Skip to global NPS navigation
Skip to this park navigation
Skip to the main content
Skip to this park information section
Skip to the footer section






National Park Service Search Search
This Site
All NPS
 Open
Menu
Close
Menu
Explore This Park
Explore the National Park Service


Exiting nps.gov
  Cancel


Vicksburg
National Military Park
MS, LA


Info
Alerts
Maps
Calendar


Alerts In Effect Dismiss
 more information on current conditions...
 Dismiss View all alerts


Contact Us
  Living History Programs
 firing of a cannonThrough the Living History Program, you can gain a better understanding of soldier and civilian life during the siege of Vicksburg.

Living History Programming at Vicksburg National Military Park
How To Join?
Wanting to join the ranks of a dedicated living history crew here at Vicksburg National Military Park?
Go to Volunteer.gov to apply: Volunteer Opportunity Detail
Requirements:
All interested volunteers are required to be 18 years old; physically and safely able to conduct the complex operations of historic weapons demonstrations. 
Perks:
Volunteers interested in historic weapons demonstration will be supplied with authentic reproduction Civil War uniforms, instructed in National Park Service safety regulations, and trained to proficiency in 19th century musket and artillery drills.
All volunteers are certified by a National Park Service Historic Weapons Supervisor which will enable them to join in on regular and special programming at Vicksburg National Military Park.
Interested parties will be required to complete a volunteer form to participate. A position description with job hazards to learn more about the safety related issues for volunteering for this position are available upon request.
Living History Program Costs
All programs are **free** to the public. However, standard park entrance fees still apply for visiting the park.
COVID-19
Due to the ongoing pandemic, living history demonstrations may require visitors to sign up. Please dress for the elements as most programs take place outside. Continue to check back frequently as we add new events.
What Kind of Living History Programs Does the Park Have?
The King of Battle: Artillery Drill and Firing Demonstrations
Experience the power and awe of Civil War artillery. Come listen and learn from our trained historic weapons crew as they discuss the training Civil War artillerists went through during the Civil War. Feel the blast of our 12-pound Napoleon cannon! This programming is staffing and weather dependent.
The Soldier's Experience: Army Drill and Musket Demonstrations
The crack of the musket. The smell of the powder. Come spend time talking with our Civil War infantrymen (and women) as we discuss life in the army, training of Civil War soldiers, and live musket firing demonstrations. This programming is staffing and weather dependent.
Waving and Breaking the Codes: Civil War Signal Corps and the Process of Battlefield Communication
Wig-wagging? Flags? Listen and watch as members of the signal corps discuss how this complex system of waving flags enabled both armies at Vicksburg to send long distance communications and break the enemy's codes! This programming is staffing and weather dependent.
Civilian Impressions
Love history, but the military aspects might not be your thing? We have scheduled programs with volunteers dressed as civilians that discuss life in Vicksburg before the war, during the siege, and afterwards. This programming is staffing and weather dependent.
When Do These Programs Happen?
All Living History programming is subject to staffing availability and weather. Visitors can find information for these programs on the park website calendar or here on the park's Facebook page.
Special Event Programs
Vicksburg National Military Park may conduct interpretive, living history, and historic weapons programming on anniversary events pertaining to the campaign and siege of Vicksburg. These dates are pending, check back for more updates.

Living Historians Leaning on a cannonLiving historians wearing Civil War uniforms standing by a cannon. NPSLiving History Schedule (2024)
Stay tuned for more upcoming information about the 2024 Living History Schedule. More details to come soon.
 Last updated: May 3, 2024
  Park footer Contact Info Mailing Address: 3201 Clay Street
Vicksburg,
MS
39183
 Phone: 601 636-0583 Contact Us
 Tools FAQ
Site Index
Español
 Stay Connected


This Site
All NPS 
  National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior
 Accessibility
Privacy Policy
FOIA
Notices
Contact The National Park Service NPS FAQ
No Fear Act
Disclaimer
Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
USA.gov Facebook
Youtube
Twitter
Instagram
Flickr