Gettysburg College’s nearly 200-year history reflects a deep, enduring commitment to action at pivotal moments in the American story—never standing on the sidelines, but stepping forward to engage. Founded in 1832, the College has evolved alongside the nation itself, adapting through periods of transformation while remaining grounded in a tradition of educating thoughtful, engaged citizens prepared to lead. Situated in a town central to the American narrative and inspired by Lincoln’s call to continue the “unfinished work,” Gettysburg College approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence as both a commemoration and a call to reflection—honoring the nation’s past while emphasizing the shared responsibility to shape its future through informed, critical thought and meaningful action.
Events and programs
- Gettysburg College Civil War Walking Tour
- Blavatt Lecture, Eisenhower Institute at Gettysburg College | February 3
- Annual Henry M. Scharf Memorial Lecture, Eisenhower Institute at Gettysburg College | March 31, 2026
- John Brown’s War: A Tour in the Footsteps of one of America’s Most Enigmatic Figures, Civil War Institute at Gettysburg College | April 18
- Fraktur-ing the Family: The Printed Art of the Pennsylvania Germans, Special Collections and College Archives, Musselman Library | May 7, 2026 – April 2, 2027
- “A Great and Truthful Medium”: Photography at Gettysburg and Beyond, Schmucker Art Gallery | September 2 – December 5
- Democracy Week, Eisenhower Institute at Gettysburg College | September 15 - 19
- Lincoln at Gettysburg and the Robert Fortenbaugh Memorial Lecture | November 18 – 19
Community Partners: