The goal of The Gettysburg Campaign - Licensed Battlefield Guides' Perspectives program is to provide a systematic, structured course of study, presented by specialists, for those interested in understanding what happened during this epochal event in our nation's history and why.
The Licensed Battlefield Guide exam is scheduled for Dec. 4. While this curriculum would be a logical classroom and field study for anyone aspiring to licensing as a Battlefield Guide at Gettysburg, it is not an official preparation for the test nor a guarantee of eventual licensing. The written test is competitive, through the National Park Service, and typically only the top 15 will advance to the oral exam.
Classes also are attended by those simply interested in the various aspects of the history of Gettysburg and the American Civil War and not necessarily interested in becoming licensed battlefield guides. In the past, class participants have come not only from Adams County, but from other states, as well.
A total of 16 classes will be offered weekly, August 11 through November 17. Most classes will be held from 6-9 p.m.; some also will be held on weekends. Walking tours of the Battlefield over uneven terrain will be included, and class participants should dress appropriately. No rain dates will be scheduled.
The first class on Aug. 11 from 6-9 p.m. covers the Campaign, June 3-30, and features an examination of the movements of both armies in the weeks preceding the Battle.
The Aug. 18 class, Cavalry at Gettysburg, is a study of the uses, organization and action of the cavalry at Gettysburg.
Additional classes will cover other important dates of the campaign, the Artillery, Culp's Hill/Cemetery Hill, Pickett's Charge, Monuments/History of Gettysburg National Park, Lincoln at Gettysburg and the National Cemetery, Gettysburg's Civilians in the Civil War, Causes of the American Civil War, the Civil War in the West, Consequences of the American Civil War, The Civil War in the East, Life of a Civil War Soldier, and the Realities of Guiding.
All classes have a maximum enrollment limit, so students are encouraged to register early. Most classes are $25 each; a few are $45. Those registering for all 16 courses for $495 will get the equivalent of one ($45) class free.
A PDF file with a description of the program and all classes is available at the non-credit campus link at www.hacc.edu/gettysburg or by calling (717) 338-1010.