Battlefield BookFest & GettysNerd 3.0

A celebration of book, authors, and history!

Tickets go on sale August 3, 2026, at 11 AM EST
ºÚÁÏÉç Event
November 12 - 13, 2026 @ 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM EST

Gettysburg History (Beyond the Battle Museum)
625 Biglerville Road
Gettysburg , PA 17325

Join us November 12-13, 2026, for an exciting celebration of literature, learning, and the stories that shape our collective past. Hosted by the ºÚÁÏÉç, this one-of-a-kind event will take place at Gettysburg History (formerly the ) in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

The also plays host to the Trust's annual ºÚÁÏÉç Prize for History award ceremony. The award, endowed by a generous donor to ensure no funds are diverted from the Trust’s primary mission, recognizes an outstanding published work focused on military history or a biography central to the nation’s formative conflicts: the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War. 

Boom Goes the History Live Podcast 

History isn't just written—it comes alive through the people who research it, write it, and debate it.

Join the hosts of the for a special live recording featuring an all-star panel of bestselling authors, award-winning historians, and BookFest presenters. Together, they'll pull back the curtain on the world of history books, discussing the inspiration behind their latest works, the challenges of researching the past, surprising discoveries, favorite sources, and the stories that didn't make it into print.

Expect plenty of lively conversation, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, audience questions, and the good-natured humor that has made Boom Goes the History a favorite among history enthusiasts.

GettysNerd 3.0: The Ultimate Civil War Quiz

Back by popular demand, it's the quiz show that you don't want to miss — GettysNerd 3.0!

Many of us have that person in our lives who seems to know (or thinks they know) everything about the Civil War—its people, places, and things in all their storied minutiae. Are you or your friend THAT person? Well, it’s time to put your Civil War knowledge to the test.

Join us on Friday, November 13, 2026, for the live quiz show. It's sure to be a night full of history, fun, and GettysNerds. 

Do you think that YOU are the ultimate GettysNerd? Register in September of 2026 to take the online qualifier test, and you could be one of the lucky few to join us live on stage. 

Authors & Speakers 

Hear from some of the most respected and recognizable voices in the history community during the ºÚÁÏÉç's 2026 Battlefield BookFest. Throughout the weekend, bestselling authors, acclaimed historians, and leading scholars will share the stories behind their latest books, explore new historical research, and offer fresh perspectives on the people and events that shaped our nation's past.

Featured speakers include:

  • Dr. Carol Reardon
  • Gordon Rhea
  • Dr. Richard Bell
  • Jeff Shaara

...and many more to be announced!

Whether you're a lifelong history enthusiast or simply looking for your next great read, BookFest offers a unique opportunity to learn from today's leading historians, ask questions, meet your favorite authors, and celebrate a shared passion for history.

Ticket Prices & Options

Tickets go on sale August 3, 2026, at 11 AM EST.

Bundled Ticket Prices:

  • History Buff Pass – Thursday – $50.00
  • History Lover Pass – Friday – $95.00
  • History Fanatic Pass – Thursday & Friday – $140.00

A La Carte Ticket Prices:

  • Thursday Afternoon Session – $40.00
  • Boom Goes the History Recording - $15.00
  • Friday Morning Session – $40.00
  • Friday Afternoon Session - $45.00
  • Friday Evening (GettysNerd 3.0) Session – $25.00
Cancellation policy:
  • Full refunds are available through October 15, 2026, minus a 5% credit card service charge.
  • October 16 - November 1: 50% refund.
  • After November 1: No refunds.
Contact
Events Department
ºÚÁÏÉç