2026 Winter Lecture Series: Finding R.H. Weakley

Featuring some of the best Rangers, historians, and authors from across the country, this popular eight-week Winter Lecture Series will once again return to the Gettysburg National Military Park (NMP) Museum and Visitor Center in 2026!

The Winter Lecture Series is held at 1:30 p.m. on weekends in the Gettysburg NMP Museum and Visitor Center from January 10 through March 8, 2026. Seating is available on a first come – first serve basis. Free tickets are available day of at the Gettysburg NMP Museum and Visitor Center. Schedule is subject to change.

This week:

Ranger Susan Ashman, Springfield Armory National Historical Park
During and after the Civil War, thousands of firearms were sent back to Springfield Armory. Some of these with soldier’s names, battles fought, artwork, and sweethearts – all carved in the stock. Similar to books on a library shelf, historic firearms have a story to tell. Most remain silent, but some are waiting for their story to be told, anonymous no longer. From a family farm in Tennessee to the Battle of Franklin, Finding R.H. Weakley is one of those stories. Sadly, not all have a happy ending.