Day Trip to Gettysburg July 9, 2025
Bus Trip | Registration opens 6/4/2025 12:00 AM
Join the Bucknell Institute for Lifelong Learning on our special DAY TRIP TO GETTYSBURG, July 9, 2025.
In the morning, participants will visit BEYOND THE BATTLE MUSEUM in Gettysburg, which tells the remarkable story of Gettysburg civilians and their extraordinary experiences before, during and after the Civil War. Through 12 interactive galleries packed with rare artifacts, the museum shows Gettysburg as you've never seen or heard it before, from prehistoric footprints to today's fruit orchards.
Don't miss Caught in the Crossfire, an immersive experience that uses cutting-edge technology to place visitors inside a reconstructed farmhouse during the Battle of Gettysburg. Written by New York Times bestselling author Jeff Shaara, the script vividly brings to life what it was like for one Gettysburg family to be overrun by invading forces and trapped behind enemy lines during this harrowing event.
After opening in 2023, this site was named Best New Museum USA Today. Following a self-guided tour, BILL participants will have a special presentation about "Gettysburg in Photographs." Learn about nationally known photographers such as Alexander Gardner and Mathew Brady, as well as locally renowned photographers William H. Tipton and the Tyson Brothers. Analyze some of the most recognizable photos from America's bloodiest battlefield and uncover the stories behind the lenses. Discover how these powerful images shaped public memory and continue to influence our understanding of the Civil War today.
After a picnic lunch (pack your own; on-site food may not be available for purchase) in the nearby scenic Gettysburg Rec Park, we'll visit the EISENHOWER NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE, the farm and home of Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower. Gettysburg played an important role in the lives of the president and first lady. They lived here in 1918 when then Captain Eisenhower commanded Camp Colt during his formative years as a young army officer. They returned here later, after the Second World War. Their Gettysburg farm was the only home they ever owned. They used their property as a retreat and diplomatic getaway during Eisenhower's presidency and ultimately retired here after leaving the White House.
Following a guided house tour where we learn how the family performed public functions and lived privately, the group will hear a special presentation about Eisenhower's Cold War diplomacy. At his tranquil 189-acre farm, the president used th peaceful setting to get to know world leaders and improve diplomatic relations for the U.S. while lowering tensions during the Cold War.
BY REGISTERING FOR THIS EVENT, YOU ARE COMMITTING TO PAY $85 - $105 (BILL member fee) / $95 - $115 (non-member fee) AFTER JUNE 27TH:
This special field trip will require at least 25 participants to reserve affordable bus transportation. The final cost will depend on the group size.- BILL members should expect to pay $85-$105 for this program.
- Non-members should expect to pay $95-$115 for this program.
If we do not get enough registrations to book transportation within these cost ranges, the trip will be cancelled. All registrants will be notified by June 30th of the trip status and/or their final charges for participation. REFUNDS/CANCELLATION OF CHARGES CANNOT BE GUARANTEED AFTER NOON ON JUNE 27. If you must cancel, however, please notify BILL immediately so we may try to fill your seat from the waitlist.
Space is also limited for the total group size. BILL members will receive priority in registering until June 11th, after which registration will be opened to all.
If the program is "FULL" when you attempt to register, please consider adding your name to the Waitlist. In the event of cancelled registrations, BILL will contact each person waitlisted (in the order recorded) with an offer to join the group. You will not be added or charged unless you confirm you wish to be registered for the trip.
Participants will meet at the BILL office at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 9 to depart for Gettysburg. We will leave Gettysburg at 3:30 p.m., expecting to return to the office around 5:40 p.m. Cars may be parked in the Spring Run business community for the day.