American Battlefield Trust Events

Major Donor Events

Color Bearer Conference

The Color Bearer Conference is an invitation-only event for Color Bearer members, bringing together passionate battlefield preservationists for a weekend of historian-led tours, expert presentations, behind-the-scenes experiences at historic sites, and fellowship. The event offers members an immersive opportunity to explore America’s battlefields while learning more about the Trust’s preservation work and connecting with others who share a commitment to protecting these important places. 

Grand Review

The Grand Review is an invitation-only gathering reserved for Color Bearers at the Brigade, Division, Corps, and National levels, offering an intimate weekend of history, fellowship, and exclusive experiences. Guests enjoy expert-led battlefield tours, presentations by leading historians, and opportunities to connect with fellow supporters while celebrating the Trust’s mission to preserve America’s historic battlefields.

Hikes, Tours & Lectures

The American Battlefield Trust’s Hikes, Tours & Lectures series offers history enthusiasts engaging opportunities to explore America’s battlefields and learn from leading historians and experts. Participants can experience in-depth, guided hikes and tours at historic sites or join online lectures covering pivotal events, people, and campaigns from American history. Together, these programs bring the past to life through immersive, expert-led experiences both in the field and online.

Educator Events

Virtual Teacher Institute

The Virtual Teacher Institute is a free, online professional development event that brings educators together with leading historians and education experts. Through engaging presentations, interactive sessions, and practical teaching resources, participants deepen their knowledge of American history, discover new strategies for the classroom, and connect with fellow educators from around the world.

National Teacher Institute

The National Teacher Institute is an invitation-only professional development event that brings educators together for several days of immersive learning, expert-led presentations, hands-on workshops, and historic-site tours. Designed to strengthen both historical knowledge and classroom practice, the Institute provides educators with practical resources, fresh teaching ideas, and opportunities to connect with fellow teachers and history professionals.

Other Events

Generations

The American Battlefield Trust’s Generations events are free, family-friendly experiences designed to spark a lifelong interest in American history by bringing multiple generations together at historic sites. Through hands-on activities, immersive experiences, and engaging history programs, children and adults can explore battlefields, discover the stories of the past, and share a passion for history across generations.

Battlefield BookFest & GettysNerd 3.0

The Battlefield BookFest & GettysNerd is a celebration of history, literature, and the people who bring the past to life. Held in Gettysburg, the event brings together renowned historians, authors, and history enthusiasts for engaging presentations, discussions, book signings, and opportunities to connect with favorite writers. The festivities also feature GettysNerd, a lively trivia competition that puts contestants’ knowledge of the Civil War to the ultimate test.

Lee's Headquarters Open Houses

Experience history where it happened at General Lee's Gettysburg Headquarters! As staffing allows, the Seminary Ridge Museum will offer docent interpretive programing during Summer 2026 from 10 am to 3 pm every Friday and on several other weekend dates. Please note that all dates and hours are subject to change.