All Virtual 157th Anniversary of the
 Battle of Gettysburg

(6/26) The three-day Battle of Gettysburg marked a turning point not only in the course of the American Civil War, but also for the future of the United States of America. Join Park Rangers, historians, and Licensed Battlefield Guides during the 157th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg for a series of free virtual guided walks and talks that discuss, explore, and reflect on this important chapter in our nation’s history. These virtual programs will offer viewers unprecedented access to locations and historic structures that have previously never been featured during the Battle Anniversary.

Beginning at 8 am on July 1, 2020, and continuing nearly every hour throughout the day, virtual "Real Time" programs will chronicle the Battle of Gettysburg, highlighting the people, moments, and events that shaped the course of the three days of battle. All programs will be streamed on the Gettysburg National Military Park Facebook Page, and can be viewed anytime following their premiere. Each evening of the Battle Anniversary, at 8:30 pm, the Park will share an extended virtual program done in conjunction with park partners, including the Adams County Historical Society, the Gettysburg Foundation, and the American Battlefield Trust. Additionally, the Education Team at Gettysburg National Military Park will be offering free virtual programs for young visitors and families.

"While certainly different than previous Battle Anniversary’s, we are excited to be able to share the story of the battle with our digital visitors," said Christopher Gwinn, Chief of Interpretation and Education at Gettysburg National Military Park. "By working with our friends and colleagues, we’ve been able to create a unique collection of virtual anniversary programs that while bring visitors to the famous, and not so famous, places on the battlefield."

For more information, visit www.nps.gov/gett.

Confederate Monuments at Gettysburg National Park

Gettysburg National Military Park preserves, protects, and interprets one of the best marked battlefields in the world. Over 1,325 monuments, markers, and plaques, commemorate and memorialize the men who fought and died during the Battle of Gettysburg and continue to reflect how that battle has been remembered by different generations of Americans.

Many of these memorials honor southern states whose men served in the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia. These memorials, erected predominantly in the early and mid-20th century, are an important part of the cultural landscape.

Across the country, the National Park Service maintains and interprets monuments, markers, and plaques that commemorate and memorialize those who fought during the Civil War. These memorials represent an important, if controversial, chapter in our Nation’s history. The National Park Service is committed to preserving these memorials while simultaneously educating visitors holistically about the actions, motivations, and causes of the soldiers and states they commemorate. A hallmark of American progress is our ability to learn from our history.

Many commemorative works, including monuments and markers, were specifically authorized by Congress. In other cases, a monument may have preceded the establishment of a park, and thus could be considered a protected park resource and value. In either of these situations, legislation could be required to remove the monument, and the NPS may need to comply with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and the National Environmental Policy Act before removing a statue/memorial.

Still other monuments, while lacking legislative authorization, may have existed in parks long enough to qualify as historic features. A key aspect of their historical interest is that they reflect the knowledge, attitudes, and tastes of the people who designed and placed them. Unless directed by legislation, it is the policy of the National Park Service that these works and their inscriptions will not be altered, relocated, obscured, or removed, even when they are deemed inaccurate or incompatible with prevailing present-day values. The Director of the National Park Service may make an exception to this policy.

The NPS will continue to provide historical context and interpretation for all of our sites and monuments in order to reflect a fuller view of past events and the values under which they occurred.