Over the last two years I have received periodic requests for private tours of our area’s historical sites. I have had the pleasure of escorting members of Spotsylvania Presbyterian Church, Georgia-based film director Clint Ross and his wife, as well as the Warren Family from Salem, Va (*young Richard Warren and I pictured above at the Kirkland Monument). Following each tour I have received some wonderful compliments and feedback from my guests. I always spend time prepping in advance so I can offer something original and personal, based upon the visitor’s interests. Whether walking along the sunken road on the Fredericksburg field, or around the lawn of the “Stonewall” Jackson Shrine, I love sharing the stories behind these hallowed grounds. The Naked Historian allows me to present some sites via the 'net, but nothing beats visiting a location in person.

Now I am by no means a military historian, so I can’t (and don’t) speak about tactics. My tours are not staff rides. They offer more human-interest stories, about individual people or events that visitor’s can relate to. For example, I won’t outline the Army of Northern Virginia’s effective use of artillery placements on Marye's Heights (I am not qualified), but I will tell you about one of those rebel artillerists and quote his own accounts. I’ll also be the first to say that no one would ever top our local NPS professionals as we have one of the best staffs in the country, (I mean what could I ever say that would top John Hennessy, Russ Smith, Eric Mink, Greg Mertz, Don Pfanz and the rest of those guys/gals?) As a result, I always encourage my visitor’s to go to the museums and take the official tours. This gives them the National Park Service's overview and then I accentuate their experience. I have covered the Fredericksburg Battlefield, National Cemetery, Old Town's historic churches, "Stonewall" Jackson Shrine and trips to the F'burg Visitor's Center and Civil War Life Museum.

Our friend Eric Wittenberg is renowned for his battlefield tours and I now understand why he enjoys giving them. The more tours I do, the more I like doing them. My entire retirement plan is to become a volunteer guide at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello someday and I hope I’ll get the opportunity beforehand to lead tours at the “Stonewall” Jackson Shrine, which is just a 5 min. drive from my house. That of course will be several years into the future when our nest is finally empty. For now, I'll be offering my services independently to the public. If you are interested in having a special tour of the Fredericksburg/Spotsylvania area, I am taking appointments for both Christian and secular based tours. Fees are dependant on the tour length, locations, and attendees.

Please email for a quote.

Endorsements:

"It has been said that a poet is someone who can put into words what another feels but can't quite express. Michael is a poet of history, and his appreciation of it is contagious. He captured for us a glimpse of the past and gave us the cherished gift of never forgetting." - Clint & Lizzie Ross

"On our second trip to Fredericksburg, Michael gave us a tour that engaged the children and left all of us with an entirely different perspective than we received on our first trip. He was quite knowledgeble and witty. I would love to take him along on all of our Civil War adventures. It was quite a day!" - Kathleen Warren