FAQs About the 2026 Battlefield BookFest and GettysNerd 3.0

Find answers to your questions about attending the American Battlefield Trust’s 2026 Battlefield BookFest and GettysNerd 3.0 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

REGISTRATION AND ATTENDANCE

What is the Battlefield BookFest?

The Battlefield BookFest is a two-day celebration of books, authors, and history. The event brings together bestselling authors, acclaimed historians, scholars, and history enthusiasts for engaging talks, lively conversations, book signings, meet-and-greet opportunities, and special programs.

The event will also feature finalists for the American Battlefield Trust Prize for History, which recognizes outstanding works of military history and biographies associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War.

When and where will the Battlefield BookFest take place?

The Battlefield BookFest will be held Thursday, November 12, and Friday, November 13, 2026, at:

Gettysburg History
Beyond the Battle Museum
625 Biglerville Road
Gettysburg, PA 17325

Gettysburg History was formerly known as the Adams County Historical Society.

How do I register?

Visit the Battlefield BookFest event page or click here to access our ticketing portal. 

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
Yes. This is a limited-capacity event and tickets are not sold at the door.

Do I have to attend both days?

No. Attendees may purchase a bundled pass for Thursday, Friday, or the entire two-day event. Individual session tickets are also available.

What bundled ticket options are available?

The following bundled passes are available:

• History Buff Pass—Thursday: $50
• History Lover Pass—Friday: $95
• History Fanatic Pass—Thursday and Friday: $140

Can I purchase tickets for individual sessions?

Yes. The following à la carte tickets are available:

• Thursday Afternoon Session: $40
• Boom Goes the History live podcast recording: $15
• Friday Morning Session: $40
• Friday Afternoon Session: $45
• Friday Evening—GettysNerd 3.0: $25

Are discounts available for American Battlefield Trust members?

American Battlefield Trust members and Color Bearers may be eligible for special ticket discounts. Please use the promotional code provided in your event email during checkout.

I'm an author, can I sell my books at the event?

No. All speaking and signing opportunities for the 2026 event are full. Author sales and signings are by invitation only. Because event space is limited, we must prioritize BookFest speakers and invited authors. We are unable to accommodate unsolicited requests from individual authors to sell or sign books.

All finalists for the American Battlefield Trust Prize for History are invited to speak and to sell and sign copies of their books at the event. Each finalist was nominated for prize consideration by their publisher.

As space permits, we may offer a limited number of additional spaces to authors represented by a finalist’s publisher. If further capacity remains, the Trust will work directly with established trade publishers and literary agents to identify other suitable books and authors for inclusion.

To be considered for participation, an author must either be a finalist for the American Battlefield Trust Prize for History or be currently represented by an established publishing house or literary agent and recommended directly by that publisher or agent. Self-published titles are not eligible for inclusion. The American Battlefield Trust retains sole discretion in selecting and inviting all event speakers, authors, and booksellers. 

Publishers seeking submission guidelines and official rules for the American Battlefield Trust Prize for History may email bookprize@battlefields.org.

I need to make changes to my registration. How can I do that?

Visit the registration portal and select the “Already Registered?” link. Enter the email address used during registration and the confirmation number included in your registration email.

If you cannot locate your confirmation number or need assistance, contact the Trust’s Events Department at events@battlefields.org.

PLANNING FOR YOUR TRIP

What is the schedule for the Battlefield BookFest?

Registration opens at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, followed by afternoon history talks, book signings, and a live recording of the Boom Goes the History podcast.

Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. on Friday. Friday’s program includes morning and afternoon history talks, book signings, meet-and-greet opportunities, and GettysNerd 3.0 that evening.

Please visit the Schedule of Events page for the complete program. The schedule and speaker lineup are subject to change.

Who will speak at the Battlefield BookFest?

Featured presenters include:

• Garry Adelman
• Sarah Kay Bierle
• Richard Bell
• Jim Hessler
• Mark Lender
• Dave Powell
• Carol Reardon
• Gordon Rhea
• Damien Shiels
• Jeff Shaara
• Vic Vignola

Additional authors, historians, and special guests may be announced.

What is the Boom Goes the History live podcast recording?

Join the hosts of Boom Goes the History on Thursday, November 12, from 5:00–6:45 p.m. for a special live recording featuring bestselling authors, award-winning historians, and BookFest presenters. We're discussing all things history books!

The panel will discuss the inspiration behind their books, the challenges of researching and writing history, surprising discoveries, favorite sources, and the stories that did not make it into print. Expect lively conversation, audience questions, behind-the-scenes stories, and plenty of good-natured humor.

Will there be opportunities to meet the authors?

Yes. The schedule includes book signings and meet-and-greet opportunities on both Thursday and Friday.

Are meals included with registration?

No meals are included with BookFest registration. GettysNerd 3.0 does not include dinner. Drinks and snacks will be provided.

Can I attend the event virtually?

No. Battlefield BookFest and GettysNerd 3.0 are in-person events. There will not be a virtual livestream or online viewing option.

CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS

What is the cancellation policy?

The following refund policy applies to all Battlefield BookFest and GettysNerd tickets:

• Through October 15, 2026: Full refund, minus a 5% credit card service charge
• October 16–November 1, 2026: 50% refund
• After November 1, 2026: No refunds

How do I cancel my registration?

Please contact the American Battlefield Trust’s Events Department at events@battlefields.org or use the registration portal to update your reservation.

GETTYSNERD 3.0

What is GettysNerd 3.0?

GettysNerd 3.0: The Ultimate Civil War Quiz Show is a fast-paced, live trivia competition that will put even the most devoted history buffs to the test.

Contestants will compete through rounds of challenging questions covering Gettysburg, the Civil War, and related history—all in front of a live audience.

When is GettysNerd 3.0?

GettysNerd 3.0 will take place Friday, November 13, 2026, from 6:45–9:00 p.m. at Gettysburg History.

Who will host GettysNerd 3.0?

The hosts are:

• Garry Adelman
• Tim Smith
• Chris Mackowski
• Kris White

They will be joined by special guests throughout the evening.

Can I attend GettysNerd without attending the rest of BookFest?

Yes. An individual ticket for the Friday evening GettysNerd 3.0 session is available for $25.

GettysNerd is also included in the Friday History Lover Pass and the two-day History Fanatic Pass.

What is included with my GettysNerd registration?

Registration includes:

• Admission to the live taping of GettysNerd 3.0
• Author signings and meet-and-greet opportunities
• Special guest appearances
• A swag bag from the American Battlefield Trust and Gettysburg History
• Opportunities to win prizes throughout the evening
• Plenty of Civil War history, laughs, and bragging rights

How can I compete on stage?

Four contestants will be selected through an online qualifying exam.

To participate:

1. Register for the GettysNerd online qualifying exam.
2. Watch your email for testing instructions and a link to the exam.
3. Complete the online quiz during the designated testing window.
4. The four highest-scoring participants will be invited to compete live on stage.

Registration for the qualifier is expected to open in September 2026. Complete testing dates and instructions will be announced separately.

Who is eligible to compete?

Contestants must be at least 18 years old at the time of entry. The competition is open to individuals worldwide, except where prohibited by law.

Employees, affiliates, agents, and immediate family members of the American Battlefield Trust and Gettysburg History are not eligible. Current Gettysburg Licensed Battlefield Guides and current National Park Service employees are also not eligible to compete.

These restrictions apply to contestants, not members of the audience.

What subjects will the qualifying exam and game show cover?

Questions may cover:

• Antebellum personalities and events
• Civil War battles and campaigns
• Military leaders, regiments, and units
• Weapons and equipment
• Civilians and politics
• Medical history
• Historic farms and landscapes
• Monuments and memorialization
• The Gettysburg Address
• Books and authors
• Podcasts, films, and television
• General Civil War knowledge

Do contestants receive assistance with travel expenses?

Contestants are responsible for arranging and paying for their own travel and lodging. Each on-stage contestant will receive a $100 travel stipend following the event.

Will GettysNerd 3.0 be photographed or recorded?

Yes. GettysNerd 3.0 will be photographed and recorded. By attending or participating, contestants and audience members grant the organizers permission to use their image, likeness, voice, and appearance in future promotional materials, publications, broadcasts, and digital media. The event will NOT be live-streamed.