From July 1– 3, in partnership with Gettysburg National Military Park, Seminary Ridge Museum and other participating community organizations, Gettysburg Foundation announces the free public 2026 Sacred Trust Talks & Book Signings, commemorating key moments in American independence and history.
Gettysburg, Pa. — Last week, Gettysburg Foundation opened ticket reservations for the 2026 Sacred Trust Talks taking place July 1– 3. Admission is free, and tickets are required for programs on July 1 and July 3 at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center.
On July 2, Gettysburg National Military Park and the Gettysburg Foundation, in partnership with Seminary Ridge Museum and community organizations, will present special Independence-themed programming in recognition of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Programs on July 2 will take place at the United Lutheran Seminary Campus.
“We are proud to present programs that challenge, inspire and connect people to the stories that have shaped our nation,” said Britt Isenberg, Vice President of Community and Civic Engagement at Gettysburg Foundation. “Sacred Trust Talks invite audiences to explore the enduring legacies of American independence, the Civil War and the individuals whose courage, sacrifice and leadership continue to inform our understanding of service and civic responsibility today.”
Sacred Trust 2026 presents engaging talks centered on the American Revolution and the Civil War, exploring history, cultural impact and ongoing relevance. The schedule includes the following presenters and topics:
- July 1 Talk – From Pangea to Pennsylvania: The Geological Battle Beneath the Battlefield
Jesse Reimink, Ph.D. and Chris Bolhuis
6:30–7:30 p.m., Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center - July 2 Talk – A Hell of a Regiment: How the Twentieth Maine Created Their Gettysburg Story
Jared Peatman, Ph.D.; moderated by Codie Eash, Seminary Ridge Museum
2 p.m., United Lutheran Seminary Chapel - July 2 The Great Anniversary Festival: A July 2nd Independence Celebration at Seminary Ridge
- Reading of The Declaration of Independence by Codie Eash, Seminary Ridge Museum
6:30-7 p.m., Seminary Ridge Museum Lawn
- Panel on Historical Legacy
Tom McMillan, Jake Wynn, Erin Pearce, Christopher Gwinn; Moderated by Judy Morley, Ph.D.
7:30-8:30 p.m., Seminary Ridge Museum Lawn
- Screening of “Independence” (HBO miniseries, John Adams)
9–11 p.m., Schmucker Grove/Hill Unger Performance Pavillion near the intersection of Springs Avenue and Seminary Ridge - July 3 Talk – Above and Beyond: The Legacy of the Medal of Honor
Featuring Medal of Honor recipient, Dwight W. Birdwell with Jessica Loring, author, and
Maranda Wilkinson, Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center; Moderated by Dan Vermilya, Eisenhower National Historic Site
6:30–7:30 p.m., Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center
Sacred Trust Book Signings will take place daily, July 1–4 at the Museum Book Store in the Museum & Visitor Center. Featured authors will be available during daytime hours on the following schedule:
| July 1
Joseph Stahl | Noon–4 p.m. Bill Styple | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. |
July 2
Jeff Sharra | 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Bill Styple | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. |
July 3
Jeff Shaara | 9 a.m.–Noon James Faber | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Bill Styple | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. |
July 4
Jeff Shaara | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. James Faber | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. |
Visit GettysburgFoundation.org/Sacred-Trust for updates on the schedule of book signings.
The July 2 free programs will take place in partnership with Seminary Ridge Museum at the United Lutheran Seminary Campus and no tickets are necessary. Guests should bring a lawn chair for the outdoor programs. Food trucks will also be on site.
Free, required tickets for the July 1 and July 3 talks at the Museum & Visitor Center are now available. Ticket reservations are limited to four per transaction and are expected to go quickly. Reservations are strongly encouraged and available at GettysburgFoundation.org/Sacred-Trust. Doors will open at 6 p.m., with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sacred Trust 2026 complements ongoing programming at the Museum & Visitor Center, the Seminary Ridge Museum and Gettysburg National Military Park’s Battle Anniversary observances. Complete schedules, presenter biographies and program details are available at GettysburgFoundation.org/Sacred-Trust.
GETTYSBURG FOUNDATION is a 501(c)(3) non-profit philanthropic, educational organization operating in partnership with the National Park Service to preserve Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site and educate the public about their significance. The Foundation operates the Museum & Visitor Center at Gettysburg National Military Park, as well as the George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital, Children of Gettysburg 1863® and the Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad StationTM. The Foundation offers customized professional leadership development on the Gettysburg battlefield through its Higher Ground Leadership at Gettysburg programming. For information about visiting Gettysburg or how you can become a Friends of Gettysburg member in support of the Gettysburg Foundation’s preservation and education mission in partnership with the National Park Service at Gettysburg, visit GettysburgFoundation.org or call 877-874-2478. Proceeds from tickets and other purchases in the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center and donations to the Gettysburg Foundation benefit Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site.