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8 Ways to Experience Gettysburg’s Civil War History without a CWES Minor

Juliette Sebock Student Contributor, Gettysburg College
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Gettysburg chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

If you come to Gettysburg College, you really shouldn’t graduate without some sort of understanding of the Civil War.  It’s an unofficial rule.   

1.  Join a group.  

 

There are plenty of opportunities to meet others with an interest in the ACW on campus.  Civil War Club, PCG, and Civil War House are just a few options!

2. Take a battlefield tour.  

 

Whether you hire an LBG, go on a bus with a large group, or guide yourself, you can go on the battlefield a million times and still learn something new.  

3.  CWES 205

 

The entry-level Civil War Era Studies class is perfect for minors and non-minors alike!  

4.  Visit a museum.  

 

Gettysburg is home to countless museums, on the Civil War as a whole or on more specific topics, like the Jennie Wade House.  

5.  Talk to tourists.  

 

Some tourists know a crazy amount of information about this place.  Others have fascinating stories as to why they’re here.  Either way, they’re fun to talk to!

6.  Go for a run.  

 

Our campus is one where you can dart off of it in any direction (or on it, really!) and suddenly be surrounded by amazing history [and cute cows]. 

7.  Travel.  

 

If the history here isn’t enough for you, Gettysburg is conveniently located within traveling distance to major cities and small town with Civil War Era history and beyond.  From New York City and Baltimore to City Point and Harper’s Ferry, a day trip is always a good idea.  

8.  Ask!

 

Those of us who enter the realm of Civil War Era Studies love to geek out about it and share our knowledge.  If you’re curious about something, just ask!  We’d love to teach you what we know.  

Juliette Sebock

Gettysburg '18

Juliette Sebock, Founder: Jules founded the Gettysburg College chapter of Her Campus in Fall 2015 and served as Campus Correspondent until graduating in Spring 2018.

Juliette graduated from Gettysburg College in 2018 with an English major and History/Civil War Era Studies/Public History triple minors. In addition to HC, she was a member of the Spring 2017 class of Advanced Studies in England and of various organizations including Eta Sigma Phi, Dance Ensemble, and Poetry Circle.

She has published a poetry chapbook titled Mistakes Were Made, available on Amazon and Goodreads, and she has poems forthcoming in several literary magazines. She is also the editor-in-chief of Nightingale & Sparrow Magazine and runs the lifestyle blog, For the Sake of Good Taste. For more information, visit https://juliettesebock.com.