Gettysburg Foundation announces Ford Family Day

The Gettysburg Foundation announced recently that the Ford Motor Company Fund is sponsoring a day of designated free educational programs on Aug. 8 at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center, 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, in collaboration with the Gettysburg Foundation and Gettysburg National Military Park.

An activity-filled day for adults and children alike, Cyclorama, Film and Museum tickets and special events are free courtesy of the Ford Motor Company Fund.

Free programs include:

Cyclorama, Film and Museum: 8:15 a.m. - 5:15 p.m. Timed Tickets are required and available at the Ticketing Counter at the Visitor Center. Starts with feature film "A New Birth of Freedom" narrated by Morgan Freeman, then spend time with the world-famous "Battle of Gettysburg" Cyclorama painting in the round, followed by a browse through the 12-gallery museum.

Explore and More with a Licensed Battlefield Guide: 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. at Ford Motor Company Fund Education Center at the Visitor Center. A 30-minute interactive program with a Licensed Battlefield Guide focused on education and family fun.

Family Activities Tent: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Visitor Center Front Entrance. A Family Activities Tent full of special programs and hands-on history activities just for kids will be presented with a variety of history stations. Stations will include a stage where a different living history Gettysburg "personality" will be revealed each hour; drilling stations for infantry, cavalry and artillery soldiers, and other activities will be offered on this special day. Children will receive keepsakes of this event.

Live Music: Enjoy period music from various musical entertainers from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. outdoors. Sing, dance and tap your toes to the lively music.

Ranger Site 3 (Outdoors): A variety of musical acts will perform throughout the day highlighting musical traditions from historic to Americana.

Ice Cream Break: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Ranger Site 3 (Outdoors). Enjoy a free scoop of locally-made Mr. G's ice cream.

Picnic Lunch: A specially priced picnic lunch will be available for purchase between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on the patio outside of the Refreshment Saloon.

Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information, call 717-338-1243 or visit www.gettysburgfoundation.org.