Schmucker 200th Anniversary

Celebrating the 200th Birthday Aniversary of Samuel Simon Schmucker, its founder.

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In 1832, when the Pennsylvania College of Gettysburg, the forerunner of Gettysburg College was chartered and founded, Samuel Simon Schmucker, realized one of his many educational goals -- the founding of a college under Lutheran auspices. With careful dedication and determination to his committment for better liberal education, he was able to shape and guide the College through its formative years, leading it to its current status as one of the leading liberal arts colleges in the United States today.

That his family played no small part in helping him accomplish his goals, as is evidenced by the many letters between Schmucker, his wife, children and other family members, is not suprising, as it is hard to imagine many people accomplishing so much without the support and encouragement of family and friends.

It is in this spirit that Gettysburg College celebrates its founder by recognizing the family of the man who initiated 167 years of academic excellence.