Living History Programs

 

Through 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 19^th 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.

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 wearing Civil War uniforms standing by a cannon.

NPS

Living History Schedule (2024)

Stay tuned for more upcoming information about the 2024 Living History Schedule and Special Events.

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The Soldier's Experience: Army Drill and Musket Demonstrations

Saturday, May 25, 2024 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

As part of our weekend of remembering those who gave their lives here, join us on Saturday, May 25th from 9:00am to 12:00 pm to learn more about life of Civil War Infantry and watch drill and musket firing demonstrations.

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The Cavalry is Coming! Explore an Immersive Encampment of the 3rd U.S. Colored Cavalry.

Friday, June 7, 2024 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Saturday, June 8, 2024 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Vicksburg National Military Park and the Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park & Campaign will host a unique immersive educational experience by living historians with Buffalo Soldiers Florida Inc., who depict the 3rd U.S. Colored Cavalry (USCC.) Come explore a Civil War period cavalry encampment including horses and learn about the honorable service and sacrifices of African American cavalrymen in their fight for freedom during the Civil War.

Schedule of Programming
Friday June 7 and Saturday June 8
9 AM: Bugle call for reveille, flag raising, and inspection of the troops.
9 AM-4 PM: Visitors are encouraged to wander through the camp, ask questions, and listen to the stories 3rd USCC. There will be a video telling the story of unit playing in one of the tents and a display of period and replica weapons used by the unit.
4 PM: Sharps Carbine Firing demonstration and Retreat will be sounded.

About the 3rd U.S. Colored Cavalry

The 3rd United States Colored Cavalry was originally formed in October 1863 at Vicksburg, Mississippi as the 1st Mississippi Cavalry Regiment (African Descent). In March 1864, they were renamed the 3rd U.S. Colored Cavalry. The unit initially was based in Vicksburg, participating in numerous operations throughout Mississippi and Louisiana including Yazoo City Expedition during 1864. Next, the regiment served near Memphis, Tennessee, including participation in the Battle of Egypt Station, until April 1865, when they returned to Vicksburg for occupation duties. The regiment was mustered out of federal service in January 1866. For more details on the regiment: Battle Unit Details - The Civil War (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

For more information on Buffalo Soldiers Florida and their programming: Buffalo Soldiers Florida | Col. Charles Young Chapter

Co-Sponsored and funded by the Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park & Campaign

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