GBPA’s 45th Annual Artifact and Collectibles Show

Originally published August 2018 · p. 2

Jay Reid of Quakertown, Penn., received the GBPA’s Best of Show plaque from Charles Petrillo for his display centered on the sword presented to Capt. Charles McAnally, a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions during the Civil War.

GETTYSBURG, Penn.—With temperatures outside knocking at the century mark, Civil War enthusiasts were inside hoping to score come cool deals at the 45th Annual Artifact and Collectibles show sponsored by the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association on June 30 and July 1. Over the show’s run, more than 900 people attended the show. “Overall, the feedback we got from the vendors was that it was a good show and that people were buying more than the last few years,” said GBPA President Barb Mowery. The awards program, missing for the past few years, was reinstituted thanks to the sponsorship of Charles Petrillo of Levittown. The recognition was obviously appreciated by those who put enormous amounts of time into researching and collecting Civil War relics and displaying them in a manner that educated the public about their historic value. “The GBPA Board of Directors had determined we were going to bring back the awards this year and Charlie volunteered to spearhead the work,” said Mowery. “As we went around the tables, you could see the pride the exhibitors had in their work.” “The serious collectors know about the show, but we want it to be an opportunity for more people to explore the hobby, even if it is just to acquire something that may have a link to their family history,” said Mowery. “It can also be quite an educational experience for young people to see and actually touch things once held by the people they read about in history books.” More information about the GBPA and the Artifact and Collectibles Show can be found at www.gbpa.org.

Paul DeHaan of Kalamazoo, Mich., is closing in on being at three dozen GBPA shows over the years. His Judges Choice Award exhibit of items from the life of Union Admiral David Farragut.

GBPA President Barb Mowery presented the Best Union Exhibit award to Paul Loane of Mt. Holly, N.J., for his display of Tin cups used by soldiers during the Civil War and at reunions afterward.