History

The original Licensed Town Guide program was started in 2004 by the Licensed Battlefield Guides as an offshoot of the Battlefield Guide Program with the emphasis being the town and civilian history. Each guide/historian undergoes a vigorous study program prior to taking a written and oral test qualifying them to join our organization. The majority of our members have been involved in the Guide program for over 10 years. The Association of Gettysburg Licensed Town Historians became an LLC in 2015.

We operate 7 days a week from April through Remembrance Day. Our purpose is to provide entertaining and historically accurate walking tours showcasing the civilians’ experiences before, during and after the 3 day battle. We also touch on the founding of the town and discuss Lincoln’s visit and the dedication of the National Cemetery. We offer several speciality tours encompassing a variety of subjects that cover Gettysburg’s history from the Colonial Period up to the current time. We are a group of individuals with a passion for Gettysburg and we wish to share this passion with our visitors.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Association of Licensed Town Historians is to preserve the history of Gettysburg, PA and relate its history to the public. To accomplish this, members will conduct walking tours and present programs about the town’s history and its citizens. Our goals are:

  1. To help the public understand that although Gettysburg is forever linked to the Battle fought here in 1863.Gettysburg intersects with national events as well. Also the effect that Lincoln’s visit and the Gettysburg Address had and continues to have on the town.
  2. To help the public gain an understanding of the Battle of Gettysburg by learning how the residents were impacted by the battle as well as their role in the aftermath.
  3. To increase public understanding of the role of the Gettysburg Citizens in the creation of the Gettysburg National Military Park.
  4. Partnering with other businesses to provide and enhance the visitor experience as well as contributing to the tourism industry.