First Lady Marjorie O. Rendell Launches Pennsylvania Civil War Trails: Prelude to Gettysburgtitle
Community Leaders Come Together to Market Civil War Heritage as a Region
HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- As a strong advocate for
promoting Pennsylvanias rich history, Judge Marjorie O. Rendell,
Pennsylvanias First Lady, joined with others today to debut "Pennsylvania
Civil War Trails: Prelude to Gettysburg" during a Civil War-themed celebration
in Wrightsville.
"This initiative is very close to my heart. As I travel across the
commonwealth, I am happy to rediscover that, like me, so many others possess a
deep, abiding interest in the historical legacy of Pennsylvanias past," said
the First Lady, who was joined at the ceremony by state officials, community
historians and travel industry representatives from the seven participating
communities of Gettysburg, York, Hanover, Chambersburg/ Waynesboro, Carlisle,
Harrisburg, and Wrightsville. "It is our responsibility and civic duty to
present Pennsylvanias rich Civil War heritage in an easy and accessible way."
"Pennsylvanias Civil War Trails: Prelude to Gettysburg" focuses on the
Dutch Country Roads region of the commonwealth and tells the story of how its
geography, broad strategy and personalities influenced the war. Enthusiasts of
all levels will enjoy the experience, the First Lady said, as the Civil War
comes to life with special events, museum exhibits, hikes, and guided tours.
Seven local community groups and a Civil War Consortium are leading this
public/private effort. The groups include representatives from travel and
promotion agencies, convention and visitors bureaus, heritage area programs,
county historical societies, Civil War heritage attractions, park service
interpreters and area colleges and universities.
"Pennsylvanias Civil War Trails: Prelude to Gettysburg, reaches far
beyond storytelling or wayside markers," said the First Lady. "We are the
first to fashion a program that cooperatively presents our trails, which are
as rich in history as scenic beauty, to consumers in an inclusive package that
highlights our small towns, welcoming communities and wonderful
accommodations."
The stories highlighted throughout the trails present the journey of
soldiers, women and children under siege, the lesser-told tale of African
American contributions in the defense of the commonwealth, and the endurance
of people as they went about their daily lives.
While components of the promotion are currently available to consumers,
the entire package will not be available until the 2006 summer travel season.
When it arrives, it will include seven Civil War-themed road trip packages
with complementary day trip itineraries and a consistent directional and
interpretive signage program throughout the six-county region.
Special scripts and briefing books will be provided to 800-VISITPA call
center operators and staff at the Welcome Centers throughout the commonwealth
to better help visitors find Pennsylvania Civil War Trail experiences.
Regional brochures of the participating communities in the Dutch Country
Roads region will be distributed at the I-81 and I-83 Welcome Centers, the
visitors centers of participating tourism partners and a variety of other
information outlets throughout the region and the state.
A special website for the Pennsylvania Civil War Trails initiative,
http://www.PaCivilWarTrails.com, will serve as a landing page that brings
users to the commonwealths official tourism website, http://www.VisitPa.com.
The commonwealth has been collaborating with participating communities to
build a dynamic page featuring packages, walking tours, Civil War attractions
and much more.
The Pennsylvania Tourism Office, under the state Department of Community
and Economic Development, is dedicated to fulfilling the needs and aspirations
of travelers by presenting them with the information and resources they need
to plan and enjoy the activities, attractions and destinations that are
uniquely Pennsylvania. For more information about Pennsylvanias tourism
industry, go to http://www.visitpa.com, or call 800-VISIT PA.
CONTACT: Kristianna Smith
717-783-1116
