Save History at Gettysburg!
The 1863 Battle of Gettysburg was a titanic struggle that changed the course of American history and inspired one of the greatest speeches ever made in defense of freedom and self-government.
Travelers from around the globe flock to Gettysburg every year to visit this historic battleground and learn about the men and women whose lives were transformed by the clash over this once sleepy, crossroads town.
Today, two nonprofit organizations, the American Battlefield Trust and the Gettysburg Foundation, are working together to ensure that this historic battleground and national treasure is preserved for future generations. However, we cannot do this work without the generosity and support of individuals who share our love of history and connection to this famous battleground. Please learn more about us below and consider joining the fight to save the Gettysburg Battlefield!
The Gettysburg Foundation is a nonprofit philanthropic, educational organization that operates in partnership with the National Park Service to preserve Gettysburg National Military Park and the Eisenhower National Historic Site, and to educate the public about their significance.
The American Battlefield Trust is a nonprofit organization that preserves battlefield land associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War, and educates the public about why these conflicts continue to matter today.
Both the American Battlefield Trust and Gettysburg Foundation have done considerable preservation and interpretation work at Gettysburg.
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The Gettysburg Foundation relies upon a well-rounded team of professionals, volunteers, philanthropists, and friends in order to fulfill their goals. Calling on these talented individuals, the Foundation acquires and preserves authentic battlefield lands, buildings, and artifacts. It works to provide an enriching and accessible experience for visitors to both the 1863 battlefield and the adjacent Eisenhower National Historic Site. The Foundation also connects with audiences from across the country to bring new understanding to the battle and its impact on American democracy.
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The American Battlefield Trust also calls upon a versatile staff and passionate donors as it strives to preserve significant battlefield land in perpetuity, working with willing sellers and utilizing well-established conservation strategies. A key ingredient that has enabled the organization to protect 58,000 acres of Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War battlefield land is the Trust’s ability to work with groups like the Gettysburg Foundation and secure federal, state, local and private matching funds. In addition to preserving historic landscapes, the Trust also conducts programs and provides extensive content designed to inform the public about America’s first century conflicts and their consequences. Among its many achievements are some 1,200 acres saved forever at Gettysburg. Find our latest preservation opportunities here.
The American Battlefield Trust and the Gettysburg Foundation both seek to inspire curiosity in learners of all ages, especially regarding the decisive years of the Civil War.
The American Battlefield Trust and Gettysburg Foundation both seek to inspire curiosity in learners of all ages, especially regarding the decisive years of the Civil War. As they strive to put education in the forefront, both organizations emphasize that the preservation of historic landscapes cannot be fully valued until the stories that unfolded upon them are shared. The Trust and the Foundation make countless resources available to ensure that the Gettysburg Battlefield can be seen from a variety of lenses, allowing a bigger picture of the 1863 battle and its implications to be recognized.
- The Gettysburg Foundation helps bring to life the extensive happenings at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center, a space that provides exclusive resources and experiences to introduce visitors to the Battle of Gettysburg and prepares them for further exploration on the battlefield. Visitors can view the film, “A New Birth of Freedom.” They can behold the ferocity of Pickett’s Charge by experiencing the iconic Gettysburg Cyclorama. They can come face-to-face with rare artifacts connected to the battle in the Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War. But most importantly, they can be immersed in storytelling that connects them with the events and issues that made Gettysburg legendary.
- The American Battlefield Trust believes that battlefields are outdoor classrooms, teaching young and old about the sacrifices made to secure the freedoms we enjoy today. The Trust views history education as the foundation of good citizenship and a key ingredient in developing the leaders of tomorrow — like the Trust’s Youth Leadership Team! This rotating group of teens serves as the youth face and voice of the organization. From our youth programs to our outstanding educator resources to our award-winning magazine — Hallowed Ground — and from our cutting-edge digital content to our lively social media channels, we are committed to bringing to life the history of America’s turbulent first century. Other examples include Gen. Robert E. Lee’s Headquarters on Chambersburg Pike, where the Trust saved the property and restored it to its 1863 appearance.
Gettysburg is meant to be explored. It is a place where historic memory is engrained in its extensive hallowed ground and the past is peeking around every corner.
The American Battlefield Trust and the Gettysburg Foundation recognize its special place in our American story and encourage visitors from around the world to experience this defining battlefield.
The Gettysburg Foundation and American Battlefield Trust both provide resources to make the most of your Gettysburg Battlefield experience.
- The Foundation offers a useful online tool that will help you “Plan Your Visit,” which bases its recommendations on who you’re travelling with (adults, youths, children, seniors, active-duty military, veterans) and the dates of your visit. They also provide sample itineraries, information on group visits, historic sites, hours & directions, ticket delivery & policies, tips for your visit, guest guidelines & policies, as well as special events and Friends of Gettysburg memberships.
- The Trust prepares Gettysburg visitors with a plethora of digital resources, including its popular YouTube videos, a free augmented reality app for iOS and Android smartphones, a visually striking virtual tour, a free Gettysburg Battle App®, an interactive map with points of interest, and tour itineraries for one to three days’ worth of exploring the Gettysburg area.
Our work is far from done!
Both the American Battlefield Trust and the Gettysburg Foundation are committed to yet more exciting projects and programs that will further enhance visitor experiences in the years and generations to come. As 21st century technology continues to advance, together we will use it to help transport visitors back in time.
To learn more about these two outstanding preservation organizations, their recent endeavors, and their ever-growing repositories of free, educational resources, visit their respective websites and explore their social media channels.