(Last edited June 30th, 2009)

Historical Town Walking Tours




Rick Garland
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 weather, the Harpers Ferry, WV 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 continue to stop back into the centrally located "O' Be JoyFull" Center Parlor every few minutes, as requested by you, and as needed to keep warm.  While back in the parlor, stories for the next site to be visited will be told.  In this manner everyone will stay comfortable and warm while not missing out on Harpers Ferry's historical sites and stories!

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, and as requested by you 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 & 1/4 Hour Harpers Ferry Tour leaves from:

The "O' Be JoyFull" Center
175 High Street, Harpers Ferry, WV.

Tours are available
Thursday through Sunday 10:00 AM through 2:00 PM*
$10.00 per person, 8 to 12 yrs. old $5.00

Call for tours on Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays.

*Reservations are always helpful and welcome.
*Other times are available, just give a call!

(732) 801-0381

Call for tours on Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays:

Call for Group Discounts!
----------------------------------

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

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

(732) 801-0381

Call for Group Discounts!



More Details

for...

The Harpers Ferry, WV Tour...

"O' Be JoyFull's"TM Historical Harpers Ferry Town Tour tells of the unique and multi-dimensional story and history of Harpers Ferry, WV, from its founding, its industrial development, including the world's first successful steamboat and the establishment of America's 2nd National Armory, it's numerous floods, the story of John Brown's infamous raid in 1859, which many people and historians believe is the real beginning of America's Civil War, to "The Ferry's" American Civil War history, it's history of post war freed slave education and the beginning of the Civil Rights movement in America, all while you walk around visiting historic sites, and viewing historic pictures! 

Rick Garland, who will conduct your tour in authentic 19th Century clothing, will also include the true and historic stories of the real, everyday people who both made and witnessed "The Ferry's Story" in a way that will bring all of its fascinating history to life for you!

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."

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.