05/11/2026
2026 Austin Families Association Conference
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Wednesday & Thursday, October 14th & 15th
Early arrival activities • Thursday evening Social Hour
Friday & Saturday, October 16th & 17th
Speakers and workshops • Saturday evening Dinner
Gettysburg was founded in 1786, named after early settler Samuel Gettys. In addition to being a beautiful and scenic area, it is known for Gettysburg National Battlefield, site of a major turning point in the Civil War, and now part of the Gettysburg National Military Park. The park also includes the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center and Gettysburg National Cemetery, where a memorial marks the site of Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 Gettysburg Address. The Visitor Center features a variety of exhibits for visitors to orient themselves, including a museum; “A New Birth of Freedom,” a 30-minute movie narrated by Morgan Freeman, and the Cyclorama. Other attractions include The Gettysburg Museum of History, and the Eisenhower National Historic Site. There are many historic buildings and sites throughout Gettysburg. Check out the David Willis House and see where Abraham Lincoln put the final touches on his Gettysburg Address. Visit the Shriver House and the Jennie Wade House to learn about the civilian experience of the Battle of Gettysburg. Go to the Seminary Ridge Museum and experience the first day of the battle. Local genealogical resources include the Adams County Historical Society and the Pennsylvania State Archives. Just a short journey away awaits Independence Hall in Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were debated and ultimately adopted by the Founding Fathers. Together, these historic sites offer a meaningful and memorable way to honor this milestone in our nation’s story.
CONFERENCE HOTEL
The Courtyard by Marriott - Gettysburg (115 Presidential Circle, Gettysburg, PA 17325) offers easy access to Gettysburg historical sites, shops, restaurants, and museums. The conference room rate for Standard Rooms is $182 single/double occupancy. Rooms include 1 King or 2 Queen beds, with a mini-fridge, coffeemaker, and complimentary WIFI. There is a restaurant onsite, and parking is complimentary.
HOTEL RESERVATIONS
A block of rooms has been reserved, at the conference rate, for the nights of Tuesday, October 13th through Sunday, October 18th. To make your reservation, use our AFAOA link, Book your group rate for Austin Family Association of America Annual Conference and choose your dates. The conference rate will also be honored 3 days before and after, space available. If making a reservation that includes these dates outside the block, please call the hotel at (717) 334-5600 to make your reservation, or make the reservation for the conference dates on the website and then call the hotel to extend your stay. Reservations at the conference rate must be made by Sunday, September 13th or before the group block is sold-out, whichever comes first. After this date, reservations will be accepted on a space available basis, so make your reservations early!!
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
The conference registration fee is $150 per person, which includes Friday and Saturday speakers and workshops, the Thursday social hour and the Saturday night dinner. The fee is $75 per person for those who wish to attend only the social hour and dinner.
There are 2 ways to register for the conference:
1) Print the 2026 Conference Registration Form (included in this email below) and send your registration form, with check payable to AFAOA, to the Conference Registrar: Austin Families Association, P.O. Box 92, Blooming Glen, PA 18911-0092.
2) Register online at Conference Registration. If you wish to register and pay your registration fee online, please email your earliest known Austin ancestors, your arrival date, and your interest in early arrival activities to the Conference Chair at [email protected].
Potential Early Arrival Activities:
1. Film/Cyclorama/Museum Experience
2. Gettysburg Battlefield Tour
3. Gettsburg Railway Tour
4. Gettysburg National Military Park Library
5. Historic Gettysburg Walking Tour
6. Adams County Historical Society
7. Pennsylvania State Archives
If you have any questions, please contact the Conference Chair at [email protected].
