Gettysburg Battlefield Preservat 48th Annual Civil War Show — Succe GETTYSBURG, Penn.— The Gettysburg Battlefiel Preservation Association (GBPA), the oldest Civil War Battlefield preservation group in the nation, held its 48th Annual Gettysburg Civil War Collector’s Show over the last weekend in June. This event is the longest running show in the nation focused on original Civil War artifacts. Vendors from all over the United States, some as far away as Hawaii, filled more than 300 tables with unique relics from the War and associated reunions. One visitor travelled all the way from Costa Rica to purchase some ephemera at the show. For nearly half a century the show has served as both a repository of some of the finest relics offered and a gathering of some of the most reputable appraisers, dealers, and collectors in the field. The public was encouraged to bring items they wished to know more about, their current value, or how best to store or display their existing collections. The show’s promoter, and Vice President of GBPA, Brendan Synnamon said, “attendance was excellent, and sales were plentiful. We were incredibly pleased
GBPA’s Brendan Synnamon, Charles P some of GBPA’s staff who help make 12 – American Battlefield Trust 40 – Book Reviews 35 – Central Virginia Battlefiel
to host our friends and colleagu again, and aid in supporting a wonderful group such as the GBPA. There seemed to be some normalcy regained from the previous year,” which had been rescheduled into last fall due to Covid-19 pandemic. Show proceeds support the organization’s day-to-day operations and its educational programs for school groups and Boy Scouts at the Daniel Lady Farm. While the line of eager visit on Saturday morning stretched quite some distance, the show also sold a record number of ear ly VIP tickets. The VIP tickets allowed holders to visit the sho
up time and enter an hour before general admission on Saturday and Sunday. Mr. Synnamon said “Some of the best deals are made when the vendor and buyer have time to discuss and thoroughly examine the goods without a lot of distractions.” While the show is held on the outskirts of Gettysburg, relics from nearly every Civil War battle were present. One of the sho advertisements read: “From (A) rtillery to (Z)ouave, we have it all.” This year the show did not
llo, and Diana Forgett, show successful. 36 – Emerging Civil W 45 – Events ust 26 – The Graphic War
disappoint, featuring multiple ed ucational displays and exhibits i
Mr. Charles Petrillo, a member of the GBPA and a vendor himself, was kind enough to sponsor the awards program again this year. After careful review of the displays, Mr. Petrillo announced the winners. The “People’s Choice” award went to Paul Loane for his display of Civil Wa sewing kits, or “Housewives” as they were known then. Gerald Roxbury received the “Judges’ Choice” award for his display of naval swords. The “Best of Show” award went to Elizabeth Topping for her display of photography related artifacts, titled “Illuminating the Darkened Chamber – Photographing the Faces of the Civil War.” Appreciation awards were given to Jeff Mattix, Jim Crane, and Debbie Sheads. The venue had an eclectic array of items, creating an energet atmosphere between dealers and 22 – Inspecti 20 – The Sour 8 – The Unfi
seen changing hands throughout the two days of public admittance. Uniforms, accoutrements, weapons, and images lined the show’s tables. Rare items such as Henry rifles and Lemat revolvers were available. Two flags, an original 21st Tennesse Infantry Confederate battle flag and a tattered National flag fro a Pennsylvania museum, were loaned for exhibit by The Union Drummer Boy of Gettysburg. Mr. Synnamon credits the seemingly effortless flow of the show t his support staff. His father Bi brother William, wife Jaime, and recently departed mother, Janine worked behind-the-scenes in the year leading up to the event Many volunteers involved with the GBPA worked the front lines to make the show a success for both vendor and visitor. Kirk Davis, President of the GBPA, commented “Even if you aren’t a collector, this is one of the RMS! 10 d Fight 2
museums you can possibly visit in Gettysburg. You have a very knowledgeable teacher behind every table and they love to pa that knowledge on to anyone who is interested.” The 49th Annual Civil War Collector’s Show will be held June 25th and 26th, 2022. More information about this show, as well as the Historic Daniel Lad Farm and other GBPA events,
Donations may also be made to support their current projects. Gettysburg Battle Preservation Association is a 501c3 nonprofit organization un der the Internal Revenue Code and is registered as a charitab ganization with the Pennsylvani Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations. Contributions ar tax deductible.
H Gettysburg Show . . . . . . . . . . . see page And That ugh the Lens via