Updated Saturday, February 6th, 2010
This month's holidays...
Valentine's Day, Feb. 14th!
President's Day, Feb. 15th!
It's Black History Month!

Historical Town Walking Tours
(Open Year Round!)



Rick Garland
Living Historian, Licensed Tour Guide,
Vocalist, Pianist, Historical Story Teller

Historical Walking Tours
 of

Harpers Ferry, WV & Gettysburg, PA

Note:  Tours are conducted all year round!

In cold or inclement weather, the entire Harpers Ferry Tour has been thoroughly enjoyed by happy "O' Be JoyFull" customers next to the cozy comfort of The "O' Be JoyFull" Center's wood fired stove! 

That's right, a number of visitors to Harpers Ferry who didn't want to miss out on all of the wonderful historical stories, but who did not want to venture out into the cold or inclement weather, thouroughly enjoyed all of the same great Harpers Ferry historical stories and pictures of the walking tour, but from the warm and cozy 19th Century, American Civil War themed parlor of The "O' Be JoyFull" Center, while sipping a good hot cup of southern style coffee (with chicory) or hot chocolate!

Or, for those hearty people who'd like to venture out regardless of the weather, the tour's introduction will begin in the nice warm and cozy "O' Be JoyFull" Center's 19th Century Parlor, followed by a series of short walks outside to see Harpers Ferry's historical sites.  We will then continue to stop back into the centrally located "O' Be JoyFull" Center Parlor every few minutes, as needed to keep warm.  While back in the parlor, stories for the next site to be visited will be told.

For the Gettysburg, PA tour we will keep warm by making stops into one, or more of the several coffee shops located along the tour route, every few minutes, as necessary, to keep warm over a hot cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa, while the unique stories of Gettysburg's Citizens and their experiences during and after the battle continue!

1 & 1/2 Hour Harpers Ferry Tour leaves from:

The "O' Be JoyFull" Center
175 High Street, Harpers Ferry, WV.
(732) 801-0381
RickGMail@comcast.net

Tours are available
Thursday through Sunday
10:00 AM through 2:00 PM*

Check The "O' Be JoyFull"
Special Events Calendar
 and/or call for availability
and reservations!

Call for tours on Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays.

$10.00 per person, 8 to 12 yrs. old $5.00
(Cash and checks gladly accepted.)
 
Please call or for reservations or more information!

(732) 801-0381
or
Email us at:  RickGMail@comcast.net

*Reservations are always very helpful and suggested.

*Other times are available, just give a call!

Call for tours on Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays:

Call for Group Discounts!

"O' Be JoyFull" Tours are puppy & dog friendly!!!
----------------------------------

2 Hour Licensed Gettysburg, PA Tour leaves from:
 
Gettysburg's Parking Garage
1 Block from Town Square
Behind The Gettysburg Best Western Hotel

Monday through Wednesday at 11:00 AM*

$20 per person, 8 to 12 yrs. old $10

(Cash and checks gladly accepted.)

*Reservations required.
*Other days & times are also available.
Just give a call to...

(732) 801-0381
or
Email us at:  RickGMail@comcast.net

Call for Group Discounts!

"O' Be JoyFull" Tours are puppy & dog friendly!!!




Rick is also availabe as a Tour Bus Step-on Guide!
Please call for details and availability.

More Details for...

The Harpers Ferry, WV Tour...

"O' Be JoyFull's"TM Historical Harpers Ferry Town Tour is a walking tour that tells of the unique and multi-layered history and story of Harpers Ferry, WV, from its first settlement and founding, its Thomas Jefferson and George Washington history, its industrial development, including the
          
establishment of America's 2nd National Armory at the insistence of President Washington, as well as the development of "The American Method of Manufacturing," which revolutionized the entire world's manufacturing processes, to Harpers Ferry's involvement in the building of world's very first collapsible boat, and the world's first successful steamboat! 

Also told is the story of John Brown's infamous raid in 1859, which is now officially considered to mark the beginning of America's Civil War, as well as its American Civil War history, including Confederate General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson's capture of the town in September of 1862, which resulted in the largest number of Federal Soldiers captured during the entire Civil War!

Of course, being located at the confluence of two mighty  rivers, the Potomac and the Shenandoah, Harpers Ferry history includes numerous floods, which ultimately ended its commerical viability and resulting in its being restored by the National Park Service after President John F. Kennedy designated Harpers Ferry a National Historic Park.

Your tour beings in The "O' Be JoyFull" Center's American Civil War Theme Parlor, (Circa. 1840), with an introduction to the history of Virginia and its early exploration, leading up to the story of Harpers Ferry's first settlers.

You'll then casually walk along Harpers Ferry's historic streets, while enjoying its unique scenery, architecture and great stories as you view historic sites, and also view historic pictures, helping to complete "The Harpers Ferry Story" for you!
              
      
Rick Garland, who conducts the tour in authentic 19th Century clothing, also includes the true and historic stories of the real, everyday people who both made and witnessed "The Harpers Ferry Story" in a manner that will bring all of its fascinating history to life for you!
                             
"We had no idea how much history there is in Harpers Ferry...I prefer taking tours to reading books and your tour is really great...you really make the history of Harpers Ferry come alive!"...Courtney & Chris, Syracuse, NY.

"Thanks so much for the great tour you did for my group!  Despite the rain and chill, they were fascinated and many people commented on it later.  I wrote a review on TripAdvisor.com to accompany the many other glowing reviews.  I'm so glad we found you!"...Marion, www.AdventuresInGoodCompany.com.

You can check out a lot more "O' Be JoyFull" reviews on the "Customer Comments" page of this website!

The Gettysburg, PA Tour...

"O' Be JoyFull's"TM Historical Gettysburg Town Tour tells you the story of Gettysburg's founding and development, as well as the experience of its residents during America's Civil War, with an emphasis on "The Civilian Experience," during and after "The Battle of Gettysburg," occurring on July 1st, 2nd, & 3rd, 1863.  

Rick Garland will conduct the tour in authentic 19th Century clothing and take you around several blocks of Gettysburg's downtown area, starting from near the town's square.  You'll visit a number of historic sites, while also viewing historic pictures and listening to the fascinating and factual stories of the town's residents, all helping to make Gettysburg's story truly come alive!

The tour will conclude at the Town Square, next to President Abraham Lincoln's incredibly life-like statue, with the telling of the history of the battle's horrific aftermath, as well as the founding of America's very first Soldiers' National Cemetery, and  ending with the history and legacy of President Lincoln's world famous and renowned "Gettysburg Address."

"Recently, my son and I had the pleasure of a tour of downtown Gettysburg, another part of the Gettysburg Battlefield.  On a score of 1 to 10, we both give Rick a 'Plus 10!'  This guy knows his history and is a real gentleman (even though he grew up in New Jersey).  He answers all your questions and gives a very good description of what the local townfolks went throught after the armies moved on.  Did I mention what a wonderful musician he is?  His show is not to be missed!  He is an excellent singer and knows the history behind the songs of the era.  Request two of his originals, "On The Cover Of The Civil War News," and "Wasted Away In Old Gettyburg!"  Both are sure to bring a smile to your face.  Did I mention he can sing?  My son and I will never forget his incredible tour, the music and the good company.  Every tourist, Civil War Buff, and anyone in the area needs to check out Rick!"...Susan and Russell, Tennessee and Colorado, January 2010.

"Thank you, Rick for a great afternoon walking through Gettysburg and learning about the citizens during 'The Late Unpleasantness'... your keen eye and vast knowledge gave us an insight into the lives of the everyday people...we'll never (again) think of the Battle of Gettysburg as being only out there in the fields...it will be a pleasure to recommend your tour... thanks again!"...Bonnie & Herb Abenshon, Rick & Karen Doyle.

See more "O' Be JoyFull" reviews on the "Customer Comments" page!

Bad Weather Alternatives

Whether you are already here in Harpers Ferry, or on your way, or even if you are still at home pondering a visit to "The Ferry,"  you never have to let bad weather stop you from enjoying your time here, or interrupt your plans!

Why?  Because The "O' Be JoyFull" Center is the perfect place to spend some real quality time in Harpers Ferry during any kind of inclement weather!

Just imagine sitting by the warmth of the wood burning stove in the cool weather, or by a "cooling" stone wall in warmer weather, in a really interesting and unique 19th Century Parlor, decorated with artwork and accoutrements of the American Civil War Period, and enjoying either a guided tour like historical presentation of "The Ferry's Story," complete with historical pictures, or historical stories and pictures of Gettysburg, PA, or experiencing a rousing "O' Be JoyFull" Historical Songs & Stories Concert Show, or perhaps just casually hanging out in the parlor discussing the facsinating history of America's 19th Century, or its music, or The American Civil War, or even all the above(!), while sipping on a complimentary hot cup of southern style coffee, hot chocolate, or a cool bottle of spring water! 

That's right, The "O' Be JoyFull" Center can and will historically entertain you during any type of bad or incement weather, while also making your visit to "The Ferry" an especially enjoyable, unique and memorable one!

So don't let bad weather keep you from having a good time while your here in Harpers Ferry, or prevent you from visiting us, instead just head on into The "O' Be JoyFull" Center for a historically good time!  Any time!!!

"O' Be JoyFull" Bio

After playing piano for over 20 years for his own enjoyment, Rick began performing historical songs and telling historical stories on a volunteer basis at The Longstreet Living History Farm, Holmdel, NJ, in 2001.

In 2003, Rick made his first appearance in Gettysburg, PA, first with an Irish, and then with an American Civil War Sing-A-Long Songs & Stories Show, under the name of "O' Be JoyFull," which is a civil war soldier's nickname for moonshine whiskey.

Six years later, and after a life-long interest and study of 19th Century American Cultural History, and more recently the American Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg, PA, Rick had developed numerous historical sing-a-long musical programs, combining historical songs & factual stories of American Cultural History, the American Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg, as well as the Irish and the Scottish peoples.

Rick became a part time Licensed Gettysburg Town Guide in the spring of 2006, upon completion of a highly specialized testing procedure.  Since then, Rick has successfully branched out on his own and developed a full time business as a Licensed Tour Guide, offering historical guided tours of both Gettysburg, PA and Harpers Ferry, WV, where his tour & historical concert company is now located.

Rick has performed at numerous and various venues including schools, museums, churches, civil war re-enactments & events, civil war round tables, county fairs, Irish festivals, special fund raising events, club meetings, assisted living & nursing care facilities, birthday parties, organizational and corporate luncheons, as well as at inns, hotels, bed & breakfasts, restaurants and pubs in many eastern States of the U.S., including Connecticut, Vermont, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia.