What’s going on in Gettysburg

12-19-2008

Gettysburg Convention & Visitors Bureau

571 W. Middle Street Gettysburg, PA 17325

 

For the full press release, please click on the headlines below.

Elizabeth Ann Seton Shrine to celebrate Bicentennial 

On Sunday, Jan. 4, 2009, the Daughters and Sisters of Charity along with hundreds of visitors will be commemorating a momentous event in the history of America and of the Catholic Church. They will celebrate Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton’s Feast Day and open the bicentennial celebration of her continuing legacy. 

Nearly 200 years ago – on July 31, 2009 – Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first native-born saint of the United States of America, founded the Sisters of Charity of Saint Joseph’s, the first native community for religious women to be established in America. 

The bicentennial year opens on Jan. 4 with a Mass. The Daughters will unveil a collage – a three-dimensional art display that commemorates 200 years of history, service and dedication that began in 1809 by a small band of young women under the inspiration of Elizabeth Ann Seton. 

Inauguration travelers encouraged to visit place where “A New Birth of Freedom” began

As America celebrates the beginning of a new presidency this January, the nation is reminded of “A New Birth of Freedom,” a message of hope and inspiration first delivered by President Abraham Lincoln in a town about 80 miles to the north, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Anyone who plans to attend the inauguration on Jan. 20 is encouraged to visit Gettysburg, not only the scene of an epic, tragic three-day battle, but the site of change, proposed through those 10 sentences read on Nov. 19, 1863. That address, which set the course of change in America, has become on of the most-known speeches in world history.

Gettysburg offers special Winter Lecture Series

National Park Rangers will offer a special Winter Lecture Series on weekends beginning Saturday, Jan. 10 and running through Sunday, March 15. Programs are free of charge and will be held at the new Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center, in the Ford Motor Company Fund Education Center.

The lecture series is titled “Key Moments and Commanders of the Gettysburg Campaign” and programs last about one hour.

For more information, visit the Gettysburg National Military Park's website, www.nps.gov/gett, or call 717-334-1124, ext. 8023.

Farnsworth House Inn in Gettysburg releases new book

The Historic Farnsworth House Inn is pleased to announce the release of a new book titled “Widow’s Weeds and Weeping Veils: Mourning Rituals in 19th Century America,” by Bernadette Loeffel-Atkins.

In the 19^th century, death was an ever present companion. High infant mortality and risk in childbirth, disease and warfare were daily reminders of the impermanence of life and the inevitability of death.

The Victorian era in both Europe and America saw the rituals of mourning rise above the practical use of providing closure for those left behind. Mourning became an art form through which not only grief, but also religious feeling, social obligation, and even fashion could be expressed.

Boyds Bear Country in Gettysburg on winter schedule

Beginning Jan. 10, Boyds Bear Country in Gettysburg, Pa., will be open Thursday through Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., store officials announced this week.

The store will be closed, however, from Jan. 5-9 for inventory.

During the winter season, Boyds’ Bear Country will offer limited food service. Regular hours will resume March 19, 2009.

In the meantime, Boyds Bear Country is hosting a variety of holiday events, including this weekend, at their store at 75 Cunningham Road, south of Gettysburg.

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