Vicksburg National Military Park 2013 Youth Leadership Academy By Sam Andrews

Youth Leadership Academy 2013 included a week of leadership skill development, service to the city of Vicksburg, Civil War education and career exploration within the National Park Service. Day 1 We learned about the National Park Service as a whole, toured the Cairo Gunboat and museum and the battlefield with Brigadier General (Ret) Parker Hills, learning about the Campaign for Vicksburg and the Vicksburg National Military Park.

Day 2 We heard from Kristen Wollenzien an interpretive ranger, who explained different methods of interpretation. She focused on how interpretation is used at Vicksburg today to tell all sides of the story. These methods:

Day 3 We visited the Tensas National Wildlife Refuge and learned about several career fields of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. We were able to assist in capturing, releasing and tagging of birds. This project is under the direction of Biologist, John Dickson who works full-time at the refuge.

Day 4 We learned much about Cemeteries from Corps of Engineers Archeologist Chris Koeppel and how to care for historic lands that are gradually being destroyed as a result of population growth. We traveled to Greenville to learn how archeologists conduct digs in ancient Indian mounds. We climbed atop several mounds including Winterville Mound to see how archeologists study Mississippi’s rich history.

Day 5 We learned extensively about the natural resources that exist within the park including exotic animal species, unique wildlife habitats, endangered plant and animal species and much more from Virginia DuBowy, VNMP Natural Resources Manager. Part of our day also included learning about the new Heritage Garden, located in front of the former superintendent's home, made possible by a Partnership between the Master Gardening Program of Vicksburg and VNMP. We also learned about the many measures being taken to protect these unique resources inside the park from Supervisory Law Enforcement Ranger Patricia Montague of VNMP. We were introduced to battlefield protection techniques and investigative skills needed to protect a National Historical park.

Day 6 We worked closely with VNMP monumentation crew Bendel White and Michael Bercume to restore several monuments outside of the park and learned how the elements can affect markers. We later traveled to Brookhaven and viewed Dr. Kim Sessums art studio and learned how bronze casts are made and monuments constructed.

Day 7 We went on a Behind-The-Scenes Tour of artifact storage facilities and learned how artifacts are preserved and cared for from Elizabeth Joyner, VNMP Curator.