NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – Remarkable clothing being worn in the French Quarter is no surprise, but a group dressed in period clothing from the early 19th century had tourists asking, “Is that a walking tour? Or is it a history show?”
Both guesses are incorrect. In fact, it was a group of students and park rangers celebrating the accomplishments of the youth living history program called “Recognizing Our Roots.” It’s run by the National Park Service and there are only a handful of such programs across the country.
High school students from New Orleans and Chalmette learn about the War of 1812 and The Battle of New Orleans. The program has expanded greatly since it was created at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve in 2001.
The group seen walking through the French Quarter Tuesday night was on its way to The Napolean House — a building that was part of the city’s historic landscape during the time the characters they were portraying would have been alive — so it was a fitting choice for a dinner celebrating the groups accomplishments.
Eight high school graduates from New Orleans and Chalmette are continuing on as living history volunteers with the National Park Service, and at least one says she plans to go to college and study to become a park ranger.
Find out more about how to get involved with the Recognizing Our Roots program by clicking here.