The People’s Town Hall Committee of Gettysburg, guided by its mission of “promoting democracy through direct civic engagement with legislators and candidates in open public forums,” has emerged over the past year as a growing force in local civic life.
Formed in response to what members saw as a lack of accessible public forums, the group began with a simple but pointed idea: if elected officials won’t hold town halls, the community will.
“We were concerned and irritated that John Joyce wasn’t holding any town halls,” said committee chair Pat Shoap. “So that was kind of the impetus to try to get something going.”
That first effort, an “empty chair” town hall held in May 2025, drew roughly 250 attendees. While some invited officials did not attend, others stepped in, and the event opened the floor to questions from the public. The strong turnout signaled a demand for more opportunities to connect voters with candidates and policymakers.
Since then, the committee has continued to refine its approach, aiming to create forums that allow for deeper audience participation and more direct dialogue.
The group remains intentionally informal, with no official board or bylaws, but rather a coalition of engaged residents. Founding member Bettye Baker, described by Shoap as an “88-year-old human dynamo,” helped spark the effort and continues to play an active role.
Today, the committee includes Shoap as chair along with members Nell Matthews, Lois Starkey, Scott Bucher, Warren and Evelyn Steen, Dick Shoap, Diane and Wynter Frenette, Beth Farnham, Lorraine Phillips, and Jane Hyde.
While many members are Democrats, Shoap emphasized that the group’s goal is broader civic participation.
“We do want to ask for bipartisan participation in these town halls,” she said. “We live in a red area. We need to recognize that we need to appeal to everyone that we can.”
Looking ahead, the committee is planning a series of events tied to the 2026 election cycle. Organizers hope to host a town hall in June focused on state-level races, including the 91st and 193rd districts, followed by a larger event in the fall centered on federal congressional contests.
The group is also working to bring in high-profile speakers to help draw broader audiences and increase engagement.
In addition to forums, the committee recently hosted its first fundraiser, “Dance for Democracy,” at the Adams County Historical Society. About 70 people attended the event, which Shoap described as both energizing and restorative.
“It was a joy-filled evening, with plenty of dancing and good conversations,” she said in a follow-up message. “Certainly a welcome break from the heavy news that surrounds us on a daily basis.”
Funds raised from the event will help support upcoming town halls, which organizers hope will draw hundreds of attendees and provide meaningful opportunities for voters to ask questions and hear directly from candidates.
The committee is also working in coordination with other local civic groups, including the Adams County Democratic Committee, Gettysburg Rising, and Blue Storm Action, to avoid duplication and strengthen overall community engagement efforts.
For Shoap, the momentum reflects something larger happening in Adams County.
“It’s kind of like we have this tiny little Democratic population, but so many people are doing so much,” she said. “The more we can collaborate, the better.”
Contact Pat Shoap at pshoap@shoaplaw.com for more information.