Gettysburg National Military Park is home to a historical landmark critical to understanding US history. Located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the park preserves the site of the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg, where Union and Confederate forces fought a pivotal three-day battle during the American Civil War.
Gettysburg National Military Park takes a hands-on approach to teaching students about the Civil War, turning the park into a classroom to help them better understand the complexities of conflict and the importance of preserving history. Students visiting Gettysburg National Military Park learn the battlefield’s legendary story through the park, museum, and visitor center. Educational programs encourage engagement with historical facts and consider the perspectives of soldiers and communities affected by the war. Walk the same fields where warriors of the past fought and created battle strategies.
Experiences Students Can’t Miss
At Gettysburg National Military Park, educational opportunities, collaborative lessons, and youth leadership activities help teach and nurture historical interest in young people. Here are some important opportunities that students can enjoy.
• Field Trip Programs: Students of every grade level have the chance to experience unique learning opportunities through the park’s field trip programs. Book a park ranger to read battle stories to K-3 students. Experience the life of a soldier or farm worker during the war for grades 2-8 and 3-8. Grades 3-12 and 4-12 can load and fire Civil War cannons, explore Round Top hills, and walk the path that soldiers took. More mature options for grades 5-12 and 7-12 include a field hospital Civil War surgeon discovery and a fallen soldier’s memorial speech.
• Virtual Field Trips: Take learning to the screen with virtual field trip programs. Students on virtual field trips watch an introductory video from the Gettysburg battlefield, engage in hands-on classroom activities, and conclude with a live Q&A session with a professional ranger. Students in grades 2-12 can choose from tailored program options such as Cost of War, Path of Lincoln, Monumental Issues, and more!
• Great Task Program: For students looking to make an impact, the Great Task Youth Leadership Program goes beyond traditional field trip curricula. Motivated students in grades 7-12 can apply to further build character and leadership through a series of community service projects and challenging learning experiences.
• Traveling Trunks: Bring Gettysburg to the classroom with a Traveling Trunk. These shippable boxes contain teacher guides, video links, maps, merchandise, and other interactive artifacts that can enhance the student experience without leaving the desk.
• History Labs: Gettysburg National Military Park additionally provides comprehensive teacher curricula called History Labs. History Labs help contain collaborative activities designed to encourage historical investigation and teamwork while helping students analyze primary sources and develop their own interpretations of historical events.
School groups can reserve field trips at Gettysburg National Military Park, with ranger-led programs offered free of charge. Groups can select from multiple educational experiences based on grade level, curriculum goals, and available time. Programs typically accommodate different group sizes and can be combined with additional experiences such as museum visits, battlefield tours, and independent exploration. Visit Gettysburg National Military Park today!
