TEST RESULTS!

I know many of you have been wondering how I did on the Licensed Battlefield Guide Exam. I've been wondering too. The wait is over! My score was 213 out of 241 questions (88%). They are taking the top 19 scores. I needed a score of 225 to make the cut. So, alas, I didn't quite make it this year, but not bad for a first try. I'm very pleased with my effort and will take the exam again.

Thanks to all who supported me and wished me luck. Hopefully 2 years from now after the next exam, I'll have slightly different news.

Happy New Year everybody!

Todd

Holiday Greetings from the Doubleday Inn!

In addition to all of us gearing up for the holidays, there is a lot going on in Gettysburg this time of year. We are excited to pass along the schedule for Winter Ranger Programs being held by the Park Service. This is brand new for 2009 and the lectures will be hosted in the beautiful new Museum & Visitor Center. Just like the summer ranger programs, all sessions are FREE and will be hosted by the Park Service's knowledgeable interpretive Rangers. This is an excellent addition to what usually becomes an idle winter encampment here in Gettysburg! Click here to see a complete listing of dates and topics.

And now to some personal happenings…On December 6, Todd sat for the Licensed Battlefield Guide exam. A grueling 3 hours it was! Of the 142 who took the exam, the Park will only accept about 20 people. We will post how Todd did when we get the results. Many, many thanks to Maureen, Ralph, David, Charlie and everyone who helped him to prep for the exam!

This week we had the opportunity to view the Bliss Copy of the Gettysburg Address! Of the five remaining copies written in Lincoln’s hand, this is the only one that is signed by him. It is usually held in the Lincoln Bedroom of the White House (not much chance of getting in there), but it is currently on loan to the Smithsonian Institute of American History in Washington D.C. which recently reopened after extensive renovations.

We went on a weekday (finally those innkeeper hours paid off!) and the museum was fairly empty of tourists. At one point it was only us, the Gettysburg Address, and the security guard. We really had the chance to study the document. You can see that Lincoln really took his time, as his penhand is very neat. It was quite a moving experience for us.

We also visited the Grant and Lee exhibit at the New York City Historical Society. The exhibit is very well done. It provides just enough information to explain the actions of the Civil War and follows the two men through their lives. They had some very interesting artifacts including Lee’s sword surrendered at Appomattox and George Washington’s revolver inherited by Lee. Interesting to us, they also had Abner Doubleday’s sketch book from the Mexican War (he was a good artist), and his log book/diary from the Seminole War.

Don’t forget to check out our Specials Page. We have rolled out reduced winter rates through March 19, 2009. We also have detailed information about our package weekends for 2009. Our next one is “Gettysburg 101”. This is an awesome package for first timers to Gettysburg! You will get some really handy information from experienced Licensed Battlefield Guides, which will help you better understand the Battle and the Battlefield as well.



We are looking forward to spending time with our families for the holidays, and then getting down to some painting and carpeting that will be finished over the winter. We wish you all the best as we finish out 2008, and thank you once again for your friendship and support.

Happy Holidays!
Christine, Todd & Molly

Remembrance Day

November 19, 2008 marked the 145th Anniversary of the Dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery and President Lincoln's enduring Gettysburg Address. Coming as it did on the heels of 2008's historic Presidential Election, this year's celebration seemed to have a deeper meaning for many.

Celebrated film maker Ken Burns gave the keynote address focusing on our nation's inimitable ability to recreate ourselves in times of great challenge. He focused on Lincoln's immortal words, and gave a nod to the new "Tall, skinny lawyer from Illinois" who will take up residence in the White House on January 20, 2009.

The U.S. Mint also unveiled the design for a new Lincoln Silver Dollar coin, which will be available in limited quantity early next year. It has a wonderful image of Abraham Lincoln on the front and the last 43 words of the Gettysburg Address on the back. Click here to see a preview of the new coin.

A cold and windy weekend it was, but the weather didn't stop any of the festivities. As always, the 11th PVI reenactors (with Sallie!) performed their wreath laying ceremony at the 11th PA monument across from the Inn. They also read the names of the soldiers killed during the Battle and placed flags in their honor. As you probably well know, this is repeated by other reenactors all over the Battlefield during this weekend of reverence. This year's ceremonial parade saw approximately 3500 reenactors participae in a beautiful display of remembrance for those who fought and died here.

Here is a pic of frequent Inn guest and one of our very favorite reenactors Michael, from New Jersey. Michael is an impressive young man who probably knows more about Civil War and World War II history than the two of us ever will! His enthusiasm is catching. And that's "Iron Mike" to his fellow artillerymen!

Stay tuned for news on the grand opening of the David Wills House, scheduled to occur on February 12, 2009 to honor the bicentennial of Lincoln's birth. The Wills house is the home on Gettysburg's Lincoln Square where the President spent the night and put the finishing touches on the now famous Address. The restored home will feature interactive displays as well as the furniture that Lincoln used during his overnight visit.


~Todd