About Al Scheller

Al Scheller, a native of New Jersey, was born in 1912. Early on, he developed a deep love for, and fascination with, American history, and throughout his life traveled to the sites where history was made. After a full career with the New York City Fire Department, he retired in the 1960's and began serving as a seasonal interpreter with the National Park Service at Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico.

In 1971, he began seasonal duty at Vicksburg National Military Park, where he worked until 1988. During this time he became a leading expert on the Vicksburg campaign and promoted the park to people of all ages. He especially enjoyed working with young people, and Boy Scouts in particular. In 1979, at age 67, he endeavored to provide Scouts with a unique experience and better understanding of the siege of Vicksburg, blazing the trail which now bears his name. Since then, thousands of Scouts have hiked the hills and hollows around Vicksburg on the Al Scheller Scout Trail.

May those of you who follow in his footsteps develop the same zest for life, and the passion for history as Al Scheller, a man who embodies the virtues of scouting.