The Vicksburg National Military Park is gearing up for a busy weekend with one two events scheduled for Saturday and one continuing on into Sunday.

Black History Month celebrations will be held throughout the month of February, beginning Saturday at 10 a.m. at Jackson St. Missionary Church.

“Conversation with a Ranger: Celebrating Black History” will provide an opportunity to discover the achievements and struggles of black Americans.

“It is a time to recognize the central role of African Americans in all of our history,” said Kimble Talley, acting chief of interpretation and education. “While some celebrations feature parades, performances, and lectures, we would like to welcome the whole Vicksburg community in to discuss our nation’s past and its future. There is nothing more engaging than a good conversation about who we are.”

Beginning Saturday and picking up again Sunday, park staff and volunteers will present a living history program about the Western Freedmen’s Aid Commission and the military occupation of Vicksburg.

The program will take place inside and around the Shirley House, Tour Stop 2 along the park tour road. Programs will last from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

“The Western Freedmen’s Aid Commission was founded in Cincinnati, Ohio in January of 1863,” according to Jake Koch, a park ranger. “The organization had a presence in the occupied areas of every state between the Appalachian Mountains and the Mississippi River. One of their largest contingents was in Vicksburg and the surrounding area. They supplied eight teachers here, along with school supplies, tools and seeds, shoes and clothing. The Federal occupation force protected them from Confederate guerillas who often raided outlying camps.”

For further information on this or other Special Programs check the park website at www.nps.gov/vick or by calling 601-636-0583.

Park Superintendent Bill Justice said this a really great year to come visit a national treasures.

“It’s also a great year for you to find your park,” he said. “With over 400 National Park Sites to choose from there is something for everyone. Vicksburg National Military Park has something for everyone.”

Get out and get active walking, running, or biking the tour road. Visit the park web site, www.nps.gov/vick before you visit to find out what else is going on at the park and plan your visit.