Living History Programs

Wanting to join the ranks of a dedicated living history crew here at Vicksburg National Military Park?

e-mail us with your interest!

Requirements:

All interested volunteers are required to be 18 years old; physically and safely able to conduct the complex operations of historic weapons demonstrations. 

Perks:

Volunteers interested in historic weapons demonstration will be supplied with authentic reproduction Civil War uniforms, instructed in National Park Service safety regulations, and trained to proficiency in 19^th century musket and artillery drills.

All volunteers are certified by a National Park Service Historic Weapons Supervisor which will enable them to join in on regular and special programming at Vicksburg National Military Park.

Interested parties will be required to complete a volunteer form to participate. A position description with job hazards to learn more about the safety related issues for volunteering for this position are available upon request.

All programs are free to the public. However, standard park entrance fees still apply for visiting the park.

The King of Battle: Artillery Drill and Firing Demonstrations

Experience the power and awe of Civil War artillery. Come listen and learn from our trained historic weapons crew as they discuss the training Civil War artillerists went through during the Civil War. Feel the blast of our 12-pound Napoleon cannon! This programming is staffing and weather dependent.

The Soldier's Experience: Army Drill and Musket Demonstrations

The crack of the musket. The smell of the powder. Come spend time talking with our Civil War infantrymen (and women) as we discuss life in the army, training of Civil War soldiers, and live musket firing demonstrations. This programming is staffing and weather dependent.

Waving and Breaking the Codes: Civil War Signal Corps and the Process of Battlefield Communication

Wig-wagging? Flags? Listen and watch as members of the signal corps discuss how this complex system of waving flags enabled both armies at Vicksburg to send long distance communications and break the enemy's codes! This programming is staffing and weather dependent.

Civilian Impressions

Love history, but the military aspects might not be your thing? We have scheduled programs with volunteers dressed as civilians that discuss life in Vicksburg before the war, during the siege, and afterwards. This programming is staffing and weather dependent.

All Living History programming is subject to staffing availability and weather. Visitors can find information for these programs on the park website calendar or here on the park's Facebook page.

 

Vicksburg National Military Park may conduct interpretive, living history, and historic weapons programming on anniversary events pertaining to the campaign and siege of Vicksburg. These dates are pending, check back for more updates.