Latest Installment in American Battlefield Trust’s Award-Winning Virtual Field Trip Series Transports Viewers To Historic Gettysburg

(Gettysburg, Pa.) — In the latest entry of its virtual field trip series, the American Battlefield Trust has landed in historic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. From the hallowed ground on the battlefield to the home of President Eisenhower, Dr. Chris Mackowski takes viewers on an energetic and engaging journey across the most famous small town in America. The visually stunning production features over an hour and 40 minutes of in-depth content, featuring interviews with some of Gettysburg’s most noted historians and stops at iconic battlefield locations such as the Wheatfield, Devil’s Den and Little Round Top.   

“We at the American Battlefield Trust believe it is critical to make place-based resources of the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War free and accessible to all, as not every classroom will have the chance to visit these powerful sites in person,” said Trust president David Duncan. “Teachers have told us time and again that video is the medium best suited to engage students in the modern classroom, and we’ve listened.” 

The Gettysburg Virtual Field Trip blends historical narration, scenic footage and interaction with an impressive line-up of subject matter experts. Mackowski exudes a genuine and infectious enthusiasm for Gettysburg’s history as he interviews Wayne Motts, Tim Smith, Garry Adelman and many more Gettysburg historians to tell the story of the Civil War’s bloodiest battle. The tour also goes beyond the battlefield, stopping at the Seminary Ridge Museum, the Dobbin House Tavern, the Adams County Historical Society and Eisenhower National Historic Site. 

“Witnessing Gettysburg’s beautiful and historic landscape is a powerful experience for anyone who visits this pillar of Pennsylvanian and American history,” said Senator David McCormick. “This virtual field trip provides a unique opportunity to experience in a new way an incredible place that forever altered the course of our nation.”

“This virtual field trip is an incredible showcase of what makes Gettysburg truly great!” remarked State Senator Doug Mastriano. “It’s an experience that brings history to life, transporting viewers to the heart of one of America’s most pivotal moments. Whether you're a budding historian or a seasoned expert, this is a fantastic resource that will educate, inspire, and ignite a passion for our nation’s past!” 

With the success of its first virtual field trip to War of 1812 Baltimore, the Trust decided that further destinations met a clear need within its ever-growing library of video and K-12 content. Thanks to a grant awarded through the National Park Service's American Battlefield Protection Program, the Trust was able to partner with acowsay, an award-winning film company, to produce iterations for Boston, Charleston, New Orleans, Vicksburg and now Gettysburg. Last year, the series received a Gold Telly in the history category of the 43rd annual Telly Awards, honoring excellence in video and television across all screens. 

“Capturing the spirit of Gettysburg’s past was made easy with the joy and dedication the American Battlefield Trust and its collaborators brought to the project,” said acowsay owner and director Tyler Eichorst. “To be on site at these iconic locations and then weave together the sights and stories in a way that will inspire the nation’s future leaders, the project took on a whole new level of meaning.”  

The American Battlefield Trust is dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has protected nearly 60,000 acres of hallowed ground associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War battlefields, including close to 1,500 acres at Gettysburg. Learn more at www.battlefields.org, and to see the Trust’s current array of classroom resources, check out www.battlefields.org/learn or the organization’s expansive YouTube channel. 

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