CALL TO ARMS: National Military Park seeks Living History volunteers
Published 10:21 am Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Vicksburg National Military Park is looking for individuals willing to go back in time.
VNMP is recruiting volunteers at least 15 years old for the park’s Living History Program. Participants will take part in historic weapons demonstrations in June and July when demonstrations are given five days a week, Friday through Tuesday.
“If we’re going to have anyone using black powder then they have to be of a certain age,” park ranger Will Wilson said. “It’s a National Park mandate.”
Participants in the Living History Program learn to fire a replica Civil War era cannon and rifles while also learning the history surrounding the Campaign and Siege of Vicksburg. Participants also learn period military drill and how soldiers and civilians lived.
New volunteers must be at least 15 years old and have to be 16 to take part in historic weapons demonstrations.
“There are many projects for younger volunteers to be involved in as well,” ranger Jake Koch said in an email. “The park provides uniforms, equipment, and safety training.”
In recent years the Living History program has grown.
“In the past we’ve seen the program get anywhere from 30 to 40 and throughout the summer those numbers will change, but we tend to have a steady group of around 20 who come out to participate in the program,” Wilson said.
A meeting for parents will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday in the VNMP maintenance area. The meeting will last for approximately 30 minutes and there will be time for questions.
“Training week will be from June 1 through June 5 and then we look to be going live, doing programs for visitors on Saturday, June 6,” Wilson said. “Then the program will be going through the summer until August 1.”
For more information on this check the park website at www.nps.gov/vick or by calling 601-636-0583.