Living History - Historic Weapons

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Fort Laramie volunteer living historians help visitors travel back to the 19th century American West. Volunteers taking part in the historic weapons program will help staff safely fire 19th century weapons and show how they were important in the lives of soldiers and civilians. They also commit to taking party in small arms and artillery demonstrations on a regular basis.

Programs are typically offered daily throughout the summer season (Memorial Day through Labor Day). National Park Service staff will assist with training and program development. Knowledge of 19 th century life and armaments is a bonus but not required.

There are opportunities for those willing to help demonstrate tools and weapons of the fur trade and emigrant period. Historic weapons volunteers will typically also demonstrate military weapons used by enlisted men of the 2 nd Cavalry, 9 th Infantry or other unit manning or visiting the post in the 1870s.

Living history organizations are welcome to take part as a group in the Fort Laramie volunteer program. The park can provide historically accurate clothing, uniforms, and equipment to individuals and small groups. Only weapons inspected and provided by National Park Service may be fired as part of an official program.

Benefits to the Volunteer

Become a better living historian!

• Gain experience in a national park setting.
• Improve your public speaking skills.
• Discover and share local and national stories that still matter.
• Practice with historic muzzle-loading and breech-loading weapons in an authentic historic environment.

Start Date - 2022-04-19

End Date - 2022-09-30

Activities include: Tour Guide/Interpretation;Visitor Information

Difficulty_Level: Average

Hosts Housing Amenities: No Housing/Amenities Available