GETTYSBURG BOROUGH STORM WATER AUTHORITY (GBSWA) BUSINESS MEETING
I. GBSWA – Call to Order
II. Welcome and Opening Remarks
III. Announcements
IV. Approval of Agenda, Minutes, and other Business A motion to approve the agenda as presented. A motion to approve all bills and payrolls as presented. A motion to approve the August 11, 2025 meeting minutes.
V. Public Comment (Restricted to Items on the Agenda)
VI. Special Presentation
None.
VII. Current Business
A. Financial Updates
Revenue vs. Expenses YTD (2025)
Payments Received (2025 Billing)
Liens Filed
VIII. Old Business
A. Composting Bins Update
IX. New Business
A. Lincoln Avenue Storm Water Pipe Replacement Project
Motion to authorize the GBSWA and Borough Engineer, C.S. Davidson, Inc. to design and engineer the Lincoln Avenue Storm Water Pipe Replacement, with bidding expected in winter/spring 2026 and construction in fall 2026.
B. Stevens Run Mower
C. 2026 Budget Proposal
D. Stevens Run Classification (Implications)
Stream vs. Channel
Join Ray for a special episode of Open House as he explores the Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center. Along the way, he talks with Executive Director Judy Morley in different parts of the museum, uncovering its remarkable history and the powerful stories preserved within, and around, its walls.
“Here you will discover…
Gettysburg’s first day of fighting
One of the battlefield’s largest hospitals
Dilemmas that caused the nation to rupture
…all in a building that was itself a part of the battle.”
1. Call to Order 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Invocation 4. Attendance Roll Call 5. Approval of September 10, 2025 Meeting Minutes 6. Announcements/Communications
a. Mayor/Police Report 7. Public Comment Period 8. New Business
a. Resolution 2025-03 Local Share Grant
b. Approval of the Expenditures 9. Call for motion to Adjourn
Announcement of Next Public Meeting: The next public meeting of the McSherrystown Borough Council is currently scheduled for Wednesday October 22, 2025 at 6:30pm in the Borough Council Chambers.
Tech Pathways at the Champion Center for Leadership and Workforce Development on Carlisle St. in Hanover
Hanover, PA – The Champion Center for Leadership and Workforce Development (CCLWD) has completed Phase Two of its multi-stage renovation, marking another step in transforming Hanover’s future leaders and workforce. Phase Two included the renovation of 4500 square feet into a state-of-the-art automotive training center, which is now the home of Hanover Auto Team’s Tech Pathways Apprenticeship.
The Phase Two renovations created a central training center where students can engage in hands-on automotive technical training and mentorship. Students will also benefit from leadership development through Every Day Champions Leadership Curriculum.
“The most valuable part of Tech Pathways was the supportive environment that encouraged my growth and development. I’ve not only built technical skills but also learned important lessons about leadership. With the new space, I’m even more excited for opportunities ahead and the impact it will have for future students.”, said Zachary Collier, a Tech Pathways Apprentice.
The addition reflects the center’s commitment to bridging education, leadership, and workforce readiness, ensuring the next generation is equipped with both the practical skills and leadership qualities needed to succeed.
The Champion Center extends sincere thanks to the local businesses, leaders, educators, and volunteers whose ongoing support continues to make this vision a reality. As the Champion Center for Leadership and Workforce Development looks ahead, local businesses and community leaders are invited to join in shaping Hanover’s future leaders and workforce.
About the Champion Center for Leadership and Workforce Development (CCLWD): The Champion Center for Leadership and Workforce Development (CCLWD) prepares future leaders through leadership, pre-apprenticeship, and apprenticeship programs. Serving the greater Hanover community, the Center combines technical excellence with servant leadership, a strong work ethic, and innovation to enrich the workforce while uplifting the community.
In this episode of Open House, Lara sits down with Dakota McBride and Sarah Dull from Members 1st Credit Union. Together, they explore what it feels like to step inside one of their welcoming branches, the many ways the credit union supports local non-profits, and how their guiding philosophy is to ‘care more about people than profit.’
While many services typically provided by the National Park Service (NPS) are paused during the shutdown, the Gettysburg Foundation is continuing to operate the Museum & Visitor Center and provide access to a wide range of visitor experiences, including:
Film, Cyclorama & Museum Experience: View A New Birth of Freedom followed by the dramatic light and sound show of the 360-degree Gettysburg Cyclorama painting. Then, explore artifacts, interactive exhibits and short films that bring the stories of the battle to life in the Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War.
Shopping & Dining: The Museum Book Store and Battlegrounds Café & Grille remain open for shopping, snacks and meals.
McKenna Foundation Resource Room: The Resource Room is open with Gettysburg Foundation volunteers available to help guests explore Civil War ancestry and begin research.
Tickets & Maps: Visitors may purchase tickets to Foundation programs and obtain maps at the Ticket Counter and Friends Desk.
Unavailable: Educational programs, interpretive services and information desks operated by the NPS are paused. NPS rangers and volunteers are not available.
Law Enforcement: NPS protection rangers will continue patrols to ensure the safety of park resources and visitors.
Lost and found items should be turned in to the Security Desk in the Museum & Visitor Center located at 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg.
Members of the media may contact Bruce McConnel, Vice President of Marketing Communications, at bmcconnel@gettysburgfoundation.org for more information.
Vandalized wall and capstone on “Dinosaur Bridge” over Plum Run. photo: Courtesy of National Park Service, Gettysburg National Military Park.
Gettysburg, PA— Staff at Gettysburg National Military Park (NMP) report that one of the capstones of the South Confederate Avenue Bridge over Plum Run, best known as “Dinosaur Bridge,” that contains a dinosaur fossil, was vandalized on Thursday, September 25. At approximately 1:30 pm, park maintenance staff discovered a large cap stone missing from the bridge. They soon found it below the bridge along Plum Run. Evidence suggests a heavy object was used to strike the stone and pry it free, causing it to fall—or possibly be dropped—during an attempted removal. The capstone measures approximately 30 inches long by 18 inches wide by 4 inches thick. The fossil, a
The Anchisauripus fossil track, unharmed and safely in park custody while the investigation is ongoing. photo: Courtesy of National Park Service, Gettysburg National Military Park.
Anchisauripus (Ank-ee-sore-ih-puss) track, a dinosaur that lived during the Jurassic period (201 million to 145 million years ago) was unharmed and is now safely in park custody while the investigation is ongoing.
If the public has any information that could help the park’s ongoing investigation into this act of vandalism, they are encouraged to contact the park email address at GETT_Superintendent@nps.gov.
www.nps.gov
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 430+ national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank (CPFB) presents its Adams County Community Hunger Mapping Report at Gettysburg College.
The report, which was developed by CPFB’s Impact and Policy Research team, provides a comprehensive look into the food insecurity situation that exists in Adams County. Through extensive research, analysis, data collection, and community engagement over a one-year period, the report offers findings about food access challenges and provides recommendations to ensure Adams County residents can get the help they need.
The full report can be found here.
The Adams County Council of Governments Annual Legislative Forum, featuring local government officials: Senator Doug Mastriano, and PA State Rep. Dan Moul. Moderated by Dr. David W. Bolton, PhD, MBA, CBO. Live stream will start at 8:30am on Thursday Sept. 25th 2025.
Wednesday, September 24, 2025 HANOVER BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING
Committee meetings of Hanover Borough Council shall be held at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers, Administration Building, 33 Frederick Street, Hanover, Pennsylvania.
Please enter through the alley side door and proceed up the stairs and to the left to Council Chambers. Any person who needs accommodation in order to gain access to or participate in the meetings should call 717-637-3877 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting they desire to attend.
1. Call to Order_______________________________________________________________________ 1.01 Call Meeting to Order: 7:00 PM
1.02 Pledge of Allegiance
1.03 Moment of Silence
1.04 Roll Call 2. Acknowledgement of Executive Session, if any
3. Presentations and Proclamations
3.01 President Reichart: Proclamation of Kindness Week Worldwide • Gary Sutton, Kindness Worldwide Ambassador
4. Public Comment
4.01 Hear Citizens concerning items presented in the Council Agenda 5. Consent Agenda_____________________________________________________________________
5.01 Approve Minutes: a. Council Meeting August 27, 2025
5.02 Finance Reports: a. Approve Bills for Payment b. Accept Monthly Financial Statement c. Accept Report of Monthly Investments 2 5. Consent Agenda, (cont.)
5.03 Hanover Borough Police Department a. Direct Civil Service Commission to create a certified hiring list for police officers
5.04 Hanover Market House a. Grant permission for Lions Club to solicit donations for Tag Day Saturday, October 11th & 18th, 2025 Grant permission for Lions Club to rent a booth on November 22nd and 29th, and December 6th, 13th , and 20th of 2025 to promote and sell Hanover Lions Club Diner books as a fundraising effort
5.05 Water Supply Allocation and Sustainability Policy a. Approve Resolution No. 1447 establishing a Water Supply Allocation and Sustainability Policy
5.06 Municipal Tax Exemption Policy a. Approve policy developed to align with Hanover Public School District and York County policies
5.07 Hanover Borough Vision Statement a. Approve Vision Statement developed by the Governance Committee with Council input
5.08 High Street Parking Restriction a. Authorize Legal Advertisement to Expand No Parking Zone on East Side of High Street from 80’ to 150’ at Maple Avenue to improve sight distance
5.09 Approve Minimum Municipal Obligations a. Approve 2026 Pension Contributions
5.10 AFSCME White Labor Agreement a. Approve 2026-2028 Agreement
5.11 Refuse Vehicle Acquisition a. Approve budget amendment in the amount of $286,000.00 for the purchase of a Demo Refuse Truck
6. Public Safety – Mr. Fuentes 6.01 East Park Avenue Parking Restriction a. Approve Ordinance No. 2382
7. Finance, Personnel and Administration – Mr. Kress 7.01 Ratify Building Construction Change Order Updates a. Change Order #2: ($362,875.00) Net Savings
8. Additional Public Comment 8.01 Hear Citizens concerning all other items relating to Hanover Borough Council
9. Announcements – Mr. Reichart
9.01 Please plan to exit the building within 15 minutes following adjournment so staff may secure the building and depart for the evening.
10. Adjournment
Gettysburg, PA — Vida Charter School (Vida) is once again collaborating with Gettysburg College’s Center for Public Service (El Centro) to provide a bilingual learning center to underserved students in Adams County. Funding from Gettysburg College’s renewed 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grant will support the program’s second year, serving students from Vida, James Gettys Elementary, and Lincoln Elementary. The 21st CCLC academic support reinforces concepts in reading, math, and other core subjects in both Spanish and English. Additionally, the program offers enrichment opportunities, physical activity, and snacks. Changes in the federal funding landscape in early 2025 nearly halted the grant program in its second year, but the funding was renewed just in time to continue operations for 2025–2026.
Neither Gettysburg College nor Vida could have absorbed the program’s costs without the continuation of the federal grant. “The program absolutely depends on this grant,” says Dr. Christine Miller, Vida’s executive director. “Without it, our students would lose ten hours of supplemental weekly academic support and the caring relationships with the afterschool program staff.”
photo: Vida Charter School and El Centro
As leaders of the 21st CCLC, Ricardo Hernandez, program director at El Centro, and Maria Perez, a Gettysburg College lecturer in Spanish, concur. “Without this funding, we wouldn’t be able to provide transportation, and we wouldn’t be able to reach as many students as we can now,” they say. Previously, the college was only able to offer the program to students within Gettysburg Borough. This year, they will extend their reach to Hanover, PA.
The bilingual 21st CCLC afterschool and summer programs include bus transportation and are provided at no cost to students or their families. Gettysburg College students provide one-on-one tutoring for program attendees. The learning center meets after school each day at two locations: Vida’s campus and El Centro. Vida also serves as the program’s summer location. A public, tuition-free school, Vida teaches all students in Spanish and English with a dual language model, bridging learning across all subjects to both languages.
photo: Vida Charter School and El Centro
This program helps address an opportunity gap for traditionally underserved students, including English Learners. At GASD, approximately 4% of GASD students identify as English learners, and at Vida, about 22% of students are identified. Dr. Miller shares, “Students learning English as a new language may be challenged to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding in English, even when they have a deep understanding and ability of academic concepts in their native language. There is also a documented opportunity gap for many of these students; some differences in students’ environment, economic status, race, and other factors influence how they achieve academically compared to their peers. This leads to performance gaps that the 21st CCLC program helps to close.”
“The program allows us to focus on the areas where students most need support,” say Hernandez and Perez. “We concentrate on helping these students improve academically and build their confidence both inside and outside the classroom.”
photo: Vida Charter School and El Centro
Hernandez and Perez are intentional about expanding access to all who may benefit from the bilingual learning center. “Providing transportation is important because some families may not feel safe or be able to pick up their child due to work schedules,” they say. “We strive to accommodate as many students as possible and ensure they benefit from the academic support and caring relationships the 21st CCLC program provides.”
Hernandez and Perez anticipate serving 44 students from Vida and 44 GASD students this year. As part of their grantee responsibilities, Gettysburg College ensures that the 21st CCLC meets all state-required goals, provides materials, and handles the administration of the program. Vida refers students to the program and works with the college to implement best-practice strategies for supporting bilingual learning and student safety.
photo: Vida Charter School and El Centro
Hernandez credits Dr. Miller and Vida as key to securing grant funding and continuing the program. “Vida’s ability to identify and refer students is vital for our success,” says Hernandez. “I’m extremely grateful to the main office and administrative team for their work in improving the program and supporting their students. Vida continues to be a great partner and is the perfect place to host one of our program sites.”
To enroll in the after-school program, contact Ricardo Hernandez at rhernand@gettysburg.edu or 717-337-6491.
About Vida Charter School
Located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Vida Charter School has served students in kindergarten through sixth grade in a dual-language immersion model for the last 15 years. With a commitment to bilingualism, diversity, and holistic child development, Vida provides a nurturing environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and culturally as global citizens.
Hanover, PA – The Eichelberger Performing Arts Center is thrilled to announce its lineup of Spring 2026 performances, bringing music, theater, and live entertainment to the heart of Hanover. Known for its rich history and commitment to the arts, the Eichelberger continues to be a hub where community, culture, and creativity come alive.
“This spring, we are bringing Hanover an exciting mix of nationally recognized tribute artists, comedians, and family-friendly programming that reflects our commitment to delivering performances that both entertain and inspire,” said David Adler, Executive Director.
2026 Spring Lineup Highlights:
Jan 31 – Elvis Tribute featuring Victor Trevino
Feb 7 – Twitty & Lynn: A Tribute to Conway & Loretta
Feb 15 – Wizard of Oz on Ice
Feb 28 – Magical Mystery Doors: A Tribute to The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and The Doors
Mar 8 – Celtic Angels Ireland
Mar 14 – The Jungle Book – A Brand New Interactive Family Musical
Mar 21 – Mamma Mania: ABBA Tribute
Mar 28 – Foreigners Journey: A Tribute to Foreigner and Journey
Apr 11 – Toast: The Best of Bread
Apr 24 – Earl David Reed – Stand Up Comedy
Apr 25 – Sail On: Beach Boys Tribute
May 2 – Beginning: A Tribute to Chicago
With world-class tribute acts, beloved classics reimagined, laugh-out-loud comedy, andfamily-friendly shows, every performance promises a memorable experience inside the Eichelbergers’ historic venue.
Tickets for Spring 2026 performances are available now! For details or to purchase tickets, visit theeich.org.
About the Eichelberger Performing Arts Center
The Eichelberger Performing Arts Center, located in Hanover, PA, is a premier destination for live entertainment in South Central Pennsylvania. Hosting an array of performances from music and theater to comedy and community events, The Eich continues its mission to bring exceptional live arts experiences to the community.
In this Open House, Lara talks with Stacy Seymore, who is the founder of Graceful Harvest Community Connection. They are dedicated to helping neighbors who are facing or at risk of experiencing hardships through a variety of impactful programs. By thoughtfully utilizing a combination of both internal and community resources, we work together to provide meaningful assistance and build community! In this episode, learn all about how they got started, and the work they do for our community.
Borough of Gettysburg Council Work Session Meeting Agenda Wednesday, September 22, 2025 – 7:00 PM
I. Call to Order
II. Welcome and Opening Remarks
III. Moment of Silence
IV. Announcements
An executive session will be conducted by the Borough Council immediately following the adjournment of this evening’s monthly work session public meeting consistent with section 708(a)(1) and section 708(a)(5) of the Sunshine Act for the following purposes: (1) to provide information and to discuss matters involving the employment, appointment, the terms and conditions of employment of current or prospective Borough employees; and (2) to review and discuss matters of Borough business which, if conducted in public, could lead to the disclosure of information or matters of confidentiality protected by law.
V. Special Presentation
None.
VI. Public Comment
VII. New Business
Pension Plan Text Clarification
(36) Stevens Run Mower (MS4 Compliance).
VIII. Current and Old Business
(3.a) OBS 2023-01 Comprehensive Rezoning
Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO)
The 29th Annual Hanover Chili Cook Off was held on August 31st, 2025 at Moul Field in Hanover, PA.
Congratulations to all the winners, and all who participated!
WINNERS FROM THE 29TH ANNUAL HANOVER CHILI COOKOFF
WINNERS for TRADITIONAL RED CHILI
1st Place: Nathan Gramm
2nd Place: Joe Harter
3rd Place: Jeff Cambell
WINNERS for VEGETARIAN CHILI
1st Place: Mike Singleton
2nd Place: Sarah Singleton
3rd Place: David Wagner
WINNERS for VERDE CHILI
1st Place: Matt Levy
2nd Place: Randy Allen
3rd Place: Ken Brown
WINNERS for HOMESTYLE RED CHILI
1st Place: Nathan Gramm
2nd Place: Mario Saccoccio
3rd Place: Joe Harter
WINNERS for YOUTH TRADITIONAL RED CHILI
1st Place: Riley McCusker
2nd Place: Bria McCusker
3rd Place: Brooke Richcreek
WINNERS for THE ULTIMATE BUSINESS CHILI CHALLENGE
1st Place: 3 Hogs BBQ
2nd Place: Oxtails & Empanadas
3rd Place: Clair’s Restaurant – Hanover, PA – 3rd Generation
WINNERS for THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE CHILI
1st Place: Oxtails & Empanadas
2nd Place: 3 Hogs BBQ
3rd Place: Ricky Weaver and Crew
WINNERS of the SHOWMANSHIP AWARD
1st Place – Ricky Weaver and Crew
2nd Place – Allen Bean
3rd Place – Guthrie Memorial Library – Hanover’s Public Library
Hanover, PA – The Borough of Hanover, Pennsylvania, situated in Southern York County, has been awarded a grant under the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) Safe Streets for All (SS4A) program. This grant aims to support the development of a comprehensive Safe Streets Action Plan (SSAP) to address road fatalities and serious injuries within the Borough. The SSAP will serve as a comprehensive toolkit to prevent roadway fatalities and severe injuries by identifying and implementing projects and strategies based on robust data analysis and identification of collision hot spots.
All proposals, including all of the required materials, must be submitted in electronic format (PDF) to the Department of Planning & Engineering, attention Tammy Snyder, Project Manager, by October 31, 2025 at 3:30 PM. Hard copies of the proposal materials may be requested by the Borough but will not be accepted as part of the initial submission. Questions regarding the project or proposal should be directed to Department of Planning & Engineering, P. Eric Mains, PE, Director at EMains@HanoverBoroughPA.gov.
The Borough of Hanover looks forward to receiving comprehensive proposals from qualified firms committed to improving roadway safety within our community.
The Borough of Hanover, York County, Pennsylvania, was incorporated in 1815. The Borough serves the public through stewardship, government, development and improvements of public assets including water/sewer/stormwater & refuse utilities, parks & recreation facilities, the Hanover Market House, the Guthrie Memorial Library, as well as Code Enforcement, Police & Fire Departments. It is governed by the Borough Council, overseen by the Borough Manager, and staffed by administrative, public service, public works, sewer, water, refuse and engineering professionals. Known as the Snack Food Capital of the World, Hanover is home, not only to numerous food industries, but also to manufacturing, technology, commercial sales, and services. Hanover Borough offices, located at 33 Frederick Street, can be reached at 717-637-3877 or by email at Info@HanoverBoroughPA.gov. More information is available at www.HanoverBoroughPA.gov.
Summer’s Army held their 5th Annual Event on August 23rd, 2025.
“Playing for kids, who can’t.”
All proceeds benefited Penn State Four Diamonds Children’s hospital.
Ribbon cutting at Seventh Shelf Romance Bookstore 9 Carlisle St, Hanover, PA photo: Main Street Hanover.
Hanover, PA – Downtown Hanover is celebrating the arrival of its newest indie bookstore, Seventh Shelf Romance Bookstore, located at 9 Carlisle Street. The shop officially opened its doors on Sunday, September 7, where excited readers formed a line wrapped around the square to welcome the beloved new addition to the community.
The store, owned by Tiffany Michael Hammer, is dedicated to romance novels of every sub-genre, providing readers with a thoughtfully curated selection and a cozy atmosphere to discover their next favorite read.
Selection of books at Seventh Shelf Romance Bookstore photo: Main Street Hanover
Seventh Shelf is already embracing the spirit of collaboration in Hanover. Tiffany has become fast friends with Kiki Page, co-owner of fellow downtown indie bookstore Little Fox Coffee & Books. Together, the two businesses are quickly creating a hub for book lovers with collaborative events and a supportive atmosphere.
“We love to see our downtown businesses not only thriving individually but also collaborating with each other,” said Moriah Tyler, Executive Director of Main Street Hanover. “Downtown isn’t about competition—it’s about realizing that variety makes us a destination. Two indie bookstores downtown doesn’t split the crowd; it brings more people in to explore, shop, and connect.”
For Tiffany, opening Seventh Shelf has been a personal dream realized.
“Owning a romance bookstore has always been a dream of mine, and to see it come to life here in Hanover is truly incredible,” said Tiffany Michael Hammer. “The community has been so warm and welcoming already, and I can’t wait to continue building a space where readers feel at home.”
The Seventh Shelf Romance Bookstore is located at 9 Carlisle St, Hanover, PA. Store hours are:
Zachary Bolitho, Deputy Superintendent for Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site, addresses visitors to Little Round Top photo: Community Media
Gettysburg, PA – The Gettysburg Foundation is pleased to announce that Gettysburg National Military Park, Eisenhower National Historic Site and the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center have all been recognized in Tripadvisor’s® Travelers’ Choice® Awards for 2025. Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award winners are among the top 10% of listings around the world on Tripadvisor.
As the world’s largest travel guidance platform, Tripadvisor has unparalleled authority with travelers and diners. This award is based on genuine feedback from anyone in the community who has visited and left an authentic, first-hand review on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period, making it a valuable and trustworthy designation of travelers’ favorites.
A living history educator talks with a group of visitors during WWII weekend at the Eisenhower national Historic Site photo: Community Media
“We are honored to be included among travelers’ favorites this year and thank the staff and volunteers of Gettysburg National Military Park, Eisenhower National Historic Site and the Gettysburg Foundation who have played an important role in achieving these recognitions,” said Jackie Spainhour, President and CEO of the Gettysburg Foundation. “Travelers’ Choice is one of the most recognized and coveted awards in the travel space, so it is very valuable to all of us,” added Spainhour.
“Congratulations to Gettysburg National Military Park, Eisenhower National Historic Site and the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center on their recognition in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2025,” said Kristen Dalton, President, Tripadvisor. “Ranking among the top percentage of businesses globally means you have made such a memorable impact on your visitors that many of them took time to go online and leave a glowing review about their experience. We hope this recognition continues to drive business to you in 2025 and beyond.”
Guests tour the Gettysburg Visitors Center and Museum. photo: Community Media
Gettysburg National Military Park preserves, protects and interprets for this and future generations the resources associated with the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War, the Gettysburg National Cemetery and their commemorations. To learn more about Gettysburg National Military Park, visit nps.gov/gett.
Eisenhower National Historic Site preserves and interprets the home and farms of the Eisenhower family as a fitting and enduring memorial to the life, work and times of General Dwight David Eisenhower, 34th president of the United States, and to the events of far-reaching importance that occurred on the property. To learn more about Eisenhower National Historic Site, visit nps.gov/eise.
Chambersburg, PA – Franklin County Visitors Bureau is hosting an exhibit, titled “Letterkenny World War II Italian Prisoner of War Experience” in the lobby of the Franklin County 11/30 Visitors Center. The exhibit is on display through Veteran’s Day 2025 and remembers the stories of Italian POWs, their time at Letterkenny Depot, and the Letterkenny Chapel, built by the POWs of Letterkenny.
The North African campaign of World War II began in June 1940 and ended in May 1943 with the surrender of the Axis powers in Tunisia to the Allied forces. The Allied victory in Africa allowed for the invasion of Sicily, which the Allies captured in July 1943. More than 51,000 Italian POWs crossed the Atlantic Ocean and were detained in more than 140 locations throughout the United States. Letterkenny Depot housed 1250 repatriated POWs. These men formed the 321st Quartermaster Battalion and served the Allied cause by ordering, stocking, and shipping military supplies, which supported the forces in the Pacific and Europe. These men were housed at Letterkenny from May 1942 to October 1944.
Letterkenny Chapel
About three dozen Italian families of the Italian prisoners of war visited “Letterkenny World War II Italian Prisoner of War Experience” exhibit on September 11, 2025, and enjoyed an evening to celebrate the friendship that has grown between Chambersburg PA and the communities of Italy where the POW families reside. In addition to the exhibit, the Italian contingent visited the Letterkenny Chapel. The chapel is an excellent representation of Italianate architecture with the characteristic square tower, quoined brickwork, and curved arches above the windows and doors. Most importantly, Letterkenny Chapel represents faith and friendship, which grew out of the experiences of the Italian POWs and the community that supported them in this difficult time across the world.
Gifts from Italian Visitors 2025
The visitors also viewed “Fedelta. Soldier. Prisoner,” a documentary created and produced by Stephen Mancini Productions. The documentary won Best Feature Documentary Award at the Dallas MovieFest. Stephen Mancini won Best First Time Director for “Fedeltà: Soldiers. Prisoners.” at the 2025 Bomarzo Soulplace Film Festival in central Italy.
The public is invited to enjoy the exhibit Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM. It is also open on Saturday, 10 AM to 2 PM, and Sunday from 11 AM to 2 PM. A booklet called “Letterkenny World War II Italian Prisoner of War Experience Through Photos, Memoirs, Letters, and Diaries” is available here and overviews the exhibit currently on display in the Franklin County 11/30 Visitors Center, 15 South Main Street in Chambersburg.
