance

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.
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
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • 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.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Dave Booz
Dave served as a high school principal and teacher for thirty years and is now an adjunct professor in the Civil War Era Studies program at Gettysburg College. He was also the Executive Director of the Friends of the National Parks at Gettysburg. Dave is active in the North-South Skirmish Association, the Maryland Arms Collectors Association and St. John Lutheran Church in Fairfield, Pennsylvania.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Tom Jolin
Tom Jolin View biography
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.
Profile Image of Dave Booz
Dave Booz View biography
Dave served as a high school principal and teacher for thirty years and is now an adjunct professor in the Civil War Era Studies program at Gettysburg College. He was also the Executive Director of the Friends of the National Parks at Gettysburg. Dave is active in the North-South Skirmish Association, the Maryland Arms Collectors Association and St. John Lutheran Church in Fairfield, Pennsylvania.
Profile Image of Lauren Kain
Lauren Kain View biography
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.
Profile Image of Richard Kohr
Richard Kohr View biography
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.
Profile Image of Maryann Oelkers
Maryann Oelkers View biography
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.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can 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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