What a beautiful weekend is in store for us in Gettysburg, Pa.! It’s Remembrance Day weekend and I think the weather is actually going to cooperate for a change.
For those who are not familiar, Nov. 19 is the anniversary of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address (1863), and it’s a great time to visit – especially when there is no sleet, rain or wind predicted.
As part of the festivities, I will be signing copies of my historical fiction novel Shades of Gray on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the American Civil War Museum Complex on Steinwehr Avenue (around here it’s known as the Wax Museum). Jeff Shaara and Robert Trout will also be signing on Saturday so I’m really looking forward to it.
I’m including a list of other events happening in town. The highlights are the annual Parade – an absolute must-see – and the illumination at the National Cemetery.
Nov. 19, 10:15 a.m. Dedication Day events will be held in the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, Gettysburg, starting with a wreath-laying at 10:15 a.m., followed by a speech by Sam Donaldson. For more information, visit www.gettysburg.edu/civilwar/institute.
Nov. 19, 11:15 a.m. The United States Colored Troops Graveside Salute will be held at the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, Gettysburg. Featured speaker will be Hari Jones.
Nov. 19, 4 p.m. Jim Getty will share his personal reflections in “My Life as Abraham Lincoln” at the Gettysburg Presbyterian Church, Baltimore St., Gettysburg. For more information, call 334-1235.
Nov. 19, 5-7:30 p.m. Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center presents “An Evening with The Painting.” National Cyclorama expert Sue Boardman presents the history of the Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama painting. Attendees will have an opportunity to spend time viewing the painting in the gallery. Tickets are available online at www.gettysburgfoundation.org or by calling 877-874-2478.
Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m. Edward Ayers will present “Loyalty and America’s Civil War” as the 49th Fortenbaugh Lecture at the Majestic Theater, 25 Carlisle St., Gettysburg.
Nov. 19, 8 p.m. Joy Melcher and Civil War Lady will host a Remembrance Day Ball at the Gettysburg Hotel, with dance-mistress Karen Chartrand-Duffy. For more information, visit www.GettysburgBall.com or call 712-310-9383.
Nov. 20, 10 a.m. Dedication of the Meade and Humphreys Monuments at the Gettysburg National Military Park by the George G. Meade Society, followed by the Meade Society annual dinner in Emmitsburg at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call the Meade Society at 215-848-7753.
Nov. 20, 11 a.m. – “Remembering Honor” ceremonies at the Winfield S. Hancock statue on East Cemetery Hill, sponsored by the W.S. Hancock Society. For more information, call 610-630-0912.
Nov. 20. 1 p.m. The Remembrance Day Parade and Ceremonies will be held in the streets of downtown Gettysburg. Sponsored by the Sons of Union Veterans. For more information, call 259-6156.
Nov. 20, 3:30 p.m. A special service of Remembrance will be held at Lincoln Cemetery. A keynote address will be given by Dr. Walter Powell, Gettysburg historian and a founding member of the Lincoln Cemetery Project Association, followed by a wreath laying by members of the 54th Massachusetts and 3rd United States Colored Troops.
Nov. 20, 6 p.m. The Farnsworth House, Gettysburg, will hold a Mourning Theater presentation with proceeds benefiting the Adams County SPCA. For more information and to reserve seats, call 334-8838 or visit www.gettysburgshauntedaddress.com.
Nov. 20, 5:30-9:30 p.m. The 8th annual Remembrance Illumination will be held at Soldiers’ national Cemetery, Gettysburg.
Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m. “Candlelight at Christ Church: Songs and stories of a Civil War Hospital” will be presented at Christ Lutheran Church, 30 Chambersburg St., Gettysburg.
Nov. 20, 9 p.m. The National Order of the Sons of Civil War Veterans’ Annual National Civil War Ball will begin at the Eisenhower Conference Center (Bus. Rt. 15S), featuring the Victorian Dance Ensemble, cake-walk, door prizes, and photographer. Cost is $25 per person, with all proceeds going to the GNMP.
Hope to see you in Gettysburg!
Jessica James