Menallen Friends Meeting and Burial Ground

Above is a shot of the very ornate iron fence which surrounds the Menallen Friends meetinghouse located in Biglerville, Pa. The fence was actually made in Gettysburg and recently restored.

We are working on a three-part series about the underground railroad in Adams County, and have been highlighting the meetinghouse in the series.

Cyrus Griest is laid to rest on the grounds, along with his wife Mary Ann. Both opposed slavery and assisted freedom seekers escaping to the north and west.

If in the Gettysburg area, be sure to book a tour with Debra McCauslin, and learn about the Menallen Friends as well as other historic sites relevant to the Underground Railroad. The new tour allows visitors to get acquainted with those who sought freedom and those who fought for it. Portions of tour proceeds are donated to historic preservation.

For more information about the Underground Railroad in Adams County be sure to visit:

http://www.freedomliesnorth.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=15&Itemid=28
http://www.nationalapplemuseum.com/adamscty02.html
http://www.celebrategettysburg.com/pastIssues_janFeb2008.html

Irish in Adams County

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Irish may not be a word that comes to mind when thinking of Gettysburg and Adams County, but there are many examples as to why it should.

Irish descendants constitute one of the largest demographics in the area, and they have made their mark on a number of places in which the names are derived from the Irish. McSherrystown, Irishtown, Tyrone Township, and Straban Township are all Irish names.

In July, The Irish Heritage Foundation of Gettysburg holds it's annual Adams County Irish Festival at Gettysburg's Moose Park. The festival is a wonderful event filled with Irish music, dancing, food and vendors. The festival benefits the Children's Friendship Project for Northern Ireland, which promotes friendship between Catholic and Protestant teens in Northern Ireland. It is a really fun event which aids a great cause.

Another great Irish group which helps out the Gettysburg Soup Kitchen and the South Central Community Action Program's food pantry is the local division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. This society promotes Irish culture and heritage while taking part in community service.

"If you're lucky enough to be Irish, then you're lucky enough"

For more information about the Irish in Adams County be sure to visit:

http://www.adamscountyirishfestival.com/
http://www.gettysburgaoh.com
http://www.irishtownroad.com

Gettysburg's Newest Addition

One month to go, before the unveiling of Gettysburg's newest addition–the new Museum and Visitor Center located on the Baltimore Pike. (above, the new center in the midst of the building process)

April 14, 2008 will be a wonderful day for some and an awful day for others. On this date the new Museum and Visitor Center will open to the public, replacing the current Cyclorama/Visitor Center which is in disarray and is planned to be possibly demolished.

Much controversy has surrounded the move from historians who feel the current Cyclorama/Visitor Center is an important piece of modern architecture and shouldn't be destroyed, to business owners who are afraid the move will divert visitors from downtown Gettysburg.

There is also the other view, which supports the new developments and considers the new Museum and Visitor Center crucial for many reasons including: the preservation of the Cyclorama, which has become severely damaged over the years in it's original location, as well as the need for a modern facility which can properly display the thousands of artifacts belonging to the Park Service.

Whatever your view, April 14th is quickly approaching and it will be interesting to see what issues (good or bad) arise.

For more information about the new Museum and Visitor Center be sure to visit:

http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/rss/s_501731.html
http://www.mission66.com/cyclorama/index.html
http://www.gettysburgfoundation.org/index.html
http://www.nps.gov/archive/gett/gettprojects/museum/mus-home.htm

In the loop

One year ago, many things in my life were different. First, I was working 9 to 5, commuting to Frederick, MD to a job I really liked. My home office was very tidy and served more as a hip sanctuary, where the occasional freelance project would pass. My free time was consumed with the idea of starting and running an informative and beautiful magazine for Adams County, the only place my parents, grandparents, great-grandparents and I have called home.

Now, my 9 to 5 job that I really liked has turned into a 7:15 a.m. to 9 or 10 p.m.—or sometimes later—livelihood that I love. My office, now cluttered with anything and everything Celebrate Gettysburg, is still a sanctuary, but at times can resemble more of an asylum. Lastly, my free time…what free time?!

We have met so many interesting and wonderful people in the community this first year who also share with me very similar “befores” and “afters,” whether it’s the many business owners who work long hours building their dream or our own talented contributors who choose to pursue a creative outlet through our pages.

We all have a passion and desire to do what we love and what is fulfilling, no matter how much work—or in some cases mess—that’s involved.

Whether Gettysburg is your hometown or your vacation destination, I hope that you enjoy an insiders view into what this great town has to offer!

I will do my best to keep you in loop, with all things Gettysburg.