There is a $150 fee for this event. Details are here.
https://cart.gettysburgfoundation.org/33318/33356
On Saturday, eight different programs are offered. Attendees choose one morning program from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. and one afternoon program from 1 - 4 p.m. A buffet lunch is offered in the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
7:30 a.m.: Registration Opens in the Bus Loop at the Museum & Visitor Center
8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: Morning Programs
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Lunch
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Afternoon Programs
Program #1 Indoor AM
The Psychology of Robert E. Lee and his Officers at Gettysburg
with Darryl Roberts, Licensed Battlefield Guide
What was it that lost the Battle of Gettysburg for the Confederate Army? Was it battle tactics, strength of the Union Army, something else done by the men on the field? We will explore why it may just have been the mindset of Lee and his officers coming into and throughout the battle those fateful days in July 1863.
Program #2 Indoor PM
The Horse at Gettysburg
with Chris Bagley, Licensed Battlefield Guide
Many of the monuments that grace the Gettysburg battlefield honor the various units and soldiers both officer and enlisted. Numerous monuments display the one unsung hero that is viewed with great admiration but not often spoken about…the horse, of course. These animals were trained and prepared for battle, all with different functions. Like the men who rode them, they were expendable implements of war. Many men lamented the loss of their animals and one, a Union Officer admitted his inability to judge a horse as a quality mount. He also admitted it was in many cases pointless due to the high attrition rate. These animals have even caused one of the great myths that persist to this day. Join us for this classroom-based program about these noble animals and their sacrifice.
Program #3 Outdoor AM/PM
Wofford’s Brigade and the Attack of July 2nd, 1863
with Phil Muskett, Licensed Battlefield Guide
This program includes minimal walking; approximately 1.5 miles of walking in total over mowed paths and paved roads; chairs and stools are encouraged.
This tour will follow in the footsteps of Confederate General William T. Wofford’s brigade on the afternoon of July 2, 1863. Wofford’s brigade will be the last of the Confederate First Corps to attack that afternoon. It will
face elements of three Union Corps. We will discuss their march to Gettysburg, walk the initial positions of the brigade and the opening moments of the fight along Warfield Ridge. From there we will move to the Peach Orchard. We will walk the brigade’s advance across Stoney Hill and The Wheatfield. When victory seemed within its grasp, orders arrived to fall back, ending the action that evening. Come explore the key personnel of the brigade and listen to their stories on the fields where the action occurred. Approximately 1.5 miles of walking in total over mowed paths and paved roads.
Program #4 Outdoor AM/PM
Maj. Gen. Henry Slocum, USA “I’ll be damned if I take responsibility for this fight.”
with Rob Abbott, Licensed Battlefield Guide
This program includes three periods of prolonged standing throughout the program. Chairs and stools are encouraged.
Maj. Gen. Henry Slocum, the Commander of the Union XII Corps during the Battle of Gettysburg gets a bad reputation for two major reasons: his alleged refusal to come up and aid Maj. Gen. Howard on July 1, 1863 and apparent confusion over Slocum’s role as Army of the Potomac Right Wing Commander. We will take a different view, based on the wording of the orders and the timing of how events unfolded. If we are going to dislike Henry Slocum, let’s at least dislike him for the right reasons. There will be three periods of prolonged standing throughout the program—feel free to bring a small stool if you would like.
Program #5 Outdoor AM/PM
“Ever Outgunned, Never Outfought”: The Confederate III Corps Artillery at Gettysburg and Beyond
with Billy Griffith, Licensed Battlefield Guide
This program will be by bus and requires short walks with a few extended periods of standing.
General A.P. Hill’s corps artillery brought a star-studded lineup of officers to Gettysburg in the summer of 1863. With R. Lindsay Walker, Willie Pegram, David McIntosh, and Thomas Poague leading the way, the guns of the Confederate III Corps turned in a gritty performance on July 1–3. Hear the stories of the rise of these young artillerists and learn the roles that they and their batteries played along Herr Ridge and Seminary Ridge, and on battlefields beyond.
Program #6 Outdoor AM/PM
The Gibraltar Brigade
with Jasan Hilemen, Licensed Battlefield Guide
This program involves short walks over moderate terrain. Field chairs can be used for interpretive stops.
Colonel Samuel Carroll’s brigade may be the most unsung brigade in the Army of the Potomac’s July 2 and July 3 fight at Gettysburg. We will explore who these men were and the amazing role they play on the field of battle. The tour will involve short walks over moderate terrain. Field chairs can be used for interpretive stops.
Program #7 Outdoor AM/PM
Napoleon Power: The 1857 12-Pounder Gun-Howitzer at Gettysburg
with Ralph Siegel, Licensed Battlefield Guide
This program involves walking at several stops; each stop will have easy walks from the bus to the battery positions.
The workhorse of Civil War artillery was the Napoleon cannon, which played a crucial role at many locations on this battlefield. Starting with Carter’s Battalion, guests will experience the combat positions of Stewart, Taylor, Bigelow, Kinzie and Rugg’s batteries. These guns were not only in the heart of the battle action, but they executed unique fire tactics. There will be several stops throughout the tour. Each stop will have easy walks from the bus to the battery positions.
Program #8 Outdoor AM/PM
The 9th Massachusetts Artillery Battery at Gettysburg: “I shall lose all my men in limbering up.”
with Chuck Burkell, Licensed Battlefield Guide
This program involves 1/2-mile moderate walking across paved or gravel level surfaces.
“I shall lose all my men in limbering up.” attack to honor a defensive position was a small group of Massachusetts artillerists commanded by a Harvard educated Captain, Johnny Bigelow. He and his soldiers performed heroically, honoring their command and orders, tragically surrendering to eternity a number of their colleagues. Their prolonged retreat was not one of choice, but literally survival to keep up the fight, and honor the order received. This visit to the field, will examine the history, role, and aftermath of the 9th MA within this July 2 monumental engagement. A special emphasis of this field visit will be an experience of how this physical scene is viewed and interpreted today. Walking will encompass about a ½ mile across paved or gravel level surfaces. Small stools or field chairs may be utilized during the stops.
