Gettysburg, just another roadside attraction

[garyjd]

Interesting Editorial on the latest from the Gettysburg Visitor's Center. ~Gary

http://www.eveningsun.com/ci_1260833...e=most_emailed

[tinman1863]

Re: Gettysburg, just another roadside attraction

Stuff like this never ceases to amaze me. Thankfully, all of Chickamauga's exhibits are still free( with the exception of the media presentation).

[guad42]

Re: Gettysburg, just another roadside attraction

But the most disturbing tones sounded by the foundation and the Park Service over the admission fees are the references to the museum as an "attraction" and the notion that its prices are competitive when compared to other forms of entertainment.

We hate to break it to them, but the Gettysburg battlefield in not an attraction. Hersheypark, that's an attraction. Mr. Ed's Elephant Museum, that's an attraction.

The battlefield is a national shrine, not the private property of the Gettysburg Foundation. They shouldn't be surprised if some of us balk at the very idea of asking the American people to pay retail to see artifacts they already own.

Quit comparing the visitor center and museum to the ghost tours and trinket shops. Lincoln said of Gettysburg, "We cannot hallow this ground."

But history shows we can certainly commercialize it - without the help of the foundation or the National Park Service.

Well put.

-Sam Dolan

[csuniforms]

Re: Gettysburg, just another roadside attraction

Even the local papers get it. Is there anyway the NPS can revisit the whole Museum Foundation thing?

CSuniforms
Tom Arliskas

[scotty]

Re: Gettysburg, just another roadside attraction

Two totally seperate animals my friend. This is one of many battles between the NPS and the "Gettysburg foundation" now and in the future.

[Son of Eire]

Re: Gettysburg, just another roadside attraction

I found this blog a couple of month's back. It provides an interesting history of the career of former park superintendent Dr. John Latschar and the rise of the Gettysburg Foundation. Very helpful for those of us who haven't kept up with the story along the way.

http://civilwarcavalry.com/?p=1340

[musketbal]

Re: Gettysburg, just another roadside attraction

I was at Gettysburg this past weekend (June 19,20,and 21) for a living history/firing demonstrations at Spangler's Spring. After talking with several of the other reenactors I decided it was'nt going to be worth the money since the museum had decided to go PC, or as I've read from others dumbed it down for the masses. Gettysburg is SACRED! It is my opinon that the museum should have focused on the battlefield and battle, not a distorted watered down version of the Civil War. Yes, I should and most likely will go to the museum with my son and father just to see for myself. While at Spangler's Spring the NPS representative was a very accommidateing guy who was very helpful.

Thanks,
Brent Conner