Annual World War II Weekend at Eisenhower National Historic Site 2024

GETTYSBURG, PA – Join Eisenhower National Historic Site (NHS) staff for our annual World War II Weekend from September 20 to 22. This year’s event theme is 1944, remembering the millions of Americans and Allies in arms who joined together with General Dwight D. Eisenhower in a “great crusade” to fight for freedom over fascism 80 years ago. Park rangers, guest speakers, living historians, and partner organizations will bring the stories and people of 1944 to life through three days of interactive programming and activities for visitors of all ages. All programs and activities are free of charge.

Event highlights include:

• Notable guest speakers and historians: Henry Sledge, son of famed World War II Marine Eugene Sledge, will speak Friday evening at the Gettysburg National Military Park (NMP) Museum and Visitor Center. On Saturday and Sunday, speakers at Eisenhower NHS include Dr. John C. McManus, Dr. Sara Parry Myers, Kevin Hymel, April Cheek-Messier, Dr. Tyler Bamford, Dr. Jared Frederick, and John Orloff, writer and co-executive producer of the Apple TV+ miniseries Masters of the Air.
• Ranger-Guided Walking Tours of WWII burials in Gettysburg National Cemetery: Park rangers will offer guided walking tours of Gettysburg National Cemetery that will explore stories of the 590 fallen World War II soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen buried there. These programs will focus on stories relevant to 1944.
• 1944 Living History Camp at Eisenhower NHS: Visit American and Allied units, as well as groups depicting life on the Homefront, to explore the people and events of 1944. Park rangers will lead guided walking tours of the living history camp throughout the weekend.
• Family Activities and Programs at Eisenhower NHS: Pick up a Family Activity Booklet, explore the Living History Camp, and look for special Family Activity chalkboard signs. Learn more about the military and civilian groups to complete your five-stars and earn your very own World War II dog tag! Special family programs, reading adventures, and more will take place throughout the weekend.
• Special 1944 Museum Exhibits: Visit the Gettysburg NMP Museum and Visitor Center to see exhibits from the Naval History and Heritage Command, the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, the National Museum of the Marine Corps, and Eisenhower NHS.
• Eisenhower Home Tours: Free tours of the only home that Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower ever owned are available on both Saturday and Sunday of World War II Weekend.
  For a full World War II Weekend event schedule and information, visit the Eisenhower NHS website at https://www.nps.gov/eise/world-war-ii-weekend.htm.

For the safety of visitors, living history groups, and staff, Eisenhower NHS will close to visitation on Friday, September 20 for the World War II camp set up.

How to visit Eisenhower NHS during World War II Weekend:
Weather permitting, free on-site parking for passenger vehicles only will be available at Eisenhower NHS in a farm field accessible from Emmitsburg Road, Business Route 15. For GPS, use 250 Eisenhower Farm Rd.
Shuttle buses depart every hour from the Gettysburg NMP Museum and Visitor Center, located at 1195 Baltimore Pike, on both days of the event. A shuttle fee does apply. Visit the Gettysburg Foundation website or call 877-874-2478 to make reservations.
Bus groups should plan to use the shuttle system. Accessible parking is located at the Museum and Visitor Center with access to the site via the shuttle. Limited accessible parking is available on-site.
All National Park Service World War II Weekend programming is free of charge. Outdoor programs are weather dependent.