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Volume 26, Issue 1
Gettysburg Foundation
Editor’s Note: Originally, we wanted to run a lengthy feature on Barbara not only to celebrate her 80th birthday but also express our
gratitude as an organization for all that she’s contributed—time, talent and treasure—over the past two decades. In typical Barbara
fashion, she replied that she wouldn’t agree to “anything more than the general membership received.” So we scheduled a ‘Spotlight
on Members’ type interview for her. This statement of hers is such a testament to Barbara’s character. While her contributions
warrant it, she will never willingly accept any sort of special recognition, treatment or fanfare. She contributes for the sole reward of
bettering the organization and making the Friends of Gettysburg the strongest Friends group in the country.
During the Friends 25
th
Anniversary celebration, we interviewed Friends members and asked “In one word, describe the Friends of
Gettysburg.” Several of you answered with two: Barbara Finfrock. She has also been referred to as “Mother Friends.” Both fitting
tributes.
We had the privilege of interviewing Barbara in her home for this article and, much as you would expect, her devotion to this
organization is prevalent throughout the house. Strewn among family photos are highlights of her time with the Friends of
Gettysburg. A picture of the Cyclorama demolition hangs next to photos with friends. A piece of power line from Emmitsburg road
sits on her bookshelf. Her Park Watch hat rests on her coat rack alongside her beloved NPS Ranger hat and NPS Ambassador vest. A
large nut and bolt from the demolition of the National Tower are displayed on her mantle along with a brick from the David Wills
House. The dedication and enthusiasm she has for the Friends is not just part of her responsibility as Vice Chair of the Board, it is a
part of her heart.
Barbara came to Gettysburg to retire from a lengthy career as a teacher and government employee. She explained to her former
colleagues at the Library of Congress that she enjoyed doing NOTHING on the weekends here in peaceful Gettysburg—oh, how times
have changed!
Read on to see how her weekends (and weekdays!) were quickly filled with Friends’ business, explore a list of her favorite things,
relive her proudest Friends moments, and discover how she became the remarkable woman she is today.
Hard at work during the Volunteer
Workday Event in 2000
Impressed with the progress of the new
museum and visitor center in 2008
Enjoying one of her favorite
things,climbing fences in 1996
Poses with the plans for the Finfrock
Center and Barbara’s Library in 2004
Barbara and former Foundation
President Bob Wilburn sign the
merger documents in 2006
With fellow volunteers on the closing
Day of the Rupp House’s 2008 Season