Day Trip to Gettysburg WITH FEE
Bus Trip | Available
July 9, 2025 Bucknell Institute for Lifelong Learning on our special DAY TRIP TO GETTYSBURG:
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.
We will eat our lunches (pack your own) the museum's 2nd floor Overlook Center. Air conditioned and indoors, the room provides stunning views of the Gettysburg battlefield.
After noon, our bus will take us the short ride to 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.
We will leave Gettysburg shortly after 3 p.m. and plan to be back to the BILL office parking lot around 5:30 p.m.
The cost for our day trip is $77 for BILL members; $87 for non-members.
This price has been fixed based on the costs for our transportation and museum admission fees and therefore NO REFUNDS/CANCELLATION OF CHARGES WILL BE GIVEN AFTER JUNE 27. If you must cancel, however, please notify BILL immediately so we may try to fill your seat if anyone has been waitlisted.
Participants must meet at the BILL office by 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 9 to depart for Gettysburg. Cars may be parked in the Spring Run business community for the day.