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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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date.
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While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
4 days
3 nights
What's Included
7 meals (
3B, 1L, 3D
)
5 expert-led lectures
6 expert-led field trips
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
3 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-In, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner, Class
Location:
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Meals:
D
Stay:
Hotel Gettysburg
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 5:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Orientation: 5:30 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
We will gather to view the movie “The Gettysburg Story” that brings America’s battle alive as never before. Stunning aerial drone and time-lapse cinematography with dynamic 3D maps dramatically show the exact ground that changed history. Aired nationally for the 150th battle anniversary, it is narrated by Stephen Lang and produced by a Gettysburg local, Jacob Boritt.
Day
2
Gettysburg Visitors Center & Museum, Battle First Day
Location:
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Gettysburg
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 2 miles throughout the day, approximately 1/2 hour total riding time. Walking up to 1/2 mile indoors and out; even and uneven town terrain.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board a motorcoach and ride to Gettysburg National Military Park Visitors Center and Museum. At this state of the art facility, we’ll have a self-directed exploration and gain insights into the Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg. We’ll also watch the short film “A New Birth of Freedom” narrated by Morgan Freeman, then view the restored cyclorama painting — one of only three left in the U.S. — that is a depiction of the Battle of Gettysburg. We’ll have some independent time to explore the museum and see an extensive collection of artifacts and relics that were found on the Gettysburg battlefield and other prominent battlefields of the Civil War. We’ll ride back to the hotel after our field trip.
Lunch:
At the hotel.
Afternoon:
We’ll gather for a presentation on the first day of fighting at Gettysburg. We’ll then set out on a field trip to the sites of the first day’s battle where we’ll explore McPherson Ridge, Eternal Light Peace Memorial, and Barlow’s Knoll. We will gather as a group and walk to the Shriver House Museum that has been restored and furnished to its original 1860s appearance. During our field trip, we’ll gain an understanding of the civilian experienced and learn more about events that took place in the small town of Gettysburg during the battle.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
We will gather for a presentation by a local expert on the Civil War soldier and his accoutrements.
Day
3
Battle Second Day, Soldiers’ National Cemetery, Performance
Location:
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Hotel Gettysburg
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 10 miles throughout the day, approximately 1 hour riding time depending on traffic and number of stops. Walking up to 1 mile; generally flat terrain.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll gather for a class on the second day of battle at Gettysburg followed by field trip to the site where the fighting took place. The field trip will include a walking exploration of Cemetery Hill including the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, where we will see the 500 wreaths decorating the graves. We’ll then return to the hotel.
Lunch:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:
We will have some “down” time for independent exploration in town. At 4:00 p.m we will meet at the hotel for a talk-and-walk field trip around the town, led by a local historian. Returning to the hotel, we will have time to freshen up and relax, then gather for a social reception before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
We’ll have a special treat with a renowned local folk musician who plays Civil War era music with instruments including a handmade hammer dulcimer, banjo, accordion, and harmonica. Prepare for check-out and departure after our final field trip in the morning.
Day
4
Gettysburg Day Three, Program Concludes
Location:
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 5 miles throughout the day, approximately 1/2 hour riding time depending on traffic and number of stops. Walking up to 1 mile; generally flat terrain.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Our final lecture and field trip will focus on the site of day three of the Battle of Gettysburg. From the Library of Congress: “On July 3, 1863, Union troops repelled a massive artillery assault on Cemetery Ridge during the third day of the Battle of Gettysburg in southern Pennsylvania… 28,063 Confederates and 23,049 Union soldiers were killed or wounded at Gettysburg. President Lincoln paid tribute to the Union soldiers’ sacrifice in the Gettysburg Address, delivered at the dedication of a National Cemetery at Gettysburg on November 19, 1863.” Returning to the hotel, this concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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