Gettysburg, PA –Experience history firsthand at Eisenhower National Historic Site during the 2026 World War II Weekend, taking place September 18-20. This year’s programs and activities will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States by exploring how the ideals of America’s founding inspired Americans and Allies during World War II. The weekend will feature a living history encampment, guest speakers, ranger-guided walking tours, family activities for visitors of all ages and more.
Programming begins the evening of Friday, September 18, and continues throughout the day on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20. For safety purposes, the grounds of Eisenhower National Historic Site will be closed to visitors on Friday, September 18 for the set-up of the living history camp. Event highlights include:
- Notable Guest Speakers and Historians: Katherine Carter, the curator of Sir Winston Churchill’s Chartwell home in England, will speak on Friday evening at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center. Free tickets are required, see the park’s website for details. On Saturday and Sunday, speakers at Eisenhower NHS will cover a variety of topics that relate to the men and women of the World War II generation. A full list of speakers and topics is available on the park website.
- Ranger-Guided Walking Tours of WWII Burials in Gettysburg National Cemetery: Park rangers will offer four guided-walking tours of Gettysburg National Cemetery that explore the stories of the 590 fallen WWII soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines buried there. The programs highlight individuals who fought and died at places such as Pearl Harbor, Guadalcanal, Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. Programs take place Friday at 5 p.m.; Saturday at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.; and Sunday at 9 a.m. Programs will meet inside the Taneytown Road entrance to Gettysburg National Cemetery.
- WWII Era Living-History Camp at Eisenhower NHS: Visit American and Allied military units, as well as groups that depict life on the Homefront, to explore the people and stories of the Fight for Liberty during World War II. Park rangers will lead guided-walking tours of the living history camp throughout the weekend. Walking-tour programs include an immersive training exercise walk.
- Family Activities and Programs at Eisenhower NHS: Visit the Family Tent to pick up an activity booklet. Children who complete five activities can earn their own special World War II themed memento.
- Special Temporary Museum Exhibits: Visit the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center to see temporary exhibits from the Naval History and Heritage Command, U.S. Museum of the Navy and the National Museum of the Marine Corps. These exhibits explore the people, events and legacies that connect the American Revolution and World War II.
- Eisenhower Home Tours: Free tours of the only home that Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower owned are available on both Saturday and Sunday of World War II Weekend.
A full schedule of programs, maps and information on how to participate is available at www.nps.gov/eise.
How to visit Eisenhower NHS during World War II Weekend:
- Weather permitting, free on-site parking for passenger vehicles only will be available at Eisenhower National Historic Site in a farm field accessible from Emmitsburg Road, Business Route 15. For GPS, use 250 Eisenhower Farm Road.
- Eisenhower National Historic Site will have accessible parking on-site throughout the weekend.
- Bus groups must book shuttles from the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, located at 1195 Baltimore Pike. Visit the Gettysburg Foundation website or call 877-874-2478 to make reservations.
All National Park Service World War II Weekend programming is free of charge. Outdoor programs are weather dependent. This year marks the 28th year Eisenhower National Historic Site has hosted this event.
About the National Park Service. Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America’s most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.