Mark Your Calendars for a Year's Worth of Special Events from the American Battlefield Trust
(Washington, D.C.) — Just in time to fill the new calendars received by history lovers this holiday season, the American Battlefield Trust has announced its 2020 slate of member and educational events. From its acclaimed National Teacher Institute to exclusive member gatherings to public access and living history demonstrations at important historic structures, the Trust offers something for everyone in the coming year.
“We hope that longtime friends and newcomers to the world of battlefield preservation will join us at exciting events in the coming year,” said Trust president James Lighthizer. “If you love American history, you will love the gatherings hosted by the American Battlefield Trust.”
Scheduled 2020 events include the following. Note that event details are subject to change; please visit www.batttlefields.org/events for the latest information.
Public Events
Please note that advance registration or applicable fees may be necessary for these events.
Park Day at sites nationwide, April 4, 2020: Join fellow volunteers at a battlefield, museum or historic site near you to help perform critical maintenance projects.
Annual Conference in Chantilly, Va., June 3–7, 2020: Hundreds of history lovers come together for a weekend of exciting tours and exclusive speakers. Registration is now open; tour selection begins soon!
National Teacher Institute in Mobile, Ala., July 9-12, 2020: Some 160 educators gather for an acclaimed continuing education and training conference, provided free of charge and with travel scholarships available.
Pop-Up Battlefield Tours
These informal pop-up tours featuring Trust historians are designed for members who donate at least $100 annually.
Wilson’s Creek, Mo., on March 7, 2020: Explore one of the first great battles of the War and the largest engagement ever fought in Missouri. Note: for our first-ever Western Theater Pop-Up, we are waiving membership restrictions: This event is open to all!
Yorktown, Va., on April 18, 2020: Explore the battle that turned the world upside down and secured American victory in the Revolutionary War.
Gettysburg’s Seminary Ridge, April 25, 2020: The Trust has preserved key aspects of this landscape, including the building used as Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee’s headquarters.
First Day at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 2020: A tour of an iconic Trust-protected property to mark the 157th anniversary of the Battle of Chancellorsville.
Slaughter Pen Farm, Va., on October 10, 2020: Join Trust historians for a visit to the site of the Battle of Fredericksburg’s decisive engagement.
Generations Events
The Trust’s family-friendly Generations programs are designed to help history lovers pass on their passion for the past to children, grandchildren and other younger people. Advance registration may be required.
Yorktown, Va., on April 18, 2020: Explore the battle that turned the world upside down and secured American victory in the Revolutionary War.
Slaughter Pen Farm, Va., on October 10, 2020: Join the Trust for a visit to the site of the Battle of Fredericksburg’s decisive engagement.
Lee’s Headquarters Openings and Demonstrations
The Trust purchased and restored the building used as Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee’s headquarters at Gettysburg. It is open to the public on select days in cooperation with the Seminary Ridge Museum, as well as hosting weekend living history demonstrations.
June 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Open through the Seminary Ridge Museum.
July 10-12: Artillery Demonstration
July 3, 10, 17, 25 and 31 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Open through the Seminary Ridge Museum.
August 7, 14, 21 and 28 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Open through the Seminary Ridge Museum.
November 21: Remembrance Day
December 12, 2020: Lee’s Headquarters holiday Open House.
Exclusive Member Events
The Trust hosts a pair of invitation-only gatherings for members of the Color Bearers, our major donor society.
Thank You Weekend in Savannah, Ga., February 7–9, 2020: Guests will explore the one of the nation’s most historic and beautiful cities. This popular event is currently waitlisted.
Grand Review in Richmond, Va., October 23-25, 2020: A weekend of tours and fellowship exclusively for Brigade Color Bearers and higher.
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 more than 52,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War. Learn more at www.battlefields.org.
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