Your official podcast guide to Gettysburg and Adams County, PA.
Learn about attractions, our rich agriculture, stories from residents and local businesses, and more.
www.DestinationGettysburg.com
Host: Rick Kennis
Episodes of the Destination Gettysburg Podcast reflect information available when it was published.
Event dates and business hours may change over time, so we recommend contacting featured businesses directly for the latest details.
In this episode, we explore the origins and tragic legacy of the National Homestead at Gettysburg, an institution born from the emotional fallout of the Civil War.
While early years provided a nurturing haven, the sanctuary eventually turned into a living nightmare.
We hear about the orphanage's darkest chapter following the 1870 arrival of Rosa J. Carmichael. Hired as head matron, Carmichael subjected the vulnerable children to horrific abuse and cruel punishments, most notoriously confining young ones inside a dark, cramped cellar known as "the pit."
The discussion examines how Carmichael maintained control until public outcry forced her out, leaving an indelible scar on the building’s history.
Finally, we step down into the cellar with local historians and guides from Ghostly Images of Gettysburg to confront the paranormal reputation that surrounds the historic building today.
From personal accounts of resident spirits and real-time triggers of investigative equipment to the deeper psychological weight carried by the site, this episode looks past the sensational ghost stories to examine the authentic human suffering beneath.
More Information:
https://www.gettysburgbattlefieldtours.com/ghost-tours/ (https://www.gettysburgbattlefieldtours.com/ghost-tours/)
11 Sept 2026
Lincoln at Gettysburg (Special Event)
In this episode, we sit down with renowned artist, and Lincoln Fellowship of Pennsylvania President Wendy Allen, to explore the vision behind Lincoln at Gettysburg, an ambitious multi-day commemorative experience designed for the America 250 celebration.
Wendy shares how her lifelong passion for Abraham Lincoln inspired her to treat the historic town of Gettysburg as an expansive canvas, moving beyond the traditional Dedication Day ceremony to recreate the full 25 hours of Lincoln's 1863 visit. Featuring high-profile talent—including actor Billy Campbell portraying Lincoln—the event brings the gravity and purpose of the Gettysburg Address to life for longtime historians and curious newcomers alike.
Wendy walks us through the packed schedule kicking off on November 16th, which features everything from community square dancing to an array of tent programming covering Civil War music, children's literature, and the Lincoln's train.
Be sure to visit the dedicated Lincoln at Gettysburg website and page on Facebook to follow updates, as this historic commemoration approaches.
More Information:
www.lincolnatgettysburg.com (https://lincolnatgettysburg.org/)
31 Aug 2026
From the Battlefield to the Cyclorama
In this episode, Licensed Battlefield Guide and Gettysburg Foundation team member Chris Brenneman joins Rick Kennis to dive into the history, artistry, and hidden details of the iconic Gettysburg Cyclorama. Painted between 1882 and 1883, the massive 377-foot canvas offers an immersive, 360-degree look at Pickett’s Charge.
Chris shares his insights into how the painting was created—including how original artist Paul Philippoteaux used photography platforms on the battlefield to ensure pinpoint accuracy—and highlights some of the fascinating "Easter eggs" tucked into the artwork, from hidden historical figures to sneaky artist cameos.
Chris also discusses the specialized programs designed to give visitors a deeper look at the painting, including Evening with the Painting and the unique From the Battlefield to the Cyclorama: A Photographic Journey program, where you recreate original 1880s photographic angles from the upper deck of a double-decker bus. Beyond the artwork, Chris reflects on other creative interpretive tours, such as exploring the physiological impacts of adrenaline and combat stress on soldiers during Pickett’s Charge.
Finally, Chris opens up about his personal journey to becoming a guide, from growing up exploring the battlefield to navigating the rigorous testing process required to earn a guide license. He explains the value of experiencing Gettysburg alongside knowledgeable guides and how the collaborative community in the guide room helps keep battlefield history vibrant, accessible, and constantly evolving for visitors.
More Information and Experience Tickets (https://www.gettysburgfoundation.org/news/2026/from-the-battlefield-to-the-cyclorama)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.3 / 5
6 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 27 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
28
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
67
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