GBPA’s 46th Annual Gettysburg Civil War Collector’s Show
Originally published August 2019 · pp. 1–4
GETTYSBURG, Penn.— The Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association held its 46th Annual Gettysburg Civil War Collector’s Show on June 29-30 at the Allstar Expo Complex in Gettysburg. This year’s show was the largest yet with 355 tables of vendors and exhibitors. They displayed artifacts from the Revolutionary War through the Civil War including buttons, belt buckles, uniforms, accoutrements and gear, documents, photographs, rifles and muskets, swords, personal items, and much more. Attendance also broke records with over 875 in attendance on Saturday and Sunday. Early VIP tickets allowing the holders to visit the show on Friday and an hour before general admission on Saturday and Sunday also sold a record number. “Some of the best deals are made when the vendor and buyer have time to talk without a lot of distractions” said show organizer Brendan Synnamon. Brendan’s father, Bill Synnamon, has been running the Collector’s Show for the past 14 years. This year he passed the torch to his son, owner of Union Drummer Boy and the current President of the GBPA. “He has done a great job. Things ran extremely smoothly this year” Bill said of Brendan. Brendan returned the compliment, “The show grew and flourished under my dad. He made it possible.” Brendan credits the seemingly effortless flow of the show to his support staff. His brother William, wife Jamie, and mother Janine worked behind the scenes all year. Various volunteers involved with the GBPA worked the front lines together to make the show a success for both vendor and visitor. Kirk Davis, GBPA Vice President of Operations, commented, “Even if you aren’t a collector, this is one of the best museums you can possibly visit in Gettysburg. You have a very knowledgeable teacher behind every table, and they love to pass that knowledge on to whoever is interested.” Charles Petrillo was kind enough to sponsor the awards program again this year. After careful review of the various displays, Mr. Petrillo announced the winners: • Jay Reid of Quakertown, Penn., received the GBPA’s Best of Show award for his display centered on the sword presented to Captain Digman. • The People’s Choice Award was given to Chris Foard of Magnolia, Del., again this year for his display on Civil War Nursing. • Elizabeth Topping was awarded the Best Photographic Exhibit titled “The Mystique of Death.” • Best Union Exhibit award went to James Crane for his display featuring the 15th New York Cavalry. Appreciation awards were awarded to: • Buck Zaidel, “Connecticut Civil War Images.” • Michael Fisher for his display of Civil War corps badges. • Jeff Mattix for his display titled “Thru the Valley of Death.” • Paul Loane, “The Civil War Haversack.” • Alan Genetti for displaying General Ambrose Burnside’s sword. • The Renfrew Museum. The 47th Annual Civil War (Peggy Melton) Collector’s Show is set for June 27-28, 2020. More information about this show, the Historic Daniel Lady Farm, and other GBPA events can be found at www.gbpa.org. The Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association is a 501c3 nonprofit organization under the Internal Revenue Code and is registered as a charitable organization with the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations. Contributions are tax deductible. Left: Union Brigadier General Lansing B. Swan’s uniform coat, and accoutrements, along with daguerreotypes of him in civilian clothing, and items related to his wife, etc., from Rochester, New York. From the collection of James and Jean Mountain.
