Dobbin House Square Dedications
Join The Dobbin House as they celebrate the 250th birthday of the 1776 Dobbin House and the Opening of Dobbin House Square Dedication of the Dobbin House Semiquincentennial Bell, and Dedication of the Charters of Freedom.
Saturday August 29, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Next to the historic Dobbin House, 89 Steinwehr Avenue, Gettysburg, PA
The public is warmly invited.
10:00am ceremony:
>Honor guard of Fife and Drums and Spencer’s Additional Continental Regiment
>Ribbon-cutting to open the outdoor museum and public welcoming space for education, reflection and community, “Dobbin House Square”
>Special guests speakers
>Unveiling of the Pennsylvania Semiquincentennial “Liberty Bell” dedicated to the 250th birthdays of the 1776 Dobbin House and the 1776 United States.
>Unveiling full-scale replica “Charters of Freedom” settings featuring the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights, a few Civil Rights amendments and the Gettysburg Address.
>A 7 Cannonade Salute to the Dobbin House and the United States of America
12:00pm-3:00pm family-friendly activities:
As an official America 250PA Adams County event, the celebration continues throughout the day to bring the Revolutionary era to life: • Self‑guided tours of the historic 1776 Dobbin House • Living‑history reenactments of a Civilian Market, Hearth Cooking, Tailoring, a Recruiting station for soldiers, a Staff Officer, 18th century tavern life vignettes • Colonial music performed by troubadour John Durant • A children’s scavenger hunt and coloring with prizes • The chance to “make history” by signing the official Dobbin House 250th Birthday Book.
7:00pm-9:00pm Live Irish and Scottish Celtic Music
>Award-winning Celtic band “Cormorant’s Fancy” will perform live in our outdoor tent, with Irish step dancers.
9:00pm-10:00pm Grand Finale Revolutionary Screening
>A magical movie show projected onto the front of the 1776 Dobbin House itself, with surround-sound speakers bringing the experience to life.
We hope you will join us for these historic moments in the semiquincentennial year of the Dobbin House and the United States of America.
Important Parking Information! (over)
Important Parking Information!
Due to parking restrictions and the closing of Steinwehr Avenue in front of the Dobbin House, parking for the Saturday, August 29 daytime events will be at Harrisburg Area Community College, 731 Old Harrisburg Road, and shuttle services to and from the Dobbin house will be provided from 9am to 4pm.
ABOUT THE DOBBIN HOUSE TAVERN-
Opened as an authentic colonial tavern in 1978, the Dobbin House Tavern is a treasured local landmark, offering premier lodging, fine dining and unique gifts to guests from the local area and around the world. Built in 1776, it is the oldest building in Gettysburg, celebrating its 250th birthday alongside the birthday of the United States of America in 2026.
The Dobbin House, appearing virtually the same as it did over 200 years ago, stands as testament to the fortitude of the American spirit as well as the quality of genuine American craftsmanship. Its native stone walls, seven fireplaces, and hand carved woodwork have been painstakingly restored to their original beauty and character, with interior decor in the traditional eighteenth century manner. Many of the home’s antique furnishings are identical to those listed in the inventory of Rev. Dobbin’s estate. The china and flatware exactly match fragments which were unearthed during the re-excavation of the cellar. The servant’s period-clothing is authentic to the local area.
The Dobbin House features the Springhouse Tavern; casual dining, the Alexander Dobbin Dining Rooms; fine dining, the Abigail Adams ballroom; banquet dining, the Gettystown Inn; a bed and breakfast in three historic buildings, the Country Curiosity Store; boutique shopping and guided 4-century history tours of the house.
As an authentic colonial tavern, many visitors say the allure of Dobbin House stays with them long after their visit. More than a superior culinary delight, to step into the iconic house is an enchanting journey back to the charming quaintness and lively spirit of Gettysburg’s and America’s beginnings.
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