Networking is more than a professional obligation for me; it's the best part of my job at Main Street Gettysburg. Networking lets me foster relationships, exchange ideas, and collaborate on goals and projects that serve a shared vision for Gettysburg. Each interaction presents an opportunity to expand my circle, forge new friendships, and support our thriving community.

I am fortunate to interact with a diverse array of individuals – from business owners, community leaders, and volunteers to elected officials and staff at every level of government. I enjoy meeting new people and unfolding conversations to find shared interests and mutual opportunities. Building relationships is a journey of commitment and communication that I thrive on.

Reflecting on my first month at Main Street Gettysburg in April 2021, I remember early pivotal introductions. One such experience was briefing Congressman John Joyce, M.D. about our strategic plan for Baltimore Street and the Gettysburg Welcome Center. His attentiveness and subsequent introduction to his staff highlight the importance of direct interaction and collaborative relationships between nonprofits and government entities. Similarly, encountering Senator Bob Casey at a local event in June 2022 provided an invaluable firsthand discussion. Senator Casey graciously paused his packed schedule to sit with me and review our Baltimore Street and Welcome Center plans. Thereafter, I maintained contact with his PA Regional Manager, Ben Martin, who always responds promptly to my calls and correspondence.

Personal meetings are instrumental in effectively conveying our local initiatives, needs, and challenges to those capable of making solutions possible. The working relationships with both Joyce and Casey paved the way for expanding my network to include Senator John Fetterman’s Regional Director. The dialogue with our federal officials led to an invitation to apply for FY2024 Congressional funding for the Gettysburg Welcome Center Project. This bipartisan effort, supported by all three of our federal officials, underscores the power of collaboration in advancing shared objectives.

Throughout 2023, sustained liaison with federal, state, and local stakeholders, as well as with private foundations, business groups, and community organizations, furthered our economic development initiatives. The culmination of these efforts came on March 12, 2024, when Congressman Joyce personally notified Main Street Gettysburg of the Congressional Appropriation of $1.27 million to build the Gettysburg Welcome Center. I was delighted for the opportunity to thank him personally! And I immediately communicated our gratitude to Senators Casey and Fetterman.

Thanks to these invaluable relationships and countless others, the Gettysburg Welcome Center is now fully funded for construction! Now, we will continue our relationship journey to build an endowment fund for the future.

Main Street Gettysburg values our existing partners and friends and looks forward to networking to earn new ones. Together, we will build the Gettysburg Welcome Center and ensure its service to our community for generations to come!

Ninjas originated in the mountains of ancient Japan as practitioners of ninjutsu, a martial art sometimes called "the art of stealth" or "the art of invisibility." While popular culture often romanticizes them in tales of international intrigue akin to legendary figures like Bruce Lee, modern ninjas primarily focus on enhancing physical fitness and self-defense capabilities.

According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the word ninja originates from the Japanese characters nin and ja – nin initially meant "persevere," but over time its meaning evolved to "move stealthily." And, ja means "person."

Ninjas are found in movies, television, sports, cartoons, gaming, and sometimes unsuspected places. Ninjas are indeed mysterious – invisible forces who solve problems and make the world a better place.

Gettysburg offers varied experiences, from exploring history, museums, tours, and scenic trails to encountering ghosts, enjoying parades, and attending events. It's an ideal destination for unique shopping and dining, sampling craft beer and wine, and exploring spirits. You could encounter historical reenactors, and even ninjas.

Gettysburg relies heavily on the practice of ninjas. They move stealthily in the background to benefit others and our community. Ironically, their actions too often go unnoticed, yet their impact is undeniable. Let me highlight some of our ninja activities and where you might catch a glimpse of them at work.

Ever wonder about the immaculate cleanliness of downtown Gettysburg? Yep, ninjas. Our From the Ground Up volunteers meet early every Monday morning – picking up trash and cigarettes, moving almost unnoticed through the streets and sidewalks. Imagine if they didn’t venture out. Would Gettysburg be welcoming and hospitable if it was dirty?

Ever think about who tends the beautiful flowers? Ninjas at work. Volunteers with the Gettysburg Garden Club create stunning flower baskets for the spring and summer, holiday arrangements in winter, and manage the foliage in Lincoln Square – donning gloves and spades to benefit downtown. Imagine if they didn’t do those projects. Would Gettysburg be as beautiful?

Ever ponder how food programs remain stocked? You guessed it – ninjas. Volunteers collect nonperishable food items to stock Ruth’s Harvest, Gettysburg Community Soup Kitchen, and Blessing Boxes – showing up like clockwork to benefit those in need. Imagine if they didn’t extend a helping hand. Would Gettysburg be a community if we didn’t care for our neighbors?

Ever curious how parades or events come together? Once again, ninjas. Volunteers sign up and show up to help with Memorial Day, Halloween, and Remembrance Day parades, Fourth of July, Salsa on the Square, and Christmas Festival events – donating their time and effort to benefit our community. Imagine if they didn’t help to make such things happen. Would we be Gettysburg if we didn’t celebrate our history and our holidays?

Main Street Gettysburg is pleased to honor our amazing volunteers, who exemplify the spirit of ninjutsu. We are excited to name Justin Harman as our Ninja of the Year for 2023!

Imagine if we had more ninjas. Would Gettysburg benefit if you joined us as a ninja?

Contact us to find out!

Sidewalks are the arteries of our community, facilitating pedestrian movement, enabling commerce, and enhancing connectivity in and throughout the borough. Well-maintained sidewalks contribute to the appeal of our neighborhoods and business districts.

Conversely, neglected sidewalks detract from downtown charm, discourage pedestrian activity, diminish livability, and pose hazards like slips, trips, and falls, thereby creating liability for property owners. Sidewalk maintenance plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety, accessibility, and aesthetics of our public spaces.

A stroll through Gettysburg quickly reveals many sidewalks in desperate need of repairs – cracked curbs, heaving slabs, crumbling sections, tripping hazards, and ADA failures are almost everywhere. Except for Steinwehr Avenue, which wisely and collectively invested in a beautiful solution over ten years ago.

Sidewalks are tricky and troublesome entities. Generally, they are located within the public right-of-way, which refers to the land dedicated for public use, including streets, sidewalks, and utilities. Yet, despite being within the public right-of-way, in the Borough, sidewalks are owned according to parcel. Said ownership comes with obligations for removal of snow and leaves, as well as sidewalk repairs necessary for ordinance compliance. Unlike our streets, sidewalks are not owned by the government. Streets are managed through a scheduled maintenance plan, budgeted and paid for by local, and sometimes, even state and federal funds.

Thus, Gettysburg has this conundrum: the public right-of-way does not mean that the Borough fixes sidewalks; ultimately, the property owner is responsible.

This current arrangement fraught challenges and disputes. Some property owners have ignored repairs; others have inherited problems, like overgrown trees and other issues. Such conflicts should be addressed by the Borough Council, to review and enact ordinance(s) that establish a framework to maintain sidewalks as infrastructure, akin to street management if possible. Main Street Gettysburg continues our liaison with Borough Council and staff to develop a comprehensive sidewalk maintenance solution for the future.

Main Street Gettysburg is committed to creating a walkable, accessible community. This vision was born out of the success on Steinwehr Avenue. Ten years ago, the Steinwehr Business Improvement District (BID) wisely and collectively invested in their sidewalks. Long-term projects include the Baltimore Street Revitalization Project and the Gettysburg Welcome Center. Both are integral to this vision, just as sidewalks are vital arteries to community health.

The reality is that funding enormous projects is a multi-year process of planning, grant writing, partnering, elections, and fundraising. Public money moves slowly. Reconstruction of Baltimore Street cannot start until 2027 at the earliest, with Route 30 even further on the horizon.

Meanwhile, sidewalk repairs cannot wait. Main Street Gettysburg is ready to help!

We devised a zero-interest loan program for sidewalk projects as a means for property owners to address repairs and invest in their properties. This is not a grant program, as loan repayment ensures future benefits to other property owners. Our collaboration will bridge the needs of today until we reach the construction projects of tomorrow.

Pedestrian-friendly, ADA-compliant sidewalks enhance the downtown experience for our businesses, residents, and visitors. Together, we can create healthy arteries to the heart of our downtown.

On January 11, 2024, I virtually attended the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s State of American Business, delivered by U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Suzanne Clarke.

Despite the negativity in the news worldwide and despite this being a Presidential election year with negative ads already underway, Clarke’s message for the business industry and economy was optimism. Her simple explanation for that analysis was, “The system that enables our success and ensures our future is American free enterprise.”

American free enterprise is the backbone of our local, national, and even the global economy. To explain the far-reaching impact of American industry, Clarke even quoted Bono, lead singer of U2 and world-renown social activist, who said, “I’ve had an epiphany in recent years. It has upended everything for me… welfare and foreign aid are a band-aid. Free enterprise is a cure. Entrepreneurship is the most sure way of development.”

We see that development locally among the entrepreneurial faces in our community: small business owners and their employees, vendors and contractors, organizations and their volunteers, all of whom invest their time, energy, and resources to build, maintain, and grow our economy. Their optimism enables people to provide for their families, support school programs and organizations, help those in need, and much more. They do this by providing jobs, engaging with customers, working with suppliers, developing projects, serving our community, and making this an awesome place to live, work, and play.

Our downtown economy, from Steinwehr Avenue to Lincoln Square and beyond, has changed over the past twenty years. Economically, we survived the pandemic, and our rebound continues. American free enterprise is actively working in Gettysburg and Adams County. New businesses are opening. Existing businesses are expanding, adapting, and building. Organizations are creating opportunities. We are a thriving community for our residents and visitors!

Spring brings hundreds of educators and students on school tours. Summer brings families, couples, and individuals on vacation. Winter brings reenactors and festivalgoers on annual pilgrimages. We even have a new winter event on tap – “Gettysburg Loves Love” is scheduled for Saturday, February 17th. We have successfully extended our calendar from a seasonal, April-to-November destination into the holiday and winter months!

Our businesses run promotions, advertise locally and regionally, and absolutely thrive on social media – reaching tens of thousands of existing and potential customers, visitors, and repeat visitors. Organizations host parades and events: Memorial Day, 100 Nights of Taps, Halloween, Remembrance Day, Pride, Fourth of July, Bike Week, Christmas Festival, and New Years Eve. All of these and more create bustling conditions for our hotels, retailers, and restaurants. Investment in these events is investment in your business!

Working together fosters confidence and strengthens our community. By creating partnerships and encouraging investment, we drive our local economy, which yields more profitable returns.

“The state of American business is optimistic,” said Clarke. “This country, its citizens and leaders, and our partners around the world need to hear it.” Optimism is loud and clear in Gettysburg!

I can still feel the smiles and laughter in the chilly air from this year’s Christmas Festival. I personally had a blast at the festival! I met a live reindeer, danced with a costumed reindeer, and got bucked off a mechanical reindeer! Yet I truly had the most fun working with the businesses, entertainers, vendors, and volunteers, and interacting with the visitors. The collective mood downtown was joyous, light-hearted, and certainly contagious.

I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude for all the people who made the festival possible. Community partners, local businesses, generous sponsors, and tireless volunteers transformed downtown into a holiday wonderland for thousands to enjoy. This is my attempt to thank everyone who brought their energy and enthusiasm to deliver a vibrant festival weekend.

My thanks to our sponsors. Without sponsors, events are not possible. From signage, maps, and marketing to portable toilets, tents, and road closures, thank you for understanding that it all costs money – over $80,000 this year. The local businesses that partnered with us played a crucial role. Thank you for stepping up as sponsors and participating with creative ideas, donations, and prizes. You showcased our downtown, drew patrons to your business and others, and stimulated our local economy. Please remember to shop local this Christmas to give back to our businesses!

My thanks to our community partners. A multitude of organizations and businesses held special events in many locations that brought activities, shopping, dining, and other opportunities for people to enjoy. From exclusive movie screenings, breakfast with Santa, and carriage rides to craft fairs, holiday market, museum tours, and scavenger hunts, individuals and families had a variety of options from which to create a unique experience. The photos and messages on social media speak clearly about the magic you shared.

My thanks to the dedicated volunteers. These folks tirelessly worked behind the scenes to ensure the details. Thank you for working in the rain on Friday to set up and for drying everything off on Saturday morning. The festival would not be possible without your hours of hard work. From setting up stages, decorating, hanging signs and maps to popping-up tents, carrying supplies, and hauling trash, you are a critical element of this event. A shout-out to our From the Ground Up crew and Boy Scout Troop 73 for keeping downtown clean throughout the weekend!

My thanks to the borough staff for closing and reopening the roads, setting up and tearing down haybales for human foosball, building the library stage, managing generators and light towers, hauling tables, chairs, heaters, and so much more!

My thanks to Gettysburg Borough Police for their friendly, reassuring presence downtown and to emergency management for being on-call just in case.

My thanks to our event coordinator, Bonnie, who helped organize entertainment, contests, and volunteers. My thanks to my staff, Wendy, who keeps the books, manages the logistics, and puts up with me.

In the afterglow of A Gettysburg Christmas Festival, I am exhausted, yet invigorated by the community investment and spirit that brought the event together. Thank you all for the success of 2023! We are already planning for 2024!

Wishing you and yours a joyous holiday season and blessed new year!

Main Street Gettysburg, along with our partners at Seminary Ridge Museum and United Lutheran Seminary, is beyond excited to help host the screenings of “A Gettysburg Christmas” movie during our annual Christmas Festival on December 1-3, 2023.

The movie, made earlier this year in Gettysburg and Adams County, brought great excitement, anticipation, and joy to our community. Everyone extended the life of their holiday decorations into February to accommodate the filming schedule; businesses cooperated to host scenes in their spaces; and locals showed up in mass to serve as extras on the set.

The original plan was probably for the movie to hit theatres this season, but due to scheduling and licensing issues well beyond my purview, it couldn’t apparently happen that way.

So instead of making us wait, Director Bo Brinkman GIFTED this movie to our Christmas Festival this year. He didn’t want to disappoint our supportive community, so he worked with community organizations – Main Street Gettysburg, Seminary Ridge Museum, and United Lutheran Seminary – to create this special limited opportunity.

Yes, it’s limited at this time. It’s a bummer that many were unable to secure seats in the first and second rounds of the online offering… it was kinda like days-of-old, calling into a radio station only to get a busy signal, but instead getting a “sold out” message. Such great demand is a huge compliment to the movie and speaks volumes about local support!

Don’t worry: Other opportunities to see the film still lie ahead. Watch for announcements about theatre releases and streaming options in the future.

This year, the Christmas Festival is celebrating this heartwarming project with our community. We are thrilled to share the Director’s gift with the 1,000+ free ticketholders, who will hopefully help launch this into a local tradition.

If you were lucky enough to snag seats, please be generous to the hosts – please consider making a donation to help cover the costs of staffing, facilities, and tech support.

If you didn’t get in, please join us at the Christmas Festival for an amazing celebration that will showcase why our town made such an incredible backdrop for a Christmas movie. After all, the Christmas Festival is IN the movie!

Our thanks to Bo Brinkman for sharing the spirit of Christmas with this spectacular project! We look forward to seeing you in Gettysburg for Christmas!

In a world filled with challenges, it's heartwarming to witness the power of community rising to a challenge to make a difference.

Main Street Gettysburg is joining over 100 nonprofit organizations in this year’s Adams County Community Foundation Giving Spree – the nation’s largest per capita giving day. That is worth restating: We live in the most generous county in the entire nation!

The Giving Spree is returning to an in-person gathering for the first time since the pandemic. On behalf of Main Street Gettysburg, I would like to personally invite you to join us on November 9th at the Gettysburg Area Middle School from 3:00-7:00 p.m.

Main Street Gettysburg is fortunate to stand alongside our philanthropic partners to serve our community and each other. Come and meet the incredible people that direct and volunteer for these 100+ organizations that work to benefit Adams County.

For our part, Main Street Gettysburg will showcase our legacy project – the future Gettysburg Welcome Center (GWC) at 340 Baltimore Street. We are #65 on the Giving Spree donor list. All donations to #65 will support the GWC. Come and see the building design and architectural renderings by local architect Connor Phiel. Connor has been on board since the beginning; he delivered the original concept drawings in 2018 and is now with Crabtree Rohrbaugh and Associates to bring this visionary project to life.

In June, we received approval from the Historic Architectural Review Board for the demolition of the existing structure. This is a necessary step to make way for a high-traffic public facility and is contingent upon construction funding. Thus, our next goal is capital fundraising.

We appreciate all the donations received thus far! Those funds reside in a restricted account for this project. We also have an outstanding grant application for federal funding. However, in the meantime, we continue to work with partners to raise grant match funds, knowing the generosity of this community easily surpasses the tentative outcome of the federal budget!

We are thankful for our partnership with the Adams County Community Foundation in the Giving Spree and beyond. Our current goal is to meet their Challenge Grant to us. We must reach our $20,000 goal by the end of October. We are getting close – you can help by donating now!

Your contribution will bring us an additional $20,000 toward the Gettysburg Welcome Center! Think of the impact you can make on this project! Go to www.mainstreetgettysburg.org/donate. Please note your contribution with GWC. Or call us to donate by phone.

We can rise to this challenge together. Remember: We are the most generous county in the nation!

As we countdown to the end of October, I hope you will consider a donation toward our Challenge Grant.

As we countdown to November 9th, I hope you will consider a donation to one or more of the charitable organizations in the Giving Spree.

Your support will help Main Street Gettysburg (#65) build the Gettysburg Welcome Center and will help other organizations continue their amazing work to benefit Adams County. Thank you for investing in our community!

In the annals of cinematic history, certain films have emerged as timeless classics, leaving an indelible mark on our cultural consciousness. The year 1993 bore witness to one such masterpiece that forever altered the way we perceive history and the art of storytelling in cinema. "Gettysburg," directed by Ronald F. Maxwell, marks its 30th anniversary this October. Its impact resonates across the nation and around the world, but most profoundly within the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg itself.

“Gettysburg" was not merely a movie; it was a transformative experience that spurred a renewed interest in Civil War history, motivating individuals to delve into historical accounts and engage in intellectual discussions. It served as a catalyst for tourism to Civil War sites, with Gettysburg hosting millions in the pilgrimage.

“Gettysburg" is a testament to the power of storytelling and character development. It pays tribute to the unwavering courage and profound sacrifices of those who stood and fell on this battlefield.

The film remains acclaimed as one of the most historically accurate films of American history and offers invaluable context to contemporary audiences. It is set apart by its remarkably balanced view of both the Union and Confederate perspectives. It transported audiences back in time, humanizing historical figures, and immersing us in the chaos of war. We intimately experienced the epic struggle that unfolded on these very grounds. "Gettysburg" was not just a movie; it was a historical reenactment.

Its following remains as robust as ever, prompting us to come together to celebrate its 30th anniversary this October 13-15. Saturday is sold out. Tickets to the new Director’s Cut of “Gettysburg” are available for Friday, September 13th, which Ron Maxwell will also personally introduce. Unique opportunities include movie screenings, autograph sessions, special tours, memorabilia displays, and director and actor panels. Three decades of perspective will richly add to the discussion!

Main Street Gettysburg takes immense pride in co-hosting this extraordinary weekend of commemorative events. All aspects of this event are attributable to our community partners: Journey Through Hallowed Ground, American Battlefield Trust, Gettysburg Foundation, Adams County Historical Society, and Seminary Ridge Museum and Educational Center.

Thirty years later, "Gettysburg" serves as a poignant reminder that history is not a distant, abstract concept but a legacy that continues to shape our world and enlighten new generations.

We invite you to explore event information at www.hallowedground.org/events and join us to reflect, learn, and celebrate.

The excitement of countdowns is universal. From races to demolitions, rocket launches to New Year's Eve, the thrill of anticipation is undeniable. A mere two years, ten months, and 25 days remain until we commemorate a truly momentous occasion: the 250th anniversary of our nation – our Semiquincentennial.

This significant milestone serves as a catalyst for reflecting upon the American experience, celebrating our achievements, and looking ahead to a future packed with unlimited potential. Our trajectory from a fledgling colony to a global powerhouse is nothing short of awe-inspiring. All citizens, from Gettysburg and beyond, should anxiously anticipate celebrating together.

America’s rich history teems with tales of bravery, resilience, and audacity – a narrative woven through struggles, innovations, and of course, a relentless pursuit of freedom. Anchored by pivotal moments like the American Revolution, the Civil War, and the Civil Rights Movement, our identity has been shaped by continuous striving for unity and shared values.

Pennsylvania, in particular, holds a special place in our national story. It was in Philadelphia in 1776 that the spark of freedom was ignited with the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In 1863, Gettysburg became hallowed ground, where our indivisible nation was preserved, marking a new birth of freedom. These landmarks stand as enduring symbols of our nation's journey.

As we approach the Semiquincentennial, we are reminded of our timeless principles: freedom, democracy, and equality. The resilience demonstrated during challenges like the recent pandemic underscores our ability to unite, emerging stronger than before.

America’s 250th anniversary represents an opportunity for us to collectively shape the course of our nation's future. Main Street Gettysburg proudly stands as an Official Nonprofit Affiliate of America250PA, the Commonwealth's Semiquincentennial Commission. Our close engagement with the state commission, as well as our local partners in Adams County, allows us to work collaboratively towards a common goal.

Anticipation is building for the array of civic activities and celebratory events that will happen here in 2026. We aim to curate experiences that educate, preserve, innovate, and ultimately celebrate the rich tapestry of our history. Together we will shape a legacy right here in Gettysburg and Adams County! Counting down: 1,062 days to 250!

As the subject of downtown development continues to take the spotlight, I have heard some interesting, a few insensitive, and many misinformed comments on the proposed Gettysburg Station Project.

Let’s examine the project using economic development and community impact perspectives.

1) Investment: We are blessed to live in a free market society. Investment and reinvestment are vital to a thriving economy. Investment strengthens our economic base, encourages growth, and generally boosts opportunities for all business sectors. Economics 101: Competition is a good thing.

2) Housing: Adams County housing is limited at every income level, from the working poor to the educated professional. Our market is highly competitive. Home prices average over $300K and often sell above market value within 15 days or less, and rentals are scarce. Those conditions don’t bode well for the average family, especially for people working in service positions, including our tourism industry, restaurants, and law enforcement. Most of our populace works outside of Adams County. The housing component of this project is desperately needed to provide housing options, to connect more people’s homes with their livelihoods, and to foster a strong sense of community.

3) Design: The schematics thus far are merely stick-figures, placeholders that offer specifications to facilitate discussion about ordinances and variance applications. The actual designs will carefully consider our historic downtown in its final appearance. In the end, it will not be a cinder block building.

4) Height: The two buildings on Carlisle and Stratton Streets will be scaled to fit those streetscapes accordingly. The tall building will be in the middle, away from the street. The complex won’t rise above the Gettysburg Hotel, which is already 72 feet tall on Racehorse Alley.

5) Step-backs: Thankfully, the developer is asking for a variance. According to the ordinance, a 48-foot-tall square building could be built within five feet of all streets and property lines.

6) Parking: Underground parking – how cool is that!

7) Green space: The developer is providing a significant amount of green space and recreational access for pedestrians and bicycle traffic. Plans include shade trees and walking paths. The innovative designs are accommodating, impressive, and considerate of our downtown.

8) Traffic: Traffic impacts were considered in 2019. Additional studies will likely be conducted during the land development phase.

9) Services: Gettysburg provides services to its residents and over three million visitors annually. Consideration of additional services will be addressed during the land development phase.

10) Taxes: Over 40% of property within the borough is tax exempt. Adding, not removing, taxable property is a win. The developer has not sought tax breaks, so the project will be immediately taxable.

Economics 101: “As cities continue to evolve, investing and reinvesting in downtowns as economic and cultural engines will ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of communities, benefiting residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”

For over 200 years, Gettysburg has endured battle, fires, innovation, recession, pandemic, and rebuilding. Gettysburg Station is more than an investment project. It is an extraordinary transformation of a blighted property that will spur tremendous economic growth and serve our downtown for generations to come!

Google was founded in 1998 and is now a household word. It is so familiar to us, we even use it as a verb. Google has revolutionized online research from travel and restaurants to shopping and term papers. Google truly has a global reach and impact on students, families, schools, and businesses.

Main Street Gettysburg focuses on local economic development and historic preservation. We also have a robust partnership at the state and national levels through Pennsylvania Downtown Center and Main Street America, respectively. Our extensive network often opens doors to grant funds and other programs that would otherwise not be available to our small community. Right now, we are pleased to be working with Google.

We are honored to have been selected as a partner organization in Pennsylvania: one of ten host communities in the entire country to provide digital skills training to small businesses in rural communities. We will be hosting workshops as part of our new partnership between Grow with Google’s Digital Coaches Program, Pennsylvania Downtown Center, and Main Street America.

I am thrilled to be working with Joshua Miller, who resides in PA and is serving as a Grow with Google Digital Coach. Grow with Google Digital Coaches are local marketing experts and entrepreneurs who help diverse small businesses grow. They have trained more than 160,000 small businesses since 2017. Miller has spent more than five years helping businesses build strategic plans and partnerships to advance their goals.

According to Lucy Pinto, Senior Manager of the Grow with Google Digital Coaches Program, “Google is committed to creating economic opportunities for small businesses in Pennsylvania. The goal is to help more small businesses and entrepreneurs in Pennsylvania grow their online presence, reach new customers, and unlock additional sources of revenue.”

Mark your calendar for June 19th for two workshop sessions: Learn the Basics of Google Drive and Sell Online with e-Commerce Tools. These workshops will focus on learning new tools to grow businesses online; Miller will lead the workshops in person. We wish to thank our local partner, Destination Gettysburg, for welcoming the workshops at their conference room to accommodate greater attendance.

Main Street is supported by powerful networks: statewide under Pennsylvania Downtown Center and nationally under Main Street America. Main Street Gettysburg’s unique combination of grassroots efforts and extensive resources helps us improve quality of life, transform our community, stimulate our economy, and prepare for the future.

We look forward to seeing you on June 19th for digital skills training and hands-on coaching from Google. More information and registration are available on our website: www.mainstreetgettysburg.org.

Main Street Gettysburg is excited to share these resources that will help to create new opportunities for our local businesses to grow and succeed!

Over the past five years, you have probably heard mention of ‘an information building with bathrooms planned for somewhere downtown.’ I am thrilled to share some facts about the Gettysburg Welcome Center – its background, what it might cost, who supports it, what’s next, and how you can help.

The GWC has been under discussion for several years. The idea for a borough welcome center originated in 2018, when Main Street Gettysburg convened a series of exploratory community improvement meetings. More than 80 local officials, businesses, organizations, and residents, identified “access to local information and public restrooms as critical inefficiencies in our downtown.”

In response, our Ten-Year Strategic Plan was created. The overall goal of our Baltimore Street Revitalization Project is to develop a walkable environment – sidewalks and crossings that safely connect our mile-long historic district between Steinwehr Avenue and Lincoln Square. The Gettysburg Welcome Center is a key element of that strategy. As a public facility, the GWC will provide a central location for transportation, event and tourism information, and fully accessible, ADA-compliant public restrooms.

Currently, the Borough has no information center at all. The property at 340 Baltimore Street, sometimes referred to as “the Brown House,” was donated to the Borough in 2019 for this very purpose. Local architect Connor Phiel of Crabtree Rohrbaugh & Associates is working with us to produce a handsome brick building, designed specifically to fit the neighborhood and streetscape – a building that will stand the test of time to become a legacy in its own right.

The existing house was erected as a rental property in 1885. During the Civil War, the Winebrenner Tannery operated on the grounds. Main Street Gettysburg has plans to share the fascinating details of this little-known history in and around the finished Welcome Center.

The Brown House is in poor condition. The structure is not salvageable as a public facility. The building codes for public versus residential usage are vastly different. For example, residential structures require 40 pounds per square foot for floor load capacity. The standard for commercial buildings is 100 pounds. Basically, houses aren’t designed to support public, ADA bathrooms and heavy foot traffic from thousands of visitors.

In 2023, Main Street Gettysburg is leading the way to create this landmark structure, including fundraising and grants. To date, we have raised over $117,000 in contributions; the project is under consideration for federal funding; and, we are pursuing state funding options.

We are also working with Crabtree Rohrbaugh on updated cost estimates, as our previous numbers were completed during the spike in building supplies. Funding plans include construction and operations to ensure its long-term sustainability.

Main Street Gettysburg is also establishing local partnerships to develop a plan and commitment for its operation. Participants include the Borough of Gettysburg, Destination Gettysburg, and other community partners. The Gettysburg Welcome Center will serve as a vital community asset, the capstone of our historic corridor. Our thanks to all for sharing our vision and supporting this project!

The Gettysburg Welcome Center has great momentum going forward. We encourage questions, especially, “How can I help?”

Be on the lookout for future announcements. Major steps are coming soon!

Spring is here with all its flowers, sunshine, and visitors!

For Main Street Gettysburg, it’s time for us to renew our partnership with the National Park Service to open and staff the David Wills House on Lincoln Square. If you have been there before, you know what a great experience it is. The house hosted almost 16,000 visitors in 2022. If you haven’t been there yet, you should plan a visit. Admission is free.

Here’s a bit of background on the house to pique your interest:

At the time of the Civil War, David Wills was a prominent attorney in Gettysburg, who had studied law under Thaddeus Stevens. He was a highly recognized and respected member of the community: he served as a town leader, the first County Superintendent of School of Adams County, and elected director of the Bank of Gettysburg.

During the battle in 1863, the brick house at 8 Lincoln Square was owned by Wills, where he lived with his wife Catherine and their three children with another one on the way. After the battle, Wills orchestrated plans for a Soldiers’ National Cemetery and invited President Abraham Lincoln to speak at its dedication. Lincoln stayed at their home on November 18, 1863, the night before he delivered the Gettysburg Address.

Main Street Gettysburg was instrumental in establishing this house as an amazing museum in 2008. The house now features six galleries, including two rooms that have been restored to their 1863 appearance: Wills' law office where he planned the cemetery and dedication and the bedroom where Lincoln stayed and prepared to give his famous speech.

The house is set up as a self-guided tour. It’s a wonderful environment to step back in time and consider the gravity of the local and national leadership within those walls and their impact on our history. The National Park Service Rangers on duty are a wealth of historical knowledge and perspective for visitors and volunteers; it is a privilege to serve and learn alongside them!

Main Street Gettysburg is seeking new volunteers for the 2023 season to help at this treasured landmark. No experience or specific background is required – just friendly people who want a unique opportunity to contribute to the visitor experience. Volunteers get a free t-shirt, and we can also arrange for a parking pass for free parking during your volunteer shift. The house is open Friday through Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. (with Thursdays added in the summer). Sign-ups are available now through Remembrance Day on November 19th. Go to GET INVOLVED on our website (www.mainstreetgettysburg) for the sign-up link.

So, as you stroll downtown in this warm, spring weather, please plan to stop by the David Wills House for a tour on a Friday or weekend afternoon and be sure to visit with one of our friendly volunteers. We hope you will consider joining us this year!

Winter can be a long, drawn-out ordeal. Thankfully, it’s been pretty mild so far this year. In fact, the movie crew probably dropped more snowflakes than fell from the sky this season. Still, winter can be a challenge and it feels longer because we held on to Christmas through January. Thanks for keeping the holiday spirit to support the movie. Stayed tuned for more on that soon!

With holiday decorations finally down, spring is on the way. Days are noticeably longer, the extra daylight reminding us that it’s time to start planning for outside projects. Main Street Gettysburg is ready and excited to help!

Announcing the Façade Improvement Program. This is a state offering designed to help business and property owners refurbish commercial façades to create positive visual impact and stimulate private investment. Aesthetics increase property values, improve marketability, and increase patronage from residents and visitors. This program is what Main Street Gettysburg is all about: improving local economic vitality.

The Façade Program is a great opportunity to stretch your investment dollars! The program reimburses commercial property owners and tenants (with owner’s permission) for eligible projects. Examples might include design work, painting, signage, or some other enhancement idea.

This opportunity is a direct reimbursement program, not a loan. Meaning, recipients must match the award amount dollar-for-dollar. Eligibility is strictly limited to commercial properties located within Gettysburg’s Historic District. Residential dwellings are not eligible.

The nominated project must comply with strict requirements. Reimbursement will be made after satisfactory project completion and submission of required documentation. Validation of expenditures includes: all paid receipts; Confirmation of Payment form; and color photos of the completed project. Previously completed are not eligible, so it’s time to dream up new ideas.

The maximum reimbursement is $5,000 per commercial property. Applications can be submitted for less than the maximum amount, so smaller projects are encouraged to apply.

Additional information is available on our website: www.mainstreetgettysburg.org. Or call us at the office. We’re always glad to hear from you.

Applications will be accepted February 20 through March 31, 2023. The review panel will convene in April. Awardees will be notified in May.

We would love to help make your project a reality. We encourage you to compose your ideas and apply for the Façade Improvement Program – what a great way to pass these six more weeks of winter and get excited about spring!

The new year came in with a bang! It certainly did on Lincoln Square – thanks to our friends at Gettysburg Alive and Gettysburg Pride! An amazing send-off for the memories of 2022 and an incredible kick-off for the possibilities of 2023!

Our calendar at Main Street Gettysburg is filling up fast for the new year. Here are a few of the items on it:

Movie actors are here this month to film A Gettysburg Christmas. The pre-production crew captured B-roll footage at our Christmas Festival in December, which will be featured as the backdrop of the film’s heartwarming holiday message. We continue to coordinate with the producers and are thrilled to contribute to such an extraordinary project.

The upcoming movie will shine a national spotlight on our beloved hometown and on our Christmas Festival. So, we have stepped up our game. With the 2022 festival fresh in our hearts and minds, we are reviewing the setup and making reservations for activities and entertainment now. Our challenge is to exceed the movie representation of Gettysburg’s holiday spirit. Mark your calendars for December 1-3, 2023. Contact us NOW to get involved!

We were awarded a $50,000 Keystone Communities Grant to be administered as a local Façade Improvement Program. Requirements include a 1:1 match on projects, limited to $5,000 per business, and compliance with state guidelines under Department of Community and Economic Development. Watch for upcoming announcements about the application process.

We are serving on the grant-writing team to apply for a $14 million grant from the US Department of Transportation for the Baltimore Street Revitalization Project. This is a monumental task for a tremendous project. The team is carefully but quickly pulling together the daunting list of federal requirements, as the application is due in February.

In 2022, we received $72,400 in grants and donations for the future Gettysburg Welcome Center at 340 Baltimore Street, thanks to corporate and individual donors! We will continue to seek funding this year for this much-needed downtown facility. Stay tuned for more information and how you can be part of this vital project.

The 30th anniversary of the movie Gettysburg is also upon us. We are partnered with Journey Through Hallowed Ground, American Battlefield Trust, and Adams County Historical Society to bring together an event weekend to celebrate. Planned activities will include film screenings, memorabilia exhibits, autograph sessions, presentations, and appearances by the Director and Cast. Mark your calendar for October 13-15, 2023.

We continue to support and coordinate with the Steinwehr Business Improvement District (BID). Steinwehr Avenue invests time, effort, and dollars into marketing, events, parades, and more. Steinwehr is a key component of our local economy, hosting thousands of visitors each year.

The Adams County Farmers Market takes up residence at the Gettysburg Rec Park this year. We are excited by the possibilities of their collaboration and hope to further our relationship with both organizations going forward.

Our work continues with the America250PA-Adams County Commission to develop programming for the 250th commemoration of the United States in 2026. What better place to celebrate freedom than Gettysburg!

These are just some of the big and new things coming in 2023. Add this list to our traditional program lineup – Legacy Brick Pathways, David Wills House Volunteers, and From The Ground Up Program – and our 2023 calendar is packed with possibilities!

Main Street Gettysburg is proud to serve our historic downtown, its residents, businesses, organizations, and visitors. We wish you a happy and healthy 2023!