Inaugural Battlefield BookFest a Smashing Success

On a blustery day in November, authors, readers and history enthusiasts alike came together in America’s most famous small town for an exciting new event: The American Battlefield Trust’s Battlefield BookFest.  

Learning history where it happened 

Overlooking the battlefield, Gettysburg History’s Beyond the Battle Museum played host to two days of exciting historical discussion and exploration, featuring some of the most renowned historians in the field. More than 150 people attended the sold out event, which featured a stellar line-up including William Frassanito, Dennis Frye, A. Wilson Greene, Scott Hartwig and Carol Reardon. The first in what will be an annual event in Gettysburg, the BookFest coincided with the town’s annual Remembrance Day celebrations, adding to the eclectic offerings throughout Gettysburg. 

“We could not be more thrilled with the reception of our first Battlefield BookFest," said Trust President David Duncan. "It is an honor to help foster this community of such knowledgeable and passionate authors and readers.”

Attendees had ample opportunities to meet with their favorite authors and discover new ones. The weekend also included lots of book signings, catered meals and endless invigorating discourse on our nation’s formative conflicts, with topics ranging from the Revolutionary War to the Gettysburg Centennial, and everything in between. 

And the winner is... 

Headlining the event was the 2025 recipient of the American Battlefield Trust Prize for History Alan Pell Crawford, author of This Fierce People: The Untold Story of America’s Revolutionary War in the South. His work, which was selected from dozens of entries, explores overlooked stories of Southern campaigns in the years between Monmouth and Yorktown. The award, endowed by a generous donor to ensure no funds are diverted from the Trust’s primary mission, recognizes an outstanding published work focused on military history or a biography central to the nation’s formative conflicts. 

“Having been in the company of great writers of history and combine that with the reputation of the American Battlefield Trust, it couldn’t be a higher honor,” said Crawford, after accepting the award. 

He was joined by fellow prize finalists Andrew Waters and Patrick K. O’Donnell, who each presented on their works before signing copies for attendees. 

“Getting to come to events like this and interact with people who share that enthusiasm for history, and being a part of that community, is as good as it gets,” remarked Waters. 

Nominations are now open for the 2026 prize, with the window closing December 31, 2025.

GettysNerd returns 

More than 150 people tried their hand at the qualifying test for a chance to be the “Ultimate GettysNerd,” but only the top three scores advanced to for a live trivia showdown on the first night of the BookFest. Hosted by Trust Chief Historian Garry Adelman and Chris Mackowski, with judging from Gettysburg History Director of Education Tim Smith, Ultimate GettysNerd 2.0 did not disappoint.  

“We put our three contestants through the ringer, but that's what it takes to find the Ultimate GettysNerd," said Trust Chief Historian and GettysNerd co-host Garry Adelman. "Under the lights and in front of a sold out crowd, they each impressively rose to the occasion."

Contestants were judged on their in-depth knowledge about deeply specific aspects of the battle, including precise troop locations, street names and minute details about soldiers that fought at Gettysburg. There were also plenty of opportunities for audience participation, with barely anyone walking away without some Trust-branded swag. 

In the end, law student Colton Pikovsky edged out his fellow competitors to take home not one, but four trophies, plus exclusive bragging rights as the “Ultimate GettysNerd” until next year. 

Mark your calendars!  

Thanks to overwhelming demand, the 2nd Annual Battlefield BookFest will be back in Gettysburg next year, November 13-14, 2026. Tickets go on sale August 1, 2026!