A.J. Sisco

American troops take the field at the Battle of New Orleans anniversary event.

Remember the Battle of New Orleans at Chalmette Battlefield, the very place where it happened. Meet the American and British troops who fought one of the most significant battles in world history and the civilians who kept the home fires burning in New Orleans.

Over 100 living history experts in period dress will bring the sights and sounds of January 8, 1815, to life in 2012 on

Friday, January 6 (see parking information below)

• 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Living history encampment, cannon and musket firings, military drills, and period crafts. Click here for Friday's schedule of firings and other programs. Free.
• 7:00 p.m. Reenactment of the December 23, 1814, night battle at historic de La Ronde Oaks, just down the highway from the battlefield. Hosted by St. Bernard Parish Government and presented by the Louisiana Living History Foundation. Free.

Saturday, January 7 (see parking information below)

• 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Living history encampment, cannon and musket firings, military drills, and period crafts. Click here for Saturday's schedule of firings and other programs. Free.
• Sorry----Saturday night Lantern Tour is sold out.

Sunday, January 8 (park at the battlefield)

• 9:30 a.m. Wreath-laying ceremony honors the men who fought at the Battle of New Orleans. Free.

Especially for kids: Battle of New Orleans Quest - The whole family can work together to explore the battlefield and solve the puzzle in the Quest. Visit the troops, learn some 1815 military terms, and discover the history of Chalmette Monument. When your Quest is done, you'll know the secret password. Take the password to the St. Bernard Parish Visitor Information Center at the public parking area offsite and you'll get a special prize! You can download the Quest here or get a copy at the battlefield.

Parking - Only vehicles with handicapped tags may park at the battlefield on Friday and Saturday. Free offsite parking for all Friday and Saturday battlefield events and for the reenactment at de La Ronde Oaks will be available with free shuttles running continually to event sites. Offsite parking will be at or near the St. Bernard Parish Visitor Information Center at 409 Aycock St. in Arabi, just upriver from the battlefield. Click here for a map to parking areas.

Field trips - Click here for information about bringing your group to the anniversary event. Education materials (important concepts, pre- and post-visit activities, and a field trip worksheet) are available here.

Map - Click here for a map of the battlefield.

Volunteering at the Battle of New Orleans - Volunteers are needed for four-hour (or longer) shifts Wednesday, January 4, through Saturday, January 7. Volunteer jobs include setting up and taking down tents, helping to distribute supplies to reenactors, directing traffic, and assisting National Park Service staff. For more information or to sign up, call 504-589-3882 ext 228 or email the park.