Gettysburg to Recreate Lincoln’s Historic November Visit

GETTYSBURG, Pennsylvania — In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, Gettysburg will host an immersive commemoration of one of the most pivotal moments in the nation’s history. “Lincoln at Gettysburg: Shall Not Perish,” jointly hosted by the Lincoln Fellowship of Pennsylvania and Gettysburg National Military Park, will recreate President Abraham Lincoln’s historic 1863 visit and his delivery of the Gettysburg Address on Nov. 18-19.

Designed to return visitors to November 1863, the event will offer a unique opportunity to experience the places, people, and moments that shaped one of the most enduring speeches in American history.

The two-day commemoration is part of a weeklong celebration that kicks off with the annual Remembrance Day Parade on Nov. 14 and concludes with the Remembrance Day Illumination on Nov. 21.

“Lincoln at Gettysburg is expected to draw thousands of visitors to the Gettysburg area, making it one of the largest America 250 events across the state,” said Karl Pietrzak, President and CEO of Destination Gettysburg.

The signature event begins on Wednesday, Nov. 18, with the recreation of Lincoln’s afternoon arrival in Gettysburg. Visitors will witness a steam locomotive carrying President Lincoln (portrayed by actor Billy Campbell) into town, recreating his historic journey from Washington, D.C. Lincoln will proceed through Gettysburg’s streets to the David Wills House, where he spent the night before delivering the Gettysburg Address.

As evening falls, Lincoln Square will become the centerpiece of an immersive public program exploring the Gettysburg Address through three distinct perspectives.

• 1863: The Moment will return audiences to the eve of Lincoln’s speech, examining the events, voices, and atmosphere surrounding his arrival in Gettysburg.
• 2026: The Legacy will examine how Lincoln’s 272 words have shaped American culture and civic life over the past 163 years.
• The Future: “Shall Not Perish from the Earth” will explore the enduring relevance of Lincoln’s message and include a conversation with NASA astronaut Anil Menon, who will appear from the International Space Station.

Later in the evening, Gettysburg will transform into the town Lincoln visited in 1863. Fife and drum music will echo through the streets, civilian reenactors will emerge, historic lighting will recreate the atmosphere of the era, and crowds will gather beneath the windows of the David Wills House to call for the president’s appearance.

Thursday’s events begin on Seminary Ridge, where participants can view sunrise over the battlefield as Lincoln saw on the morning of Nov. 19, 1863. Later, church bells will ring throughout Gettysburg as a historic procession moves from the David Wills House to Soldiers’ National Cemetery.

At the cemetery, attendees will gather on the very ground where Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address during the original dedication ceremony. The program will commemorate the moment when a nation divided by Civil War was challenged to embrace a future dedicated to freedom, equality, and democratic self-government.

Free tickets for reserved seating in Lincoln Square on Nov. 18 are available here. Tickets are not required for the Nov. 19 events.

For further event information, visit Lincoln at Gettysburg.