Become a Licensed Battlefield Guide

Do have a passion for Civil War History and want to share that passion with others? Becoming a Licensed Battlefield Guide helps the National Park Service meet the interest for battlefield tours.

Vicksburg National Military Park is one of only two units of the National Park System who are authorized by federal law to administer a guiding service. Licensed Battlefield Guides do not work for the National Park Service, but are hired individually by visitors and tour groups.

Licensed Battlefield Guides are an important part of Vicksburg National Military Park. Each year, licensed guides contact over 12,000 visitors through guided tours. Licensed Guides help the military park reach new audiences, enrich the visitors' experiences and contribute to increased understanding and appreciation for the Civil War in Mississippi.

Licensed Guides are required to meet minimum requirements to maintain a license. Guides can make themselves unavailable for tours at any time, but must meet their minimum tour requirements. Guides can expect to give tours to individual families, tour groups, military groups, boy/girl scouts, and school groups.

Guides are authorized to collect fees for their services.

 

Training and Credentialing Process

Licensed Battlefield Guide candidates are required to complete both a written exam and a practical exam.

In-depth knowledge of Vicksburg and the Civil War is required. Extensive preparation is required, no matter one's interest or existing knowledge of the siege of Vicksburg.

Periodically, training seminars are hosted to assist candidates prepare for the credentialing process. View past seminars on the park's YouTube page.

For more information on the licensing process.