Open call for Vicksburg battlefield tour guides

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — The Licensed Battlefield Guides of Vicksburg (LBGV) are holding an open call for new candidates interested in guiding visitors through the city’s rich history.

Free training sessions will begin June 3 and continue through June 26, taking place Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m. at the former Anshe Chesed Temple, 2414 Grove St. The training is held in partnership with the Friends of Vicksburg Campaign and Siege Organization and is open to serious guide candidates only.

Led by veteran guides, the sessions will cover a wide range of historical information and best practices for leading tours. Morgan Gates—educator, Pemberton reenactor, and the guide training coordinator—will serve as moderator.

At the end of the course, candidates will have received enough information to be able to pass a June 29 written exam composed of multiple choice, matching, short-answer, and essay questions.

Participants will then be recommended for licensure by the Vicksburg National Military Park once they have given a satisfactory tour to an experienced guide.

Licensed battlefield guides are paid directly by visitors, with rates beginning at $30 per hour depending on the tour length and group size.

To register online, visit https://formsmarts.com/form/2ete. For more information, contact Morgan Gates at principaltours@yahoo.com.