Family Weekend Schedule

Family Weekend 2023 Schedule of Events

The schedule is subject to change. Please check back regularly for updates.

Events with asterisks (*) require registration. 

Friday, October 27

TimeEvent

Library
8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

Special Collections
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Exhibits in Musselman Library and Special Collections & College Archives
Musselman Library
Enjoy a variety of exhibits on display, including Chronicling Farm Life: The Photography of Charles “Jim” Lott, an exhibit that features the agricultural landscape of the 1930s and 40s. View Lott’s images in the library’s main floor apse.

Adjacent to the library Browsing Room on the main floor, you will find a five-case exhibit, Lott’s Legacy: Life with a View. This companion exhibit to Chronicling Farm Life shows how Lott captured everyday life during the Depression Era and beyond with images both sophisticated and accessible.

The main stair tower gallery in Musselman Library features A Closer Look: Small Works from the Collection of Mary Margaret Stewart. This exhibit showcases some of the extensive art collection that Stewart (Professor of English 1959-1996) gifted to Gettysburg College. These are smaller works by regional artists and pieces Stewart collected during her travels.

Special Collections & College Archives
Heading up to the 4th level of the library, in the Special Collections Reading Room, visitors may view Many a Misdemeanor: Gettysburg College Pranks and Hijinks. Despite a history of rules that encouraged quiet study, prayer, and honorable behavior, Gettysburg students have always enjoyed the pranks and hijinks for which college students are known. Visit the Special Collections Reading Room to discover the true story of the Old Tin Cup trophy. Find out how 19th century students trolled their professors. Maybe even see some skin from when the 1970s streaking fad hit campus.

For a list of all exhibits, please visit the library’s Exhibits webpage.

8:00 a.m.– 8:00 p.m.

Musselman Library Book Sale
Musselman Library Main Level
Drop by Musselman Library to browse the Pop Up Book Sale!

9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m

Family Weekend Registration
Lobby, College Union Building

10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Schmucker Art Gallery Exhibitions
Schmucker Art Gallery

Drawing on the Susquehanna: Three Centuries of Artistic Inspiration and Commerce (Main Gallery)

This show features eighteenth- and nineteenth-century prints, paintings, books, and objects that examine the history and significance of the Susquehanna River on art and culture.

Additional interpretation of these works of art, particularly the history and perspectives of Indigenous peoples, is provided by Hannah Vaccaro ’24, Kolbe Summer Scholar, Gettysburg College, under the direction of Prof. Stephanie Sellers, English, Native American Studies, and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.

Reading Mary Margaret Stewart (Project Space)

Curated by Miriam Glatfelter ’24, the inaugural Susan ’77 and Joseph Biernat ‘75 Intern, this exhibition examines the literary themes in works of art from the collection of Mary Margaret Stewart (1931-2021), a beloved Professor Emerita of English at Gettysburg College (1959-1996). Reading Mary Margaret Stewart features prints of notable authors, including Virginia Woolf and Edgar Alan Poe, as well as works that allude to stories, such as Mark Twain’s “The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.”

More Gallery information.

11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Fall Ring Days
Bookstore, College Union Building
Representatives from Balfour Ring will be on hand to answer questions, take ring measurements, and process ring orders for Gettysburg College Juniors and Seniors.
2:00–4:00 p.m. The Cross-Disciplinary Science Institute at Gettysburg College (X-SIG) 10th Annual Poster Presentation
Science Center Lobby
Students who conducted STEM research on or off campus over the summer will present their findings in posters and be on hand to answer questions. Seventy four students and 26 faculty participated in summer research through the X-SIG program, so there is guaranteed to be something of interest for all! The summer research program was funded by gifts from alumni and friends of Gettysburg College. Posters will remain on display the entire weekend.
2:00–5:00 p.m. Global Study Open House
Room 240 & 230, College Union Building
Speak with staff from the Center for Global Education and returned global study students about all things global study! Families of students studying away during the Spring 2024 semester are especially encouraged to stop by.
3:00– 3:30 p.m.

Schmucker Art Gallery Tour
Schmucker Art Gallery
Join Sarah Kate Gillespie, Interim Director of Schmucker Art Gallery, for a tour of the two current exhibitions: Drawing on the Susquehanna: Three Centuries of Artistic Inspiration and Commerce and Reading Mary Margaret Stewart. Learn about student opportunities in the Gallery and behind-the-scenes processes of curating art exhibitions.

3:00–4:00 p.m. Now Hear This! 
Paul Recital Hall, Schmucker Hall
Featuring the Florence Price Quintet. A quintet of faculty and student musicians from the Sunderman Conservatory of Music will play the Piano Quintet in a minor by Florence Price. Additional student musicians will also perform. This event is free and open to the public.
3:00–4:30 p.m. Garthwait Leadership Center Family Weekend Open House
Room 202, College Union Building
Stop by to meet the GLC staff, students, and families while learning about the individual, group, and outdoor leadership development opportunities available to students. Refreshments provided.
3:00–5:00 p.m. Center for Career Engagement Open House
Room 204, College Union Building
Visit the Center for Career Engagement for an overview of the department and its offerings from professional staff members and peer coaches. Learn how Career Engagement empowers students with the crucial tools, resources, and experiences to succeed in developing and achieving their goals.
3:00–7:30 p.m. Majestic Theater Exhibit: Eclectic Expressions
Majestic Theater Art gallery
Eclectic Expressions, a selection of work by Gettysburg-based fiber artist, mixed media artist and painter Joh Ricci is on display in the Majestic Theater art gallery. Admission is free.
3:15–3:45 p.m. Phi Beta Kappa Induction
Mara Auditorium, Room 110, Masters Hall
The Iota of Pennsylvania Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa welcomes its newest members to the Society. The Gettysburg College chapter elects to membership from the top ten percent of the senior class who have distinguished academic records and exhibit high moral character and intellectual curiosity. Election to Phi Beta Kappa is perhaps the most widely recognized academic distinction in American higher education. Open to the public. Photography is welcome.
3:30–5:30 p.m.

Eisenhower Institute Open House
Eisenhower Institute, 157 North Washington Street
Visit us at the historic home of Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower to meet our executive director Tracie Potts and the EI team, and learn how the Eisenhower Institute prepares students to lead with integrity, be responsible global citizens, and inspire the world to meaningful action. The Eisenhower Institute welcomes the Pathways Co-Curricular team, Cara Smith and Emma Stubbe, to their offices on the second floor. Cara and Emma invite you to explore the opportunities for First Years and transfer students.

4:00–5:00 p.m. Fall Honors Day
Christ Chapel
Attend Fall Honors Day and celebrate the accomplishments of our students and faculty. Everyone is invited to attend this annual ceremony during which more than 60 awards are presented to students in recognition of their academic, leadership, and athletic achievements; and two awards are presented to faculty. Many of the awards were established more than one hundred years ago in honor of and/or by Gettysburgians whose legacy is celebrated each year on this occasion. Music during the ceremony is performed by Sunderman Conservatory students. This event is free and open to the public.
 
5:00– 7:00 p.m. Panel Discussion and Reception
Penn Hall Lyceum and Schmucker Art Gallery
Join a lively scholarly debate about art, history, and the environment in this multi-disciplinary panel discussion around the exhibition Drawing on the Susquehanna: Three Centuries of Artistic Inspiration and Commerce. Participants include the exhibition curator, artist Rob Evans, Hannah Vaccarro ’24, Assistant Professor of Art History Nicholas Miller, and Professor of Environmental Studies Sarah Principato. Discussion to be held at the Lyceum in Penn Hall, followed by a reception at the Schmucker Art Gallery until 7pm.
5:00–8:00 p.m. Family Weekend Happy Hour
The Attic, West Building
Come relax in a family-friendly environment. Adult beverages, non-alcoholic drinks, and a variety of snacks will be available at no charge. 
5:30 p.m. Men’s and Women’s Swimming vs. Franklin and Marshall
Bullet Pool
 
6:00–7:30 p.m.

President’s Welcome Reception with the Parents Leadership Council
The President’s Home
The Parents Leadership Council (PLC) comprises Gettysburg College’s most committed parents who value and provide resources that sustain and enhance outstanding academic and co-curricular programs while strengthening the College’s reputation. Members are leaders in philanthropic support, ambassadorship, and a number of activities that make a beneficial difference for Gettysburg College students. By invitation.

7:00–8:00 p.m.

*Gettysburg College Ghost Tour
Meet at the North side of Pennsylvania Hall (Library side)
Offered by Ghosts of Gettysburg Candlelight Walking Tours.

8:00–9:00 p.m.

Choir Family Weekend Concert
Paul Recital Hall, Schmucker Hall
Featuring each of the four Gettysburg College choral ensembles: College Choir, Concert Choir, Audeamus, and Camerata. Come and hear what the choirs are singing this semester! This event is free and open to the public.

Saturday, October 28

TimeEvent
8:00 a.m.

Bicycle Ride
Meet on the north side of Penn Hall
Start the day with a bicycle ride in bucolic Adams County, which will include stretches on both the Battlefield and quiet country roads in the area. Led by alumni director Joe Lynch ’85 and at least one other member of the College community, we’ll plan to ride 15-20 miles in about 90 minutes, which will allow us to finish in plenty of time to grab a cup of coffee and hear President Iuliano’s welcome at 10 a.m. Bring your bike, helmet, and water bottle. And if you plan to take part, please email jlynch@gettysburg.edu so we’ll have a sense of our group size for planning purposes.

8:30–9:30 a.m.

Cupola Society Breakfast
The Atrium
The Cupola Society is a dedicated circle of parents, alumni, and friends of the College whose annual leadership gifts enhance the Gettysburg College experience for all students. By invitation.

9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Family Weekend Registration
Lobby, College Union Building
9:30 –11:30 a.m. Alpha Phi Omega Pancake Breakfast
Room 260, College Union Building
Enjoy coffee, juices, milk, sausage, bacon, and , of course pancakes at this annual event. Breakfast is free, but suggested donations of $5-$10 are appreciated. All proceeds will go to local organizations fighting food insecurity.
10:00 a.m. Family Weekend Welcome Session
Ballroom, College Union Building
Join President Iuliano as he welcomes all visitors to Family Weekend, shares a campus update, and speaks to the ambitious future of Gettysburg College.
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Coffee with Catholic Campus Ministry
The Lawn of Christ Chapel
Gettysburg College Catholic Campus Ministry invites you to a meet and greet with Father Lynch, Catholic Campus Chaplain. Enjoy coffee, juice, danishes and an opportunity to visit the Catholic Campus Ministry space. 
10:00 a.m– 12:00 p.m.

Play the Player Piano!
Musselman Library Main Level Apse
Play an 1901 Beckwith Player Piano! No skill or talent required—all you have to do is pump the pedals and the keys move all by themselves. The piano is located at the back of the main level of Musselman Library. Stop by to try it out yourself or see and hear it demonstrated! The player piano and over 1000 piano rolls were donated to the library by a generous alumnus, Gary Hawbaker ’66.

10:00 a.m– 12:00 p.m. Innovation and Creativity Lab (ICL) Open House
Creativity and Innovation Lab, West Building, Room 114
Join us for engaging hands-on activities, while seeing what all the ICL has to offer! Come and see how students, faculty, and other members of the Gettysburg College community are using tools such as 3D printers, Laser cutters, Drones, Vinyl Cutters, and Much more to work on exciting projects spanning many disciplines.
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Schmucker Art Gallery Exhibitions
Schmucker Art Gallery

Drawing on the Susquehanna: Three Centuries of Artistic Inspiration and Commerce (Main Gallery)

This show features eighteenth- and nineteenth-century prints, paintings, books, and objects that examine the history and significance of the Susquehanna River on art and culture.

Additional interpretation of these works of art, particularly the history and perspectives of Indigenous peoples, is provided by Hannah Vaccaro ’24, Kolbe Summer Scholar, Gettysburg College, under the direction of Prof. Stephanie Sellers, English, Native American Studies, and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.

Reading Mary Margaret Stewart (Project Space)

Curated by Miriam Glatfelter ’24, the inaugural Susan ’77 and Joseph Biernat ‘75 Intern, this exhibition examines the literary themes in works of art from the collection of Mary Margaret Stewart (1931-2021), a beloved Professor Emerita of English at Gettysburg College (1959-1996). Reading Mary Margaret Stewart features prints of notable authors, including Virginia Woolf and Edgar Alan Poe, as well as works that allude to stories, such as Mark Twain’s “The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.”

More Gallery information.

Library
10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

Special Collections
12:00–3:00 p.m.

Exhibits in Musselman Library and Special Collections & College Archives

Musselman Library
Enjoy a variety of exhibits on display, including Chronicling Farm Life: The Photography of Charles “Jim” Lott, an exhibit that features the agricultural landscape of the 1930s and 40s. View Lott’s images in the library’s main floor apse.

Adjacent to the library Browsing Room on the main floor, you will find a five-case exhibit, Lott’s Legacy: Life with a View. This companion exhibit to Chronicling Farm Life shows how Lott captured everyday life during the Depression Era and beyond with images both sophisticated and accessible.

The main stair tower gallery in Musselman Library features A Closer Look: Small Works from the Collection of Mary Margaret Stewart. This exhibit showcases some of the extensive art collection that Stewart (Professor of English 1959-1996) gifted to Gettysburg College. These are smaller works by regional artists and pieces Stewart collected during her travels.

Special Collections & College Archives
Heading up to the 4th level of the library, in the Special Collections Reading Room, visitors may view Many a Misdemeanor: Gettysburg College Pranks and Hijinks. Despite a history of rules that encouraged quiet study, prayer, and honorable behavior, Gettysburg students have always enjoyed the pranks and hijinks for which college students are known. Visit the Special Collections Reading Room to discover the true story of the Old Tin Cup trophy. Find out how 19th century students trolled their professors. Maybe even see some skin from when the 1970s streaking fad hit campus.

For a list of all exhibits, please visit the library’s Exhibits webpage.

Children's books and a puzzle table are available in the Browsing Room on the main level of the library.

10:00 a.m.– 8:00 p.m.

Musselman Library Book Sale
Musselman Library Main Level
Drop by Musselman Library to browse the Pop Up Book Sale!

11:00 a.m.– 12:00 p.m. Public Policy Social
Weidensall Hall, Room 107
The Public Policy Department invites students and families to join our faculty for light refreshments and great conversation.
11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Fall Ring Days
Bookstore, College Union Building
Representatives from Balfour Ring will be on hand to answer questions, take ring measurements, and process ring orders for Gettysburg College Juniors and Seniors.
11:15 a.m.–12:45 p.m. Family Weekend Lunch "To Go"
The Grill
11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Family Weekend Lunch
Servo
11:30 a.m. Bullets Marching Band Warm-Up and March Through Campus
Old Quad, Schmucker Hall
12:00–7:30 p.m. Majestic Theater Exhibit: Eclectic Expressions
Majestic Theater Art gallery
Eclectic Expressions, a selection of work by Gettysburg-based fiber artist, mixed media artist and painter Joh Ricci is on display in the Majestic Theater art gallery. Admission is free.
12:45 p.m. Bullets Marching Band Pregame Show
Shirk Field, Musselman Stadium
Kickoff may be at 1:00 p.m., but the festivities begin at 12:45! Enjoy Pregame 2022, full of Gettysburg College’s traditional school music and favorite formations.
1:00 p.m. Volleyball vs. Bryn Mawr
Bream Gym
1:00 p.m. Football vs. Dickinson
Shirk Field, Musselman Stadium
2:00– 2:30 p.m.

Lost Keys Family Weekend Performance
CUB Junction
The Lost Keys a cappella club will be singing a few songs from their setlist.

3:00– 4:30 p.m. Multigenerational Gettysburgians Porch Gathering
Norris-Wachob Alumni House
Stop by for fall refreshments and to celebrate those who have made Gettysburg College a family tradition. By invitation.
4:00 p.m. Men's Soccer vs. Ursinus
Clark Field
4:00 p.m. Bullets Marching Band Families and Friends Reception
Old Quad, Schmucker Hall
Marching Band parents, families, and friends are invited to a reception sponsored by the band students and organized by the Band Class Representatives.
4:00– 5:00 p.m. Gettysburg College Civil War Tour
Meet in front of the Admissions Building
Join John Rudy ’07 on a walking tour of the campus that reveals the College’s Civil War history. This tour was originally developed by John, a history major and Civil War Era Studies minor, as an independent project when he was a Gettysburg College student.
6:00– 7:00 p.m.

*Gettysburg College Ghost Tour
Meet at the North side of Pennsylvania Hall (Library side)
Offered by Ghosts of Gettysburg Candlelight Walking Tours.

7:00 p.m. Women's Soccer vs. Ursinus
Shirk Field, Musselman Stadium
7:00– 8:00 p.m.

Sr. Recital: Benjamin McCarley, tenor
Paul Recital Hall, Schmucker Hall
This event is free and open to the public.

8:00–10:00 p.m.

Gettysburg Family BINGO Night
Ballroom, College Union Building
Join the Office of Student Activities & Greek Life for a family-friendly night of Gettysburg BINGO! All prizes will be Gettysburg College themed – from apparel to gift cards and everything in between!

Sunday, October 29

TimeEvent
10:00–11:00 a.m. Gettysburg College Civil War Tour
Meet in front of the Admissions Building
Join John Rudy ’07 on a walking tour of the campus that reveals the College’s Civil War history. This tour was originally developed by John, a history major and Civil War Era Studies minor, as an independent project when he was a Gettysburg College student.

Noon –
Midnight
(card-swipe access turns on at 8pm)

Exhibits in Musselman Library and Special Collections & College Archives

Musselman Library
Enjoy a variety of exhibits on display, including Chronicling Farm Life: The Photography of Charles “Jim” Lott, an exhibit that features the agricultural landscape of the 1930s and 40s. View Lott’s images in the library’s main floor apse.

Adjacent to the library Browsing Room on the main floor, you will find a five-case exhibit, Lott’s Legacy: Life with a View. This companion exhibit to Chronicling Farm Life shows how Lott captured everyday life during the Depression Era and beyond with images both sophisticated and accessible.

The main stair tower gallery in Musselman Library features A Closer Look: Small Works from the Collection of Mary Margaret Stewart. This exhibit showcases some of the extensive art collection that Stewart (Professor of English 1959-1996) gifted to Gettysburg College. These are smaller works by regional artists and pieces Stewart collected during her travels.

Noon – 5:00 p.m.

Musselman Library Book Sale
Musselman Library Main Level
Drop by Musselman Library to browse the Pop Up Book Sale!

1:00–5:30 p.m.

Majestic Theater Exhibit: Eclectic Expressions
Majestic Theater Art gallery
Eclectic Expressions, a selection of work by Gettysburg-based fiber artist, mixed media artist and painter Joh Ricci is on display in the Majestic Theater art gallery. Admission is free.

5:00p.m.

Catholic Mass
Christ Chapel
Gettysburg College Catholic Campus Ministry invites all visiting family and friends to attend Mass on Sunday, October 29, 5:00 p.m. in Christ Chapel, on campus. This is our weekly liturgy, and we welcome all to join. For more information contact Catholic@Gettysburg.edu.