Gettysburg, Living History Programs | Things to Do with Kids

Share |

Family Travel Files Ezine Family Vacations Resource

Pennsylvania: Gettysburg, Experiencing History with Kids.

As we walked toward the center of the National Cemetery our pace was slowed by the sound of a young voice. “Four score and seven years ago our forefathers…” the voice paused, “Grandpa are you listening? “ Gettysburg is a destination with for all ages to make memories together.

Ask any 10-year old what they think of when they hear the word Gettysburg and more than likely the answer will be President Abraham Lincoln. Not always is the connection made to the American Civil War or even to the battle because it is the Gettysburg Address that is most often memorized. The voice of the boy we heard in the cemetery was connecting what he knew with what he saw, a real place. So, as our day progressed we did the same.

Our day began shortly after seven at the cemetery. I was surprised at the number of other parents there with their children. We walked along the pathways that divide the grave markers of the soldiers. The long shadows cast by the marble sculptures made them seem gigantic. From our guidebook we read that a total of 3,555 Union soldiers are buried here. We already knew that this is where President Lincoln gave his Gettysburg Address on November 19, 1863. To properly bury the Union soldiers who died at Gettysburg, there is a "Soldiers Cemetery" was established on the battleground near the center of the Union line. Kid’s note: Don’t miss the cemetery because it is where Abraham Lincoln spoke. It is also the place where some of the movie Remember the Titans was filmed. From our guide I learned that in early July of 1863, more men actually fought and died at Gettysburg, than any other battle ever fought in North America! It was a three-day and did not end the war.

After eating our donuts on the grass near the image of Mr. Lincoln we crossed the street to the interpretive center. Each of us had facts about the events leading to the battle and so it was our goal fit names with the actual places. The magnitude of this historic event is difficult to comprehend but as a teacher I know that there is no substitute for a first-person experience to complete the learning cycle.

The Gettysburg National Military National Park Interpretive Center on Cemetery Hill is the ideal starting place. Plan to spend at least two hours at the center viewing artifacts, movies and different programs. We all knew that it was the site of the largest civil war battle ever waged in the Western Hemisphere even though it lasted only three days. The Battle of Gettysburg began on July 1, 1863 concluded with the climactic "Pickett's Charge". The Union was victorious and General Robert E. Lee was successfully turned back. For us the tone was set when we heard that at this battle there were more than 51,000 casualties and 172,00 men were involved in the battle. It still is the bloodiest battle ever fought on American soil.

To see exactly how it happened, get tickets for the electric map presentation in the auditorium at the center. Observers sit in a theater-in-the-round setting and get a bird's eye view of the campaigns run by each side. In about 30-minutes the story is told by recreating the battlefield landscape in miniature. Colored lights mark the movement of Lee's army as they progress closer to Gettysburg. The commentary continues as lights representing the Union troops block the path. Older children will understand and enjoy the diorama of the battlefield strategies. Kid's note: Cool but not for little kids. This is a place that is for adults. Mom’s note: The center is scheduled to be torn down and rebuilt on a less historic site. The gift shop is a must because they have exceptional learning materials that will be useful once back in the classroom.

From the center National Park Rangers give guided walks through the cemetery and memorial site throughout the day. On the day we were there it was very busy and I am told that is always the case in the summer. Author’s note: Get a plan at the start and stick to it because it is easy to get distracted.

The Cyclorama Center, is a short walk from the visitor center, is also worth visiting. Purchase a ticket for a 20-minute sound and light program of Pickett's Charge. Visitors stand beneath a colossal circular painting on the ceiling of the center. It's hard to visualize, but it's neat. The imagery is impressive and the presentation is interactive so there is a sense of being there.

To get a little perspective, Gettysburg is not just a battle site; it is also a city. Gettysburg National Military Park incorporates nearly 6,000 acres, with 26 miles of park roads and more than 1,400 monuments, markers, and memorials. The battle was fought around the surrounding countryside so to understand the complexity a tour of the battlefields is necessary.

There are several different ways to tour. For families interested in getting the most out of the field trip I recommend hiring a tour guide. Guides can be arranged at the Gettysburg Battlefield on a first come first serve basis. The guide will drive your car through the 18-mile area and explain what happened. Our guide was very knowledgeable and used language our 9-10 year olds could understand. He was very friendly, informative and sincere during the trip. We were able to get out of the car and take many photos.For more information check out the website at www.gettysburgfoundation.org.

Still another way to absorb the history of the area is to buy an CD and tour the battlefield areas on your own. The CD we purchased explained exactly where to go and when to turn. It also indicated what to look at, and explained what happened at each of the major sites. The CDs can be purchased many places and are $20. Mom's note: It's also helpful to have a cooler with the right kind of drinks or snacks because once you begin the driving tour it is better not to break concentration.

Discovery point: This location is best suited for families with children aged eight or older. Once onsite the experience can be gauged to the age. It is a spot that offers plenty of activities and tours. While in the area I learned from others about more touring options for families. On horseback:From one of the rangers I learned that there are tours available on horseback by National Riding Stables, 610 Taneytown Road, (717) 334-1288 www.artilleryridge.com. By motor coach: Best suited for mature families, there is a tour by bus found at www.GettysburgAddress.com

Area Details

Gettysburg Convention Visitors Bureau. 35 Carlisle St., 1(717) 334-6274 or www.gettysburg.com

The Gettysburg National Military Park. 1 (717) 334-1124 or www.nps.gov/gett

The Gettysburg National Cemetery. Visitor Information 1(717) 334-1124 www.nps.gov/getc

The Schriver House. During the siege Confederate sharpshooters occupied this house. Today it is a museum dedicated to explaining the civilian side of the battle. 309 Baltimore St. 1(717) 337-2800.

The Wills House. This is where President Lincoln stayed the night before he delivered the Gettysburg Address. The last details to his historic speech were made at this house. Center Square 1(717) 334-8188.

What else is there?

On a farm in Pennsylvania: The area surrounding Gettysburg is great for families wishing to enjoy rural America. Rolling hills and meadowlands provide a tranquil backdrop. There is little traffic and no lines. The summer season allows fruit and vegetable stands to thrive. In this area farm stays are popular and really perfect for young families. A reliable source for finding the perfect family fit is www.pafarmstay.com.

Humerhaven Farmstead. Seven resident kids act as guides and hosts. They have llamas, miniature donkeys, sheep, goats, ducks and pot belly pigs. For guests they offer a comfortable two-story cottage. 1(717) 589-7748 or Bonnie or Gary at gschubert@tricountyi.net

Olde Fogie Farm. This organic farm is in Southeastern Pennsylvania. They welcome kids in the summer and have plenty of llamas and pet pigs, emus and horses. They allow children and parents to gather eggs and bottle-feed little animals. 1(717) 426-3992.

For fun, kid-friendly Hotels in Gettysburg PA check out Uptake.com. They search 5000 travel sites...so you don't have to!

Share |

US: Mid Atlantic Spring Break Family Vacations with Egg Hunts, Ziplines, and Living History.
From Virginia Beach, and Richmond to Valley Forge, PA and Southern West Virginia there is still time for a great spring break Family vacation fun includes shopping, whale watching, snow tubing, ziplining, hiking, canoeing, and kite flying.

Pennsylvania: Philadelphia, City Pass Family Vacation Bargains Dinosaurs, History, and A Trolley Ride.
Plan an urban family adventure filled with fun. Ride a trolley; go to the zoo; connect with Ben Franklin; see the Liberty Bell and Constitution Hall and live.Imagination and innovation will delight the entire family. Buy the pass and do the city, it’s as easy as that.

Pennsylvania: Philadelphia, Free or Almost Free Family Vacation Fun.
Some of Philadelphia's best kept secrets are free. From monthly presentations at the West Chester University Planetarium and one of the oldest residential streets in the nation to a museum about American military history and free museum days, everyone can use a free day once in a while and on vacation what could be better?

Pennsylvania: Valley Forge, Family Vacation Fun - Valley Forge Historical Park, General George Washington, and Shopping.
Every 10-year-old makes the connection between Valley Forge and George Washington so visiting Valley Forge is a bonus for families because there is no need to explain why the place is important. Kids love to feel the power of knowing and sharing important stuff.

Pennsylvania: Philadelphia, Family Vacation Ideas - Geckos, Dinosaurs, and Butterflies.
From the end of May until the beginning of September the Academy of Natural Sciences is the home of Geckos: Tails to Toepads, a special exhibit which showcases the diversity of geckos and the way they live through live gecko habitats, interactive exhibits and informational displays.

FAMILY VACATION IDEAS

Gateway Gettysburg

Enjoy the superior amenities of the Wyndham and Courtyard by Marriott hotels in Gettysburg.Two special packages available. Read more. [Read More]

Days Inn Hershey – All-Inclusive Family Fun

Four ways to vacation and save. [Read More]

Hershey, Days Inn - Hershey Park Package

Checkout our special deal on thrills. [Read More]

Pennsylvania : Woodloch Pines Resort Reunion Place

Family friendly and focused on fun, at Woodloch, our goal is to exceed your expectations for your reunion with friends or family. [Read More]

Pennsylvania Farm Stay - Connect with the County Life.

Unplug and share simple things with your kids. [Read More]

Wingate Inn Mechanicsburg

All-season family vacation packages. [Read More]

Holiday Inn Allentown

Crayola World Package - Getaway and feel like a kid again. [Read More]

Sheraton University City Hotel

Wild Adventure Package at the Philadelphia Zoo. [Read More]

Holiday Inn Stadium

Philly hotel near the international airport. [Read More]

Holiday Inn Philadelphia Historic District

Checkout our fantastic urban vacation packages. [Read More]

CityPASS Philadelphia - A Family Vacation Idea

An Easy Urban Family Vacation. [Read More]

Hampton Inn Bensalem

Nearby shopping Sesame Place, and outdoor fun. [Read More]

Hampton Inn - Northeast Philly

Have family fun with our Sesame Place Theme Park Package 4. [Read More]

Hampton Inn - Philadelphia

Halfway between Philadelphia and Bucks County. [Read More]

Shawnee Village Resort

Four seasons of fun and a tremendous variety of diversions from outdoor adventure to family attractions. [Read More]

Great Wolf Lodge - Poconos

Come experience the great north woods with us. [Read More]

Weatherbury Farm Family Getaway

Combine bed and breakfast accommodation with life on a working farm and the chance to introduce your family to life on a farm. [Read More]

See More Family Vacation Ideas

Search for Family Vacations by Location on the Planet:
Africa/Middle East	Delaware	Iowa	Nebraska	Scotland
Alabama	Dominican Republic	Ireland	Netherlands	Seattle
Alaska	England	Italy	Nevada	South Africa
Alberta	Europe	Jamaica	New Hampshire	South America
Arizona	Finland	Kansas	New Jersey	South Carolina
Arkansas	Florida	Kentucky	New Mexico	South Dakota
Asia	Florida - Central	Kissimmee Florida	New York	Space Coast Florida
Australia/New Zealand	Florida - Central Atlantic Coast	Lake Tahoe California	New York City	Spain
Austria	Florida - Central Gulf Coast	London	North America	Switzerland
Big Island - Hawaii	Florida - North Central	Los Angeles California	North Carolina	Tennessee
British Columbia	Florida - Northeast Atlantic Coast	Louisiana	North Dakota	Texas
California	Florida - Northwest Gulf Coast	Maine	Norway	Thailand
California - Northern	Florida - Southeast Atlantic Coast	Manitoba	Oahu/Kauai	United States
California - Southern	Florida - Southwest Gulf Coast	Maryland	Ohio	Utah
Canada	Florida - The Keys	Massachusetts	Oklahoma	Vermont
Catskills	France	Maui /Lanai /Molakai	Ontario	Virginia
Central America	Georgia	Mexico	Oregon	Virginia Beach
Central America	Germany	Michigan	Orlando Florida	Warren County
Chicago Illinois	Gold West Country	Minnesota	Pennsylvania	Washington
Colorado	Hawaiian Islands	Mississippi	Pigeon Forge	Washington DC
Connecticut	Idaho	Missouri	Quebec	West Virginia
Costa Rica	Illinois	Montana	Rhode Island	Wisconsin
Croatia	Indiana	Myrtle Beach South Carolina	San Francisco & Bay Area	Wyoming
D.C.	Indonesia

Search for Family Vacations by Location on the Planet: