Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association’s 48th Annual Civil War Show — Success!
Originally published August 2021 · pp. 1–5
GETTYSBURG, Penn.— The Gettysburg Battlefield 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 to host our friends and colleagues 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 the 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 visitors on Saturday morning stretched quite some distance, the show also sold a record number of early VIP tickets. The VIP tickets allowed holders to visit the show on Friday during the dealer’s setup 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 shows advertisements read: “From (A) rtillery to (Z)ouave, we have it all.” This year the show did not
GBPA’s Brendan Synnamon, Charles Petrillo, and Diana Forgett, some of GBPA’s staff who help make the show successful.
Nick Periut and Wallace Markert browsing one dealer’s antique firearms tables.
disappoint, featuring multiple educational displays and exhibits in addition to the items for sale. 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 War 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 energetic atmosphere between dealers and attendees. Many one-of-a-kind items offered for sale could be 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 Tennessee Infantry Confederate battle flag and a tattered National flag from a Pennsylvania museum, were loaned for exhibit by The Union Drummer Boy of Gettysburg. Mr. Synnamon credits the seemingly effortless flow of the show to his support staff. His father Bill, 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 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 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 Lady Farm and other GBPA events, can be found at www.gbpa.org. Donations may also be made to support their current projects. 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.
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.
Gerald Roxbury received the “Judges’ Choice” award for his display of “Swords and Cutlasses in the Age of the Fighting Sail.”
Photo highlights from the Gettysburg show
Charles Petrillo hands Paul Loane the “Peoples Choice Award” for “Hurray for the Housewives.”
Jeff Mattix received an Appreciation award for “Through the Valley of Death.”
