Frequently Asked Questions

Battlefield BookFest and GettysNerd 2.0

Find the answers to your questions about attending the Battlefield BookFest and GettysNerd 2.0

American Battlefield Trust Event

Welcome! Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions about the Battlefield BookFest and Gettysnerd 2.0, happening this November in historic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

General Information

What is the Battlefield BookFest?

The Battlefield BookFest is a two-day celebration of history and storytelling. Join award-winning authors, historians, and fellow readers for book talks, book signings, and interactive sessions — all centered on America’s battlefields and the stories they tell.

What is GettysNerd 2.0?

GettysNerd 2.0 is a live, high-energy quiz competition where participants test their battlefield knowledge in lightning rounds and interactive challenges. Contestants compete on stage in front of a cheering crowd, and only the sharpest history minds will rise to the top!

Relive the 2024 GettysNerd Live Quiz Show.

When and where is the event happening?

November 14–15, 2025.
Gettysburg History (Beyond the Battle Museum), in Gettysburg, PA.

Tickets & Registration

Is this a free event?

No. Each participant must purchase a ticket to attend the event

How do I purchase tickets?

Tickets are available for purchase through our official website. Tickets go on sale on September 17, 2025.

Can I buy tickets at the door?

No, all tickets are presale and must be purchased online.

What ticket options are available?

General Admission Pass – Full event access to talks, meals, signings, and GettysNerd 2.0.

Single Session Passes – This is an a la carte option for guests attending only one or two sessions.

What is your cancellation policy?

Full refunds are available through October 20, 2025, minus a 5% credit card service charge.
October 21-November 5: 50% refund
After November 5: No refunds

Meals & Refreshments

Are meals included with my ticket?

Meals are included with the General Admission Pass, and select Single Session passes.

Will additional food and drinks be available for purchase?

Yes, the Beyond the Battle Museum has a small snack bar on the ground floor.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?

No, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the main event areas or the museum.

Book Signings and Meet & Greets

Will there be opportunities to meet the authors?

Absolutely! Most featured authors will have scheduled signing sessions. Check the event schedule for times.

Can I bring books from home for signing?

Yes, but due to time limitations, there may be a cap on the number of books per author. Additional books will be available for purchase on-site.

Who are the finalists for the 2025 American Battlefield Trust Award for History

This year's finalists include:

Alan Pell Crawford, This Fierce People: The Untold Story of America's Revolutionary War in the South (Alfred A. Knopf)

Erik Larson, The Demon of Unrest (Crown Publishing)

Patrick O'Donnell, The Unvanquished: The Untold Story of Lincoln’s Special Forces, the Manhunt for Mosby’s Rangers, and the Shadow War That Forged America’s Special Operations (Grove Atlantic/Atlantic Monthly Press)

Timothy Smith, The Inland Campaign for Vicksburg: Five Battles in Seventeen Days, May 1-17, 1863 (Kansas University Press)

Alan Taylor, American Civil Wars: A Continental History (W.W. Norton & Company)

Andrew Waters, Backcountry War: The Rise of Francis Marion, Banastre Tarleton and Thomas Sumter (Westholme Publishing)

I'm an "author." Can I come and do a signing?

No, only invited authors are permitted to sell and sign books at the event.

Travel & Accessibility

Is parking available?

Yes, free parking is available at the Adams County Historical Society.

Is the venue accessible for guests with mobility needs?

Yes, the entire event venue is ADA-compliant.

Do you have a room block available at a local hotel?

No, we do not have a dedicated room block for this event.

Where should I stay?

Head over to Destination Gettysburg for more hotel and dining options.

GettysNerd 2.0 Details

How do I sign up to compete in Gettysnerd 2.0?

Click the link to register for our online qualifier quiz. This fast-paced and timed quiz tests your knowledge of Gettysburg, the Civil War, and more. How does it work?