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Gettysburg Hangout (SOLD OUT/Waiting List)

Name: Gettysburg Hangout (SOLD OUT/Waiting List)
Start: 2022-05-09T00:00:00-05:00
End: 2022-05-16T23:59:59-05:00
Location: Gettysburg Campground

May 9, 2022 - May 16, 2022

Gettysburg Campground • Gettysburg, PA • May 9-16, 2022

This Hangout is currently sold out, but join the waiting list and we’ll let you know if a spot opens up!

Immerse yourself in the turning point of the Civil War

Historians consider the Battle of Gettysburg on July 1-3, 1863 to be the most important battle of the American Civil War, and the first major victory for the Union after a string of defeats by the Confederacy. Gettysburg marked the turning point of the war, although the fighting would rage on for two more years. The bloody battle inspired President Abraham Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address,” which would become one of the most famous speeches of all time.

Today, the ghosts of the fallen soldiers on both sides of the conflict live on at the Gettysburg National Military Park, where the history of that fateful battle is preserved by the National Park Service. The Gettysburg Hangout, hosted by Kathie & Rich Anderson, will immerse you in the stories of the battle, on the very ground where it took place, as told by living historians and licensed battlefield guides.

Our special guest for this Hangout will be Dr. Rick Weil, SKP# 140637, a retired professor, Civil War living historian, and president of the Lincoln’s Generals Living History and Museum Organization, which is dedicated to preserving the legacy and history of the war.

Before you head out to the battlefield on the first full day of the Hangout, you’ll gain insight into the battle, the stories and personalities through a visit to the Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War; a showing of the film A New Birth of Freedom, narrated by actor Morgan Freeman; and a viewing of the massive 1884 Gettysburg Cyclorama 360-degree painting that places you in the middle of Pickett’s Charge on the decisive third day of the battle.

Then, Dr. Weil and licensed battlefield guides will lead you through the first of three half-day tours around the Military Park. On each one of these tours, your guides will recount one of the three days of the Battle of Gettysburg right where the fighting happened.

Each evening during the Hangout will feature a program in camp by living historians from the Lincoln’s Generals Organization. By adopting the personas of people involved in the battle, these historians will provide interactive, first-person impressions that are almost like you stepped back in time to 1863.

National Park Service rangers will present a special program about battlefield medicine during Civil War times. You’ll hear how 19th-century small town, country doctors transitioned and trained to become battlefield army surgeons, and how wounded soldiers were transported from one hospital to another, how soldiers were treated and eventually returned to their units or homes.

You’ll tour the Eisenhower National Historic Site, the home and farm of General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Located adjacent to the Gettysburg Battlefield, the farm served the President as a weekend retreat and a meeting place for world leaders. With its peaceful setting and view of South Mountain, it was a much-needed respite from Washington D.C. and a backdrop for efforts to reduce Cold War tensions.

Other activities planned for the Gettysburg Hangout include a hike or bicycle ride on area trails, a talk and picnic lunch on Culp’s Hill, a Civil War-style breakfast, a wine tasting at Adams County Vineyard, and potluck dinners.

Hangout location

Our home base for the Gettysburg Hangout will be the Gettysburg Campground, conveniently located just three miles from the heart of the historic town and minutes from the National Military Park. All of our sites feature 30A water and electric hookups. The park provides a “honey wagon” service upon request for $10 per scheduled pump-out, as well as free use of the on-site dump station. Gettysburg Campground also has restrooms and showers, WiFi and cable, and laundry facilities.

This Hangout is limited to only 30 RVs and tickets will go quickly—so don’t wait to register!

Is this event right for me?

Every member is welcome at all Escapees RV Club events. With that said, the Gettysburg Hangout is best suited for members who:

can comfortably walk moderate distances
can participate in activities during weekdays (traditional working/business hours)

For events designed specifically for working-age RVers, with most activities in the evenings and on weekends, try an Xscapers Convergence. Or for more of an all-inclusive, guided-tour experience, you may prefer one of our Head-Out Programs (HOPs).

COVID-19 precautions

Although Escapees recommends that attendees be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations before attending this Hangout, effective March 1, 2022, proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test will no longer be required.

Please see the club’s current COVID-19 Event Policy for our current health and safety recommendations and practices, as well as situations under which you may not attend this Hangout if you’ve had recent symptoms of or a positive test for COVID-19.

Schedule

Activities and schedule are subject to change. Activities marked with an *asterisk are not included in your Hangout fee.

Monday 5/9

Arrival and check-in at Gettysburg Campground

Evening welcome gathering & introductions

Tuesday 5/10

Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War, A New Birth of Freedom film, and Gettysburg Cyclorama

Battle Day 1 guided tour on battlefield