The National Park Service (NPS), the Vicksburg Licensed Battlefield Guide Association and the Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park and Campaign are partnering to train individuals interested in becoming licensed battlefield guides.

Licensed battlefield guides are not federal or park employees; however, are licensed through the park under special congressional legislation to provide guided tours in the park.

Fees received by the guides for these tours are set by the park and vary depending on the size of the tour group and the duration of the tour.

To become a licensed battle- field guide, applicants must pass a thorough written examination on the Civil War, the Campaign
and Siege of Vicksburg, the Occupation of Vicksburg and Reconstruction. Those who pass the written exam must also pass a practical exam, where they lead a park ranger/guide out on an actual park tour.

Upon completion of the written exam, additional training and mentoring will be provided on how to develop and conduct tours to prepare for the practical exam.

A series of seminars will be held over the next several months, starting Tuesday, March 5, to help prepare candidates. Tuesday seminars will be open to the public and free of charge.

The two Saturday programs/tours will be reserved for potential candidates. Potential candidates are not required to attend the seminar; however, the sessions are intended to help them study

Additional study materials including a training manual and a reading list will be provided. Candidates would then need to schedule the exams with park staff. for the exams.

Dates: Tuesdays March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9, 16 and Saturday, April 20 and 27. Times: Tuesdays 6:30 to 9 p.m. Saturdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:40 p.m.

Location: 2414 Grove Street, Vicksburg.

For more information contact: Brendan Wilson at brendanwilson@nps.gov or 601-642-688, Vicksburg National Military Park or Rick Martin at rpmcol@yahoo.com, Vicksburg Battlefield Guide Association.

For more information on the Licensed Battlefield Guide program visit https://www.nps.gov/vick/planyourvisit/guidedtours.htm