157th Battle Reenactment of Gettysburg is a Go!

Originally published December 2019 · p. 8

GETTYSBURG, Penn.—Who is Dustin Heisey? Born in the historic town of Maytown, Penn., Dustin is a United States Army veteran, having served eight years, including two deployments to the Middle East. Mr. Heisey is also a reenactor with a true passion for preserving our history for future generations to come. Dustin was first introduced to the Civil War and the reenacting world when he was just fourteen. It just so happened that a substitute teacher, Don Aston, a reenactor himself, was the one who introduced the lad by teaching his class about Gettysburg and making the movie of that same name. Don would take extra time after class to answer all of Dustin’s questions on the subject. After getting his mother’s blessing, Dustin attended his first reenactment event in Leesburg, Penn. Don, Dustin’s teacher, was reenacting at the event and outfitted him with the necessary uniform and accoutrements. Dustin was hooked. He fell in love with reenacting and as time went on the history of the war itself. It’s a love that grows stronger with each passing year.

As an adult Heisey founded a nonprofit company, The East Donegal Historic Preservation Association Inc. His goal was to follow his passion and produce Civil War reenactment events to raise funds for preserving historic buildings and sites in and around East Donegal Township. Dustin’s first event was aimed at supporting the Historic Cameron Estates in Mount Joy. Dustin’s event was so successful, they are still operating a flourishing business there to this day and the home and property has been beautifully restored. So, why is Dustin Heisey taking on the 157th Battle Reenactment of Gettysburg? When he got news that the event’s former organizers were stepping down, like many others, he was shocked. This event was THE event. Gettysburg, the turning point of the Civil War, would be losing its reenactment event? Not to mention that the event provides revenue for local business. While Mr. Heisey was concerned that losing this event would have a negative impact on the local tourism industry and economy, he had another more pressing worry. What about the boys who sacrificed so much on those fields during the three bloody days of battle? Dustin was concerned that they might be at risk of being forgotten. Who is Dustin Heisey? A man who has taken on the responsibility of this important event and has vowed to do whatever is necessary to ensure its survival. In Dustin’s own words’ “It’s just too far important to let it go.” Dustin plans on producing an event unlike anything that has been seen at the Gettysburg Reenactment in recent years. His focus will be on bringing history and education back to the forefront. He would like to have as much community involvement as possible. There will be a great deal of hands on activities for children as well as adults. It is Heisey’s hope that making history “hands on” will give people a much different perspective. Much like the teacher who took the time to talk to a fourteen year old Dustin Heisey, sparking an interest that turned into a passion…the adult Mr. Heisey now wants to provide the same to others!