Steals & Deals at Area Ski Resorts

By Kim Weaver

Photo submitted by Liberty Mountain Resort & Conference Center

Liberty Mountain Resort & Conference Center, Roundtop Mountain Resort, and Whitetail Resort are owned and managed by Snow Time, Inc., and open December to mid-March (both dates depend on weather). Season passes and skier discount cards are transferable among the three resorts.

Specials at all three resorts:

Learn To Ski/Snowboard Program, $49
Good opening day-December 31, 2014
Includes lift ticket, lesson & equipment rental
First time skiers and snowboarders ages 8 & older

Mountain Passport Card, $49
Exclusive beginner's card loaded with discounts. Can be purchased only after completing Learn-To program

One-hour class lessons, $10
Good opening day-December 23, 2014
Ages 8 and up, all ability levels

Black History Tours

New Gettysburg Black History Museum to Offer Tours in 2015

By Cheryl Sobun

The Gettysburg Black History Museum, Inc., located at 777 Baltimore St., is a very new venture in town—so new, in fact, that while it has a location, it is not yet filled. It is presently open for group heritage tours, and the museum itself is set to open for business in 2015, according to museum president Ron Bailey.

The museum’s mission, Bailey says, is to preserve, educate, and inspire. “We have all this [black history] here, and it’s not exposed. Why?” he asks. Bailey says that the museum will encourage people to discover what the past means to them today—it will be a vehicle linking the past, present, and future.

Call 800-447-8788 or 717-334-6020 to arrange a tour, or visit www.gettysburgblackhistory.org or www.facebook.com/gettysburgblackhistory.

Winter Fun for Everyone

By Kim Weaver

Photo submitted by Liberty Mountain Resort & Conference Center

Roundtop Mountain Resort
Ski Area: 10 lifts, 16 trails, plus 2 terrain parks. Elevation is 1,355 ft. with a vertical drop of 600 ft. and 104 skiable acres. All trails lit for night skiing.  

Cost: Lift tickets: $57 midweek, $66 on weekends. First-time skiers and snowboarders can get a lift ticket, lesson, and equipment rental for $82 midweek, $93 weekends. Season pass is $559. Snow tubing rates $21-$31.

Amenities: Child tubing area, childcare center, sports shop, Fireside Pub and Grill. Lodging partners linked to resort.

Nearby Attractions: Hershey Park and the Hotel Hershey and Spa

Don't Miss... Every March, Roundtop attracts a crowd to its annual Pond Skimming Contest, where skiers decked out in bikinis and other costumes try to slide the entire way across the surface of a pond on skis.


Whitetail Resort
Ski Area: 23 trails and 2 terrain parks. Elevation is 1,800 feet with a vertical drop of 935 feet. All but one trail lit for night skiing.

Cost: Lift tickets are $60 midweek, $71 weekends and holidays. Season pass is $559. Tubing rates $20-$29.

Amenities: Childcare center, sports shop, food court, slope-side Windows Restaurant, and adaptive snow-sports program for children and adults with special needs. Exclusive area lodging partners linked to resort.

Nearby Attractions: Mercersburg Historic District, Antietam Battlefield, antique markets galore.

Don't Miss... New selection of rental skis and snowboards, and expanded kids ski-and-board learning centers.


Liberty Mountain Resort & Conference Center
Ski Area: 16 trails, 3 terrain parks and 9 lifts. Elevation is 1,190 feet high with a vertical drop of 620 feet and 100 acres of skiable terrain. All trails lit for night skiing.

Cost: Lift tickets are $57 midweek, $69 weekends. First-time skiers and snowboarders can get a lift ticket, lesson, and equipment rental for $83 midweek, $97 weekends. Season pass is $559. Snowtubing is $19-$31.

Amenities: Childcare center, sports shop, multiple bars and restaurants. An exercise room, wireless Internet, and a hot breakfast buffet are included with hotel rates. Ski-and-stay packages available.

Nearby Attractions: Appalachian Trail, Catoctin Mountain State Park, Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg Outlet Center.

Don't Miss... All new snow groomer, beginner area, skier drop-off area and rental skis from Elan and Rossignol.

Creating Lincoln Cemetery Mural Monuments

Art project brings Gettysburg’s west side community together

By Cheryl Sobun

Photo courtesy of Adams County Historical Society

Because the Lincoln Cemetery is so understated, unknown, and far removed from the tourist attractions in town, the three colorful monument murals across the street are the most likely objects to capture visitors’ attention. The murals’ creator, Ophelia Chambliss of York, says if her artwork draws people to the Lincoln Cemetery, then “it is doing its job.”

The making of the murals began with the Adams County Arts Council (ACAC). When the ACAC moved from its Carlisle Street location to its new address on Gettysburg’s west side, it wanted to do something nice for its new neighbors. Traditionally, “welcome-to-the-neighborhood” treats are brought to the new kids on the block, not the other way around, but the ACAC had its own sweet idea in mind.

Arts In Education (AIE) Coordinator and ACAC Founder Judy Marti says, “We had just moved into this building. We wanted to do something with our neighbors here to bring us into their fold and vice versa—a good project to bring us all together—something arts based that had a historical component and that was visual.”

Marti’s meeting with the artist was fortuitous. Marti happened to be visiting Gayle Cluck at the York Cultural Alliance. When discussing the murals, Cluck mentioned Chambliss. Luckily, Chambliss was receptive and excited about working on an art project in Gettysburg. 

The partnership happened that quickly and that beautifully. The ACAC looked no further. “If you find the right key to fit the lock, you don’t go looking for another key,” says Marti. 

Chambliss explains, “It was important to me to do this because of my own heritage and desire to present black America in a more substantial light and to highlight some of the people, events, and stories that are a part of our history.”

The project was important, not only for the local community, bur for visitors as well. “No matter what age, language, or background you are from, you can interpret a visual image,” says Chambliss. “Gettysburg has thousands of foreign visitors each year, and I think that it is important for the rest of the world to see black life depicted.”

The project began as an idea for a wall mural, but feasibility issues prompted the project to change course. Instead, it became the three mural monuments people see today. Each of the three towers is about 6.5 feet tall and weighs approximately 200 pounds. The paint is acrylic, and each monument was clear coated for extra protection, so they will last as permanent additions to the Lincoln Cemetery area.

Talks of the project began in April 2012, Chambliss began her work in June, and in November the unveiling took place. The process turned out to be more important and meaningful, however, than anyone could have expected. It brought the community together—young and old alike—to lend a hand in the artwork’s creation.

“She met with kids and adults to get both sides of the story,” Marti says. “Each [monument] stands for a component of time—past, present, and future. Youth…their story is on the third one.” 

“The design evolved into what it is today because of the richness of the photographs, stories, and historical documents that the residents were able to provide,” Chambliss says. “I drew my story and images from those materials to create the three towers. The concept is to present a photo album-style motif to depict the historical impact of the black American over the decades since emancipation.”

Marti says that because Chambliss worked with the youth in the area, they have an investment in the artwork. They feel pride and ownership to it. “They have something to come back to and bring their kids to see in 20 years,” she says. 

Roots of the Christmas Tree Tradition

By Karen Hendricks

Photo by Karen Hendricks

Evergreens were used to decorate homes in the dead of winter, dating back to biblical times. By the 7th century, the pagan custom became an accepted part of religious Christmas festivities. The tradition of Christmas trees dates back to the 16th century in Strasbourg, Germany, where fir trees were cut from German forests. The first Christmas tree market in America is believed to be Washington Market, New York City, where fir and spruce trees harvested from the Catskill Mountains were sold in 1851. 

Today, the Christmas tree market is booming throughout Pennsylvania and Adams County. According to the 2012 U.S. Census of Agriculture and the Department of Plant Science at Penn State University:

• 33-36 million: Christmas trees produced in North America annually
• 15,500: Christmas tree growers in the U.S.
• 2,000: Number of Christmas tree farms in Pennsylvania (second in the nation behind Oregon)
• 27: Christmas tree farms in Adams County (15th in the state)
• 45,000: Acres of Christmas tree farms in Pennsylvania
• 253: Adams County acres devoted to Christmas tree farms, ranking tenth in the state
• $1.5 billion: Amount spent annually by American consumers on Christmas trees 
• $55 million: Christmas tree revenues annually in Pennsylvania; third in the nation behind Oregon and North Carolina
• $843,000: Revenue generated annually by Christmas tree sales in Adams County; within Pennsylvania’s top 10 counties in terms of revenue

According to 2014 estimates by the Department of Plant Science, Penn State University, the following Christmas tree varieties are grown throughout Pennsylvania:

• Douglas fir  40%
• Fraser fir 35
• Colorado (blue) spruce  8
• Scotch pine  8
• Balsam (Canaan) fir  3
• Eastern white pine  3
• Others  3

Christmas Tree Tips

By Karen Hendricks

Photo by Karen Hendricks

According to Rick Bates, professor of horticulture at Penn State University, taking care of a live Christmas tree has become more challenging through the years, as consumer demand has extended the average time commitment from Thanksgiving through early January. Here are Bates’ tips on caring for a live tree.

• The important thing is to put a fresh cut on the bottom of the tree trunk if it’s been a day or two since the tree was cut down.
• Put it in a tree stand that holds an adequate amount of water—at least a gallon. Bates says some tree stands are too small in terms of water, and the average tree can absorb a gallon of water a day. The rule of thumb is a quart of water per stem diameter.  
• Check the water level once a day. The amount of water needed will slow down over time. 
• Don’t put the tree near heating vents or things that will dry it out. 
• There are various products— tablets or powders—that claim to keep needles from dropping, but none of those really work. “Just plain, clean water is fine—it’s pretty straightforward,” Bates says.

Earn a Little Extra Cash this Holiday Season

By Jennie K. Brown

In need of a little extra cash this Christmas? Here are a few ideas to add some money to your pocket.

1. Consign your clothing. There are a number of quality consignment shops in and around Adams County that allow you to swap your gently used items for cash.
2. Sell online. Another option is to sell old clothing, jewelry, toys, and accessories on eBay, Amazon, or Etsy.
3. Work overtime. If you have an occupation that pays overtime, take advantage of that throughout the year. Decide ahead of time to put all overtime payments in a separate holiday spending fund.
4. Set up a new account. Many savvy shoppers have a stash of cash reserved just for holiday shopping. Try placing a set amount of money per paycheck in an account reserved for present purchasing. 

Getting to Know Them

Black citizens, soldiers, and sailors buried at Lincoln Cemetery and Gettysburg National Cemetery

By Cheryl Sobun

Photo submitted by Adams County Historical Society

Basil Biggs
Burial site: Lincoln Cemetery
Status: Citizen
Born in Maryland in 1819, Biggs moved to Gettysburg in 1858, and his home was reportedly part of the Underground Railroad. Called a “horse doctor” in historical documents, Biggs was a well-respected citizen. He helped bury the bodies of the Union soldiers who died at Gettysburg and was paid 4 cents a burial. He also was one of the founding members of the Society of the Sons of Good Will. Biggs died in 1906.

Abraham Brian
Burial site: Lincoln Cemetery
Status: Citizen
Abraham Brian was a Gettysburg citizen whose name often comes up with the telling of Pickett’s Charge, which took place on July 3, 1863. Brian’s house was right in the middle of Pickett’s Charge, on the right flank of the Union line along Cemetery Ridge. The building still stands today, a white house that looks a bit out of place in the middle of the field and monuments. Brian was a farmer and laborer and was financially sound by the day’s standards. He was one of the black residents who did not live on “the black side of town” but on a 12-acre farm. His farmhouse reputedly served as a safe haven in the Underground Railroad and during the third day battle at Gettysburg. He was 79 when he died in 1879.

Photo by Noel Kline

Charles H. Parker
Burial site: Gettysburg National Cemetery
Status: Civil War veteran
Parker was born in Virginia in 1847 and enlisted in Co. F, 3rd Regiment, of the U.S. Colored Troops on Dec. 7, 1864. He was shot in the leg at the Battle of Gainesville and contracted a severe bout of pneumonia. He was mustered out of service on Oct. 31, 1865. He never regained his health and died in Biglerville on July 2, 1876, at just 29. He was first buried in Yellow Hill Cemetery in Biglerville before being reinterred at Gettysburg National Cemetery.

Isaac Buckmaster
Burial site: Lincoln Cemetery
Status: Civil War veteran
According to his obituary, Buckmaster enrolled at Camp William Penn in Philadelphia on Sept. 15, 1863, with Co. A, 8th Regiment of the U.S. Colored Troops, serving as private. He was only 16. Buckmaster was wounded at the Battle of Olustee in Florida on Feb. 20, 1864. He saw action near Appomattox Court House in Virginia in April 1865 and was honorably discharged on Nov. 10, 1865. He died in 1882 at the age of 35.

Photo by Noel Kline

Henry Gooden
Burial site: Gettysburg National Cemetery
Status: Civil War veteran
A Carlisle, Pa., resident, Gooden of Co. C, 127th Regiment of the U.S. Colored Troops was mustered in on August 26, 1864, at the age of 43 and was mustered out on Sept. 8, 1865. His occupation was laborer, and during the war, he saw limited action. His assignment was in Texas, guarding military posts and herding cattle. He died on Aug. 15, 1876. He was first buried in the Alms House Burying Grounds but reinterred in the Gettysburg National Cemetery in November 1884.

Photo submitted by Adams County Historical Society

Samuel M. Stanton, Jr.
Burial site: Gettysburg National Cemetery
Status: Spanish American War-era and WWI Veteran, Soldier and Sailor
A lifelong Gettysburg resident except during his service to his country, Stanton was born on April 2, 1872. He enlisted in Troop D of the 10th Cavalry on May 18, 1899. He just missed the Spanish American War but served in the Philippines. He was honorably discharged on May 7, 1902, and then enlisted in the Navy, where he served as a ship’s cook, first class. He was transferred to the Naval Reserves on Feb. 12, 1923, and was honorably discharged from the 4th Naval District on Aug. 21, 1931. He was an active member of the community and served annually as organizer and marshal of the annual Colored Memorial Day Parade. He died on May 4, 1937, under mysterious circumstances. Reports of the day say there was an investigation into whether it was suicide or homicide. He was buried in the Gettysburg National Cemetery on May 6, 1937.

Owen Robinson
Burial site: Lincoln Cemetery
Status: Citizen
Robinson was born a slave in Maryland at the turn of the 19th century. His master one day had a change of heart and freed his slaves, so Robinson traveled north to Gettysburg to build a new life for himself. According to the book The Colors of Courage: Gettysburg’s Forgotten History by Margaret S. Creighton, Robinson did not know his exact birthday, but he always remembered the day he was set free: Nov. 5, 1817. He owned a confectionary business in town that was reputedly popular with blacks and whites, and he was listed in the 1860 census as a “confectioner.” He made ice cream in the summer and served oysters in the winter. Robinson was one of the founding members of the Society of the Sons of Good Will. He died in 1900.

Photo submitted by Adams County Historical Society

Lloyd F. A. Watts
Buried: Lincoln Cemetery
Status: Civil War veteran
Imagine someone getting promoted to Sergeant, just five days after enlisting. Such was the case for Lloyd F. A. Watts, Co. B of the 24th Regiment, U.S. Colored Troops. According to several sources, his quick promotion was most likely due to his literacy. Born in Franklinville in Carroll County, Md., on Feb. 6, 1835, Watts was a young boy when his family moved to Gettysburg, where he lived the rest of his life. According to his pension records, he enlisted in the army on Feb. 3, 1865, just a few days shy of 30 years old. He was promoted to sergeant on Feb. 8 and honorably discharged on Oct. 1, 1865. Upon returning home, he was an accomplished town leader and respected by “both white and colored citizens,” according to his Gettysburg Times obituary. He was a teacher of a local school for black children and “an ordained deacon of the A.M.E. Zion church, serving faithfully as president of the trustees’ board for a long time.” He died in his home on May 26, 1918, at the age of 83.

A Gettysburg Gem

By Kerry Mullen 
Photography by Picture This Portraits & Special Events

John J. Bradshaw presents rare gemstones during ALDavid's Gemstone Roundtable

Highly distinguished gemologist John J. Bradshaw chose Gettysburg as the location for an exclusive Gemstone Roundtable earlier this month. Handpicked to participate, attendees shared an appreciation and affinity for custom jewelry. Attendees were given the opportunity to touch and evaluate precious and rare gems while hearing from an expert in gemology and enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Gettysburg’s newest and only fine custom jeweler ALDavid hosted the event.

Gemstone Roundtables are a unique opportunity for the general public to discover stones they normally wouldn’t see on display in a jewelry store. This event featured colored gems, which include everything except diamonds. Gemstone Roundtables reflect the excitement and diversity of minerals, which Bradshaw says prevent him from picking just one favorite stone.

Along with well-known gems, Bradshaw brought some stones to the event that “many jewelers have never seen let alone know how to spell,” including Sphene, Sphalerite, and Haüyne. Some stones purchased at the October Gemstone Roundtable included Peridot, which is normally produced in Arizona, but Bradshaw’s collection originated from Pakistan and was larger and richer in color than the more common stone. The most unusual stone purchased was Chrysoberyl, selected because of its beautiful yellow coloring and unique fastening.

From an early age, Bradshaw had an affinity for gems and stones. “As a kid before I even graduated high school, I always had an interest in rocks and minerals,” he says. “A friend of the family was a mineralogist, and every time he went somewhere he would bring me back a specific rock.”

Bradshaw has come a long way since those days, building an impressive track record in the gemology world. He started his career at the Harvard Mineralogical Museum as the very first gemologist on staff. The 1985 curator of the gemologist department recognized Bradshaw’s talent and invited him to examine the museum’s collection. During his time here, Bradshaw went through each and every mineral and gem in the collection to confirm their grade and classification. Currently, Bradshaw is on call for the Smithsonian and the U.S. Department of Justice as a gemologist consultant.

Guest Nicole Bucher looks at a rare stone through the loop.

The venue for this exclusive event, ALDavid Custom Jeweler opened its doors on Oct. 15 to this new Gettysburg location after operating a successful studio in New Hampshire for 26 years. The store is centrally located at 18 S. Carlisle St., Suite 201 across from the Majestic Theater. ALDavid Vice President Michelle Manahan says, “The majority of people that purchased a gemstone at the event left the stones here at ALDavid to be custom made.”

The Gemstone Roundtable was ALDavid’s first introduction into the community, an exclusive sneak peak before opening day. ALDavid has another Gemstone Roundtable planned in January with esteemed gemologist Sherris Cottier Shank. If interested in attending, contact ALDavid at 800-253-6801 for an invitation.

Community First Fund Statistics

Since 1992, $60,000,000 has been financed and 1,140 loans were awarded through Community First Fund.

80% of loans were made to low-income individuals and made in low-income communities

• 4,723 jobs were created and retained

• 758 units of housing were financed in low-wealth communities

• 46% of loans were made to persons of color

• $10 million in loans were made to community social service organizations

• 35% of loans were made to women-owned businesses

• 1.9 million square feet of real estate was acquired and rehabilitated

• 3,768 children were enrolled in child care centers financed

• 98% of all loans have been successfully repaid

Source: 2013 First Community Fund Annual Report

PA Common Core: Myths vs. Facts

Myth: Adopting common standards means bringing all states’ standards down to the lowest common denominator. This means that states with high standards are actually taking a step backward by adopting the Common Core.
Fact: The standards are designed to build upon the most advanced current thinking about preparing all students for success in college, career, and life. This will result in moving even the best state standards to the next level. In fact, since this work began, there has been an explicit agreement that no state would lower its standards. The standards were informed by the best in the country, the highest international standards, and evidence and expertise about educational outcomes. We need college- and career-ready standards because even in high-performing states, students are graduating and passing all the required tests but still need remediation in their postsecondary work.

Myth: These standards amount to a national curriculum for our schools.
Fact: The Common Core is not a curriculum. It is a clear set of shared goals and expectations for what knowledge and skills will help our students succeed. Local teachers, principals, superintendents, and others will decide how the standards are to be met. Teachers will continue to devise lesson plans and tailor instruction to the individual needs of the students in their classrooms.

Myth: The standards will be implemented through No Child Left Behind (NCLB), signifying that the federal government will be leading them.
Fact: The Common Core is a state-led effort that is not part of No Child Left Behind or any other federal initiative. The federal government played no role in the development of the Common Core. State adoption of the standards is in no way mandatory. States began the work to create clear, consistent standards before the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which provided funding for the Race to the Top grant program. It also began before the Elementary and Secondary Education Act blueprint was released, because this work is being driven by the needs of the states, not the federal government.

Source: Common Core State Standards Initiative

Apple Country

The Apple of Tourism's Eye

By Karen Hendricks + Photography by Casey Martin

Good Intent Cider

“People are falling in love with our wineries & we hope they’ll fall in love with our cider makers as well,” says Carl Whitehill, director of communications for Destination Gettysburg. 

Whitehill says cider making fits in nicely with current niche trends such as wine and craft beer, as well as foodie tourism. He’s encouraged by the impact that Adams County’s cider makers have made so far and sees potential for additional growth. “We seem to be on the front end of the cider trend… we can tout it to our visitors, and it’s very trendy and impressive to tourists because our cider makers are doing a great job with it.” 

“The apple industry gives visitors a broader experience beyond the Civil War,” Whitehill explains. “The battlefield and Civil War will always be the big attraction, but the apple industry has provided us with a reason for visitors to do other things and lengthen their stay. It’s a great little break from history, to drive into the country and visit wineries.” 

Whitehill says Destination Gettysburg is reshaping and diversifying its marketing strategies as a result of Adams County’s successful wineries and cideries. “We are trying to market agri-tourism as an experience that links everything together. The Gettysburg Wine & Fruit Trail is an example. We want visitors to go into Northern and Western Adams County and visit farmers markets and wineries, to see the fruit and taste the wine…Adams County is a rural county, but we also have a lot of culture. The cideries and wineries are providing that culture.” 

To learn more about Adams County's apple cider producers, check out the September/October 2014 issue of Celebrate Gettysburg magazine.

Apple Cidery Events Schedule

SEPTEMBER 6

WHOOPIE PIE FESTIVAL

Hershey Farm Restaurant & Inn

240 Hartman Bridge Road, Ronks, Pa.

whoopiepiefestival.com

SEPTEMBER 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 27-28 & 

OCTOBER 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26

PENNSYLVANIA RENAISSANCE FAIRE

Mount Hope Estate & Winery

2775 Lebanon Road, Manheim, Pa.

www.parenfaire.com

SEPTEMBER 13-21

DAY OUT WITH THOMAS

Strasburg Rail Road

301 Gap Road, Ronks, Pa.

www.strasburgrailroad.com

SEPTEMBER 19-20

TAILGATING FESTIVAL

Kitchen Kettle Village

3529 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, Pa.

www.kitchenkettle.com

OCTOBER 4

26TH ANNUAL BRIDGE BUST

462 Veterans Memorial Bridge, Columbia, Pa.

parivertowns.com

OCTOBER 11-12

56TH ANNUAL HARVEST DAYS

Landis Valley Museum

2451 Kissel Hill Road, Lancaster, Pa.

www.landisvalleymuseum.org

OCTOBER 18-19 & 25-26

HAPPY HAUNTINGS

Dutch Wonderland

2249 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, Pa.

www.dutchwonderland.com

Haunted Hanover

Residents Surrounded by the Supernatural

By Brendan Raleigh + Photography by Noel Kline

One night, DeAnna Simpson felt a strong presence that she could not see on her steps, followed by the sound of running footsteps toward her. Suddenly, she felt a thrust of hands on her shoulders, and was pushed off the steps to the bottom ledge. She suffered a hairline fractured coccyx.

DeAnna Simpson’s house in Hanover is a far cry from the old, dilapidated mansions of today’s horror movies. Its cozy front porch and colorful, well-maintained garden make the small brick house the very image of your typical suburban home. However, the stories that emanate from the house are anything but ordinary.

Simpson, along with her husband Tom and their daughter, moved into the residence in 2007 without the slightest idea of the terror and anguish that it would exert on them over the next seven years. Though Tom was initially against buying the house, DeAnna’s inexplicable fascination with it led him to overlook his doubts and consent to the purchase.

While touring the house, DeAnna noticed that small, orb-like particles would repeatedly show up in the pictures she took of the house’s interior. Attributing these to dust particles from the curtains or hardwood floors, the Simpsons thought nothing of it. But, the experiences became stranger immediately after the purchase, first in the form of what DeAnna calls “the shadow man,” a dark, towering figure that showed up in her pictures directly after the move-in, and has continued to emerge time and time again since then.

While touring the Simpsons' home, photographer Noel Kline captured this flame, which was not visible when the photograph was taken, in the dark basement.

“We had just signed for the house, and I was in the home alone taking pictures to send to my family in Kentucky,” recalls DeAnna. “Later, as my husband and I were looking through these pictures, I noticed this man’s face looking through the kitchen door, looking at me. It started that quickly.”

Civil War Trust Seeks to Save Lee’s HQ

By Brendan Raleigh 

You’d think that the Headquarters of Gen. Robert E. Lee would be one of the top tourist attractions in Gettysburg. After all, the decisions made in that building significantly altered both the outcome of the Civil War and the future of the United States. But unfortunately, the charm of the historic building has been marred substantially by the commercial development surrounding it, preventing it from reaching its full potential as an historic landmark.

And that’s why the Civil War Trust, a Washington-based non-profit group, embarked on its quest to purchase the Headquarters, restore it to its 19^th century glory, and preserve it for future generations.

“The Lee’s Headquarters site is the most hallowed of grounds,” says Civil War Trust President Jim Lighthizer. “And the opportunity to preserve it is the best way to appropriately honor the legacy of those who gave the last full measure of devotion on that fateful July day.”

“The Headquarters are one of the most historically-significant, unprotected battlefield sites in Gettysburg, and possibly the nation,” agrees Jim Campi, the Trust’s policy and communications director. “It was the nerve center of the Confederate army for much of the Battle of Gettysburg.”

The neighboring Quality Inn and Appalachian Brewing Company are often perceived as disruptive toward the site’s potential for an authentic Civil War atmosphere. Since the two businesses declined to renew their leases this past year, the Trust was given its opening to purchase the Headquarters and four acres of battlefield around it.

Financially, it’s a pretty hefty undertaking: $5.5 million to purchase the building and another half-million to demolish the modern structures and restore the historic structure. However, with more than $4.4 already raised and committed thanks to the government grants, private sector dollars, and a sizable gift from FedEx Corporation, the people of the Civil War Trust are confident they will succeed in their endeavor.

“Within the first three weeks of the campaign, we had already raised 25 percent of our goal,” says Campi. “If the fundraiser is successful, we'll be able close on the property probably next year. And then we’ll be able to move forward with our goal of making it look as much as possible like it did on July 1, 1863.”

If the Trust purchases the site, they will first have to assess the historic site and the historic buildings before beginning the process of tearing down the non-historic structures and restoring the landscape. The current museum would remain, at least until the site is turned over to the National Park Service, as the Trust plans to do.

“To watch the property be transformed from commercial real estate to a restored historic site, a place of reverence and remembrance, will be a true privilege,” says Lighthizer. “We will all soon be able to stand on this ground and be transported back to those three days in July that shaped our nation so significantly.”

Civil War Trust has performed similar ventures in both Gettysburg and Antietam, but this undertaking is by far their most ambitious, and potentially their most significant. To donate to the Civil War Trust’s quest to save General Lee’s Headquarters or learn more about the cause, visit the fundraiser’s page.

Contributor Spotlight: Karen Hendricks

How do you celebrate Gettysburg?

I enjoy being an ambassador for this town, this national treasure. It’s an honor to live here and to celebrate the history, the tragedy, the story that unfolded in Gettysburg in 1863. Every time I have the chance, I invite friends or family to come here and spend time exploring Gettysburg’s past and present.

What's the best part about living in (or working in) Adams County?

It’s a fascinating mix of contrasts: past history blended with present contemporary life; peaceful, pastoral beauty in gently rolling landscapes, contrasted with charming downtown centers such as Gettysburg and New Oxford. Plus a fascinating mix of residents with diverse backgrounds and talents!

What aspect of Gettysburg/Adams County’s history do you most admire?

The words written and delivered by Abraham Lincoln during his November 1863 Gettysburg Address are beautiful and stunning in their simplicity.

What or who inspired you to become a writer/photographer? Why?

It all started with my high school journalism teacher, Miss Maureen Shields, and my high school radio club advisor, Mr. Gary Spohn, at Spring-Ford High School in suburban Philadelphia. I feel very blessed and thankful to have worked alongside wonderful mentors through the years who helped me develop the writing skills needed for my career in the media. In terms of journalism ethics, Mr. Dick Hoxworth at WGAL-TV (Channel 8) was the consummate professional. He impressed upon me the importance of seeing all angles to a story, ensuring that every story is fair and balanced—skills that I still use every day.

What's your favorite story you've written about or photographed for Celebrate Gettysburg and why? 

All of them! It’s an adventure every time! I invest myself into each one of my articles, taking great care to honor the words and stories entrusted to me. I know this might sound crazy to some people, but I feel as though the writing process is much like giving birth. Every story is like a new “baby” to me.

What one aspect of your craft do you enjoy the most?

Definitely the people! It’s a joy to meet people who entrust their stories to me—and it’s an honor to be able to retell and share those stories with the public. I especially enjoy trying to figure out what makes people “tick,” how they’ve overcome adversity in their lives, or what they’re doing to help others. I am constantly reminded that there are good, kind people in the world who are doing such positive, selfless, and caring deeds.

What's the biggest misconception people have about writers/photographers?

The biggest misconception is also a pet peeve of mine: people sometimes assume that we’re going to get it wrong. They think writers just write what they want, make up quotes, or aren’t really listening during interviews. People love to tell me about other writers who “got the facts wrong” or “completely misquoted me.” While writers are human and mistakes do happen, I take pride in my work and strive to be completely accurate, as nearly all writers do. Recently, after one of my stories was published by Celebrate Gettysburg, one of my sources called to thank me, saying, “Every time I’m interviewed for a story, there are mistakes and problems with the story. I’ve read and re-read your story and can’t find a single thing wrong with it. This is the first time this has happened so I just had to call and thank you!” That message is still on my phone!

Do you have any lifelong goals as a writer/photographer (i.e., winning a certain award, covering a specific event, etc.)?
I would love to travel the world, write for national or international publications, and continue to interview fascinating people. Writing is in my blood, and I can’t imagine doing anything else!

What aspects of the Gettysburg/Adams County area do you think make it so special and worth capturing?

Adams County is multidimensional. Although the hallowed Gettysburg Battlefield is our major attraction, Adams County has much more to offer—quaint, small hometown settings; a beautiful agricultural and orchard landscape; plus unique shops and restaurants. It’s an interesting blend of contrasts—Adams County’s tranquility vs. her Civil War past—and all in the shadow of major urban areas such as Harrisburg, Frederick, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C.

What is your favorite hidden treasure in Adams County? Why? (This can be a restaurant, shop, location, etc.)

It’s hard to pick just one, so here’s my top five:

1. Foxxy Moxxy – Bobbi Becker’s artist studio and gallery is nestled in the woods between Gettysburg and New Oxford, and if you haven’t discovered or visited yet—you must!

2. Visiting nearly any of the farmer’s markets or roadside markets, although Hollabaugh’s is my favorite. Going to pick blueberries at Hollabaugh’s or cherries at Boyer’s are wonderful family experiences.

3. Attending events or classes at the Adams County Arts Council in Gettysburg. The arts enrich our lives in countless ways!

4. There are signature dishes that stand out at a number of restaurants: the Aubergine Pesto sandwich at Café St. Amand, sweet potato fries at the Avenue Restaurant, sushi from Ping’s, pizza from Deliso’s, lasagna at Olivia’s…and the list could go on and on!

5. Visiting the Eternal Light Peace Memorial on the Battlefield.

How has your perception of Gettysburg/Adams County changed since you began working with Celebrate Gettysburg?

I have a deeper appreciation for people from all walks of life. It’s so fun to put yourself in others’ shoes—to “walk a mile in their shoes” and live through their stories and experiences.

Where can we find you online?

Twitter: @karenhendricks9

Instagram: KarenHendricks9

Facebook: Hendricks Communications

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/pub/karen-hendricks/10/368/b86

Blog/Website: HendricksCommunications.com and OfftheMerry-Go-Round.com