All activities are subject to change. Please check this schedule frequently as updates will be made and events will be added. Last updated: 10/13/21
On this page:
COVID-19 and Campus Safety
Gettysburg College is committed to the health and safety of the broader campus community. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Family Weekend information is subject to change. The College continues to monitor conditions and may adjust plans as needed. During Family Weekend, visitors will be expected to follow campus COVID-19 protocols which currently includes indoor masking for all, regardless of vaccination status, in all College buildings and spaces (excluding housing areas) throughout Family Weekend. This policy will be in effect from 9 a.m. on Friday, October 22, until 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 24. See the COVID-19 campus update, sent October 6, for more information.
Open Hours
Gettysburg College, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Department of Public Safety, 24 hours/7 days/week
Bullet Hole
Friday: 7:30 a.m.–10 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Sunday: 12–11 p.m.
Bullets Pool
Friday: 7 a.m. –9 a.m. and
10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Sunday: 3 p.m. –8:30 p.m.
College Bookstore
Friday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
The Commons
Friday: 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
Dining Center
Friday: 7 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
Saturday: 7 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
Jaeger Center
Friday: 6:30 a.m.–9 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–9 p.m.
Musselman Library
Friday: 8 a.m–8 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m.–1 a.m.
Special Collections
Friday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Friday, October 22, 2021
7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
Spinning Class
Jaeger Center
Start your day right with a 45-minute workout.
9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Family Weekend Registration
CUB Lobby
Refreshments available.
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Musselman Library and Special Collections Exhibits
Musselman Library
Enjoy a variety of exhibits, including Juxtaposed Images: Selections from Carl Beam's The Columbus Suite (the artwork of First Nations artist, Carl Beam), How Do You Move a Library? (images that tell the story of April 22, 1981, when the collection of 180,000 books from the old Schmucker Library was moved to Musselman Library; also available online), Stargazing: Past and Present (an exhibit that takes you from Mayan astronomers in 3314 BCE to Gettysburg College’s first observatory and guest registry of 1874,to the present day selection of Special Collections "heavenly" rare books), and Change Happens Here (posters that focus on parts of the Gettysburg College story that have been minimized or neglected altogether in previous histories—particularly with respect to underrepresented groups, issues, and activisms).
Complete list of exhibits and more information. Children's books and a puzzle table are available in the Browsing Room, main level.
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Schmucker Art Gallery Exhibitions
Schmucker Art Gallery
Martin Puryear: Forty Years since Sentinel
Curated by Merlyn Maldonado Lopez ’22
In 1981, Gettysburg College commissioned African-American artist Martin Puryear to create a work of art to commemorate the sesquicentennial anniversary of the College’s founding, and in 1982, Puryear erected Sentinel. Since then, Puryear has come to be regarded as one of the most important contemporary American sculptors. Sentinel, one of Puryear’s first monumental outdoor sculptures, is an important part of his legacy.
For the first time at Gettysburg College, a working mold Puryear constructed in preparation for Sentinel and photographs of the 1982 installation are on display. The exhibition, curated by Kolbe Summer Research Fellow Merlyn Maldonado ’22, includes prints by Puryear that were recently acquired by the College and loaned from a private collection.
Across the West and Toward the North: Norwegian and American Landscape Photography
Co-curated by Schmucker Art Gallery Director Shannon Egan and Norwegian photo historian Marthe Tolnes Fjellestad,
"Across the West and Toward the North" features stunning historical images of waterfalls, rocky mountains, glaciers, and geysers in Norway and the United States. This large traveling exhibition examines how major changes in infrastructure, tourism, mining, and expansion changed the landscapes and affected Indigenous peoples in the nineteenth century in the two countries.
More information.
11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Friday Prayer with the Muslim Student Association
Center for Religious & Spiritual Life
1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Schmucker Art Gallery Tour
Schmucker Art Gallery
Join Shannon Egan, Director of Schmucker Art Gallery, and student curator Merlyn Maldonado Lopez '22 for a tour of the two current exhibitions: “Across the West and Toward the North” and “Martin Puryear: 40 Years since Sentinel.” Learn about student opportunities in the Gallery and behind-the-scenes processes of curating art exhibitions.
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Global Study Open House
CUB 240
Speak with staff from the Center for Global Education about questions related to global study and the wide variety of affiliated global study programs available to students, including opportunities for internships, research, intensive language study, and more.
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The Cross-Disciplinary Science Institute at Gettysburg College (X-SIG)
8th 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-two students and 28 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.
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Now Hear This!
Paul Recital Hall, Schmucker 222
A weekly time for our community of musicians to gather for student solo and chamber music performances, master classes, and presentations by Sunderman Conservatory faculty members and guests.
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Garthwait Leadership Center Open House
CUB 202
Stop by to meet the GLC staff, students, and families while learning about the individual, group, and outdoor leadership development opportunities available to students.
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Center for Career Engagement Open House
CUB 204
Visit the Center for Career Engagement for an overview of the department and its offerings from professional staff members. Learn how Career Engagement empowers students with the crucial tools, resources, and experiences to succeed in developing and achieving their goals.
3:00 p.m. – 6:00 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 new executive director, Tracie Potts, and learn how the Eisenhower Institute prepares students to lead with integrity, build capital to garner influence, and translate knowledge into action.
3:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Phi Beta Kappa Initiation
Mara Auditorium, Masters Hall 110
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.
4:00 p.m. – 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. 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. Free and open to the public.
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Gallery Talk with Photo Collector Ron Perisho
Schmucker Art Gallery
Photo collector Ron Perisho has acquired an expansive collection of American photographs that have been exhibited in major museums across the country. Join Perisho for an in-person discussion about nineteenth-century photographic processes and innovations and hear more about many of his photographs currently on display in Schmucker Art Gallery as part of the exhibition "Across the West and Toward the North: Norwegian and American Landscape Photography." The talk begins at 4 p.m. with a reception to follow.
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Religious & Spiritual Life Open House
The Center for Religious & Spiritual Life (75 W. Stevens St.)
The Center for Religious & Spiritual Life welcomes students and families to stop in for light refreshments and conversation with the RSL team: • David Bass – Hillel Director • Father Aaron Lynch & Mary Geesaman – Catholic Campus Ministry • Niamate Leeper – Muslim Student Association • Pastor Steve Herr ’89, Pastor Jay Eckman, and Vicar Julie Jackson – Pastoral care team from Christ Lutheran Church.
5:00 p.m. – 7:30 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.
5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Campus Dining Option
Dining Center
Dinner cost is $14.25 per person.
6:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.
Family Weekend Shabbat Dinner hosted by Gettysburg Hillel
Glatfelter Lodge
Join Gettysburg Hillel as we celebrate Shabbat. We will have student-led services and a vegetarian dinner. Please RSVP by Tuesday, October 19, to David Bass, Hillel Director, at dbass@gettysburg.edu. All are welcome!
6:00 p.m. – 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.
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Haunted Mansion
Phi Delta Theta
Support Adams County Youth Services. Get your thrills from a haunted house filled with unique rooms and scares that can be catered to all ages, depending on the tour. Let us know if you are a family with young children! The mansion changes every year—if you've visited before, come back! It's sure to be a blast. Admission is $7/person.
8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sunderman Sings
Paul Recital Hall, Schmucker 222
This recital showcases talented members of the Sunderman Conservatory voice area, performing arias, art songs, and musical theater selections.
8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Family Weekend Bingo
The Attic, West Building
Enjoy an evening of Bingo with the opportunity to win some amazing Gettysburg-themed prizes. No charge.
Saturday, October 23, 2021
8 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, the 15-20 mile loop will 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.
8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Family Weekend Registration
CUB Lobby
Refreshments available.
8:30 a.m. – 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.
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Center for Career Engagement Open House
CUB 204
Visit the Center for Career Engagement (CCE) for an overview of the department and its offerings from professional staff members. Learn how Career Engagement empowers students with the crucial tools, resources, and experiences to succeed in developing and achieving their goals.
9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
Yoga with Maryann Quinn P’23
Jaeger Center
Yoga flow will guide the participant through a series of seated and standing postures to balance and relax the body, mind, and spirt. All levels are welcome. Poses can and should be adapted to suit the individual participant’s needs. We will focus on moving the body in various planes of movement to promote healing and restoration. This class will conclude with a relaxation/meditation portion which can be done seated or lying down. Wear comfortable clothing. Water is suggested. Please bring a mat or towel.
Maryann is from Wilmington, DE, and has been in the fitness industry since 1995, teaching a variety of formats. In addition to having RYT500 certification, she is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Weight Management Specialist and currently works with individuals and small groups in the live and virtual worlds.
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Alpha Phi Omega Pancake Breakfast
CUB 260
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 No Kid Hungry.
10:00 a.m.
Family Weekend Welcome Session
CUB Ballroom
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 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Lawn Games
Stine Lake
Stop by before the afternoon events and play some lawn games. Win prizes! Fun for the entire family!
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Public Policy Coffee Reception
Glatfelter Lodge
The Public Policy Student Council is hosting a coffee reception for Public Policy majors, interested students, and their families.
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Innovation and Creativity Lab Open House
West Building 114
Join us in the Innovation and Creativity Lab (ICL) for demonstrations and engaging hands-on activities exploring the tools, materials, and resources available in the lab, including laser cutting, virtual reality, vinyl cutting, 3D printing, and much more!
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Musselman Library and Special Collections
Musselman Library
See Friday at 9:00 a.m. for details.
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Schmucker Art Gallery Exhibitions
Schmucker Art Gallery
See Friday at 10:00 a.m. for details.
10:30 a.m.
Bullets Marching Band Warm-Up and March Through Campus
Old Quad, Schmucker Hall
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Office of Multicultural Engagement (OME) Open House
Mosaic House, 102 West Water Street
Light refreshments and door prizes for those who are able to visit. A virtual information session with Executive Director Monique Gore '06 will begin at 11:00 a.m.
11:15 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
All Campus Luncheon
Dining Center
Families' entrance free with Family Weekend registration fee. We request that each guest has a ticket for lunch. If you would like a To Go option, use the Grill on Lincoln entrance and provide a ticket for each meal requested. To Go lunches are available from 11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. To Go lunches can be brought into Musselman Stadium as long as the drinks are not open.
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Smoke-Out Arthritis Barbecue
Memorial Field
Alpha Omicron Pi smokes out arthritis. Support the Arthritis Foundation.
11:45 a.m.
Bullets Marching Band Pregame Show
Shirk Field, Musselman Stadium
Kickoff may be at 12:00, but the festivities begin at 11:45! Enjoy Pregame 2021, full of Gettysburg College’s traditional school music and favorite formations.
12:00 p.m.
Football vs. Johns Hopkins
Shirk Field, Musselman Stadium
12:00 p.m.
Men's Rugby
Rugby Field
1:00 p.m.
Volleyball vs. Haverford
Bream Gym
1:00 p.m.
Swimming Quad Meet
Bullets Pool
1:00 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.
Gallery Tour with Student Curator
Schmucker Art Gallery
Join student curator Merlyn Maldonado Lopez '22 for a brief tour of the exhibition “Martin Puryear: 40 Years since Sentinel.” Learn about an important outdoor sculpture on Gettysburg College’s campus and the career of prominent Black American contemporary artist Martin Puryear.
1:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Fire Shut Up in My Bones - The Met: Live in HD
The Majestic Theater
New operatic interpretation of the memoir by Charles M. Blow. Tickets available at the Majestic Theater Box Office.
2:00 p.m. - 2:20 p.m.
Gallery Tour with Student Curator
Schmucker Art Gallery
See 1:00 p.m. for details.
3:00 p.m. or so
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.
3:00 p.m. - 3:20 p.m.
Gallery Tour with Student Curator
Schmucker Art Gallery
See 1:00 p.m. for details.
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.
3:30 p.m.
Field Hockey vs. Haverford
Shirk Field, Musselman Stadium
4:00 p.m.
Men's Soccer vs. Haverford
Clark Field
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Gettysburg College Civil War Tour
Meet in front of Admissions
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. The tour will be repeated Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m.
5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Campus Dining Option
Dining Center
Dinner cost is $14.25 per person.
7:00 p.m.
Women's Soccer vs. Haverford
Clark Field
7:00 p.m.– 8:00 p.m.
Gettysburg College Ghost Tour
South side of Penn Hall (town side)
Offered by Ghosts of Gettysburg Candlelight Walking Tours. Sold out.
8:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
Jazz Ensemble Concert
The Majestic Theater
9:00 p.m.
Saturday Night Entertainment: Sailesh The Hypnotist
CUB Ballroom
Over the past 15 years, Sailesh The Hypnotist has performed at more than 400 colleges and 5,000 shows globally. His live show is a cross between a concert and the best party ever, and Sailesh is the most booked hypnotist in the college and university market. Sailesh makes audience members the stars of the show, taking the entire audience on an interactive journey using hypnosis, improv, and music to create a whole lot of laughter and a ton of fun!
Sunday, October 24, 2021
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Gettysburg College Civil War Tour
Meet in front of Admissions
See Saturday at 4:00 p.m. for details.
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Schmucker Art Gallery Exhibitions
Schmucker Art Gallery
See Friday at 10:00 a.m. for details.
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Quaker Meeting
Glatfelter Lodge
Gettysburg Quaker Meeting is open to all college and community members who would like to experience gathering in community to seek and worship God in an unprogrammed, generally silent setting.
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Family Weekend Choir Concert
Christ Chapel
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!
2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Duo Sorolla in Recital
Paul Recital Hall, Schmucker 222
A program of works for cello and piano, featuring the music of Constantino Gaito, Fazil Say, Sergei Rachmaninov, and more. Ismar Gomes, cello and Wan-Chi Su, piano.
4:30 p.m. – 4:50 p.m.
Pray the Rosary
Christ Chapel
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Catholic Mass
Christ Chapel
7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Protestant Worship
Christ Chapel
Please join us in the Chapel for a communion service that includes scripture reading, prayer, meditation, and reflection. Everyone is welcome to attend. Led by Pastor Stephen Herr ’89, Pastor Jay Eckman, and Vicar Julie Jackson from Christ Lutheran Church.
7:30 p.m.
French Film Fest - Tableau Ferraille
Majestic Theater Cinema 1
A college graduate (Ismael Lo) returns to his Senegalese fishing village, enters politics, and takes two wives. Tableau Ferraille is presented as part of the Gettysburg College French and Francophone Film Festival 2021.