The GBPA was founded in 1959 as the first public/private partnership at Gettysburg.  Over the years, the GBPA played a continuous role in purchasing endangered battlefield land.  Such properties, like the Meals farm, Timbers farm, Wolf farm, Taney farm, the Colgrove tract, the Willoughby Run tract, the East Cavalry field tract, and other parcels have been saved from urban development and commercialism.

President Eisenhower was among the early members who was concerned about this historic shrine.  The General stated, "I am emphatic in my approval of what the GBPA is doing ... the battlefield should be preserved as a remembrance of the sacrifices made by men who fought for the things in which they believed."  Today, the all volunteer Board and membership continues this preservation legacy.  However, public support is yet needed.

"The new Battle for Gettysburg is to save this historic shrine .... Much has been done but there is more to do."
-- President Dwight D. Eisenhower

For forty years, the GBPA has continuously worked to protect the battlefield from moden development.  The site of the decisive battle should be preserved for future generations, so that they can understand the sacrifices made by common men and women for freedom's sake.

The greatest number of monuments in the world on a battlefield were erected at Gettysburg.  These "icons of freedom" commemorate the heroic deeds of the soldiers.  

By lectures, publications, seminars, and living history programs, the GBPA is informing the public of our unique American heritage.