Gettysburg, PA – The Gettysburg Nature Alliance and the Gettysburg Heritage Center are excited to announce a Memorial Day Weekend filled with activities, entertainment, and educational experiences for visitors of all ages.
As the unofficial kickoff to summer, Memorial Day Weekend at the Heritage Center will feature the annual Memorial Day Weekend Book Faire, live folk music, chainsaw wood carving demonstrations, and the return of the popular live performance, Night at the Museum, 1863.
The Memorial Day Weekend Book Faire will take place Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24 from 10 AM – 5 PM and will welcome more than 20 authors representing a wide variety of genres and interests. While many authors focus on Gettysburg and Civil War history, visitors will also find books covering local history, westerns, mystery, paranormal topics, and more. Several featured titles are geared toward young readers as part of the organization’s continued mission to encourage reading and education among youth.
Adding to the weekend festivities, local chainsaw artist Jason Stoner will showcase and sell his handcrafted wood carvings on the front lawn of the Heritage Center throughout the weekend. Known for his detailed wildlife carvings and signature American flag pieces, Jason will also demonstrate his carving techniques and speak with visitors about his work.
On Saturday, May 23, at 4 PM, folk artist Tom Jolin will perform traditional American folk music inside the Heritage Center. For more than 35 years, Tom has entertained audiences throughout Gettysburg and beyond with performances featuring instruments such as the hammered dulcimer, bowed psaltery, and other traditional stringed instruments. His music offers a fitting tribute as Gettysburg and communities across the nation commemorate America’s 250th anniversary.
The weekend also marks the return of Night at the Museum, 1863, an immersive live performance that brings the civilians of Gettysburg to life through powerful first-person portrayals. Guests will hear firsthand accounts of what it was like to live through the Battle of Gettysburg and its aftermath, from surviving the fighting to caring for the wounded and rebuilding the town. The first performance of the season will take place Saturday, May 23, at 5:30 PM. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for youth ages 6–12.
“This weekend truly offers something for everyone,” said Stephanie Lightner of the Gettysburg Nature Alliance. “Whether you enjoy history, books, music, art, or interactive experiences, we’re excited to welcome visitors to Gettysburg for a memorable Memorial Day Weekend.”
The Gettysburg Heritage Center is operated by the Gettysburg Nature Alliance, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the education, preservation, and rehabilitation of Gettysburg’s habitat and heritage. While Gettysburg is best known for the pivotal three-day battle fought in July 1863, the area is also defined by its rich and impactful natural environment. This powerful combination of heritage and habitat creates an experience unlike any other—reminding us that we cannot preserve our history without preserving the land that shaped it.
For more information, visit www.gettysburgnature.org or www.gettysburgmuseum.com.