Category Archives: Fort Scott National Historic Site

Prairie Fire at FSNHS on April 28

Prairie Prescribed Fire Planned at Fort Scott National Historic Site
Fort Scott Kan. – Park managers at Fort Scott National Historic Site, in coordination with Fire Managers with the US Fish and Wildlife Service from Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge, plan to burn the five-acre restored prairie just after 4 pm. Sunday, April 28, 2019.  The ignition will depend upon weather conditions and the burn may be postponed or canceled if conditions are unfavorable.

“We were very excited to be able to implement this project as an in-season prescribed fire (Rx) with the assistance of our interagency neighbors. Our ability to treat the tallgrass prairie at a time of year when fires naturally occur enhances the resilience of the ecosystem and protection of visitors, the infrastructure of Fort Scott National Historic Site, and the city of Fort Scott,” said Betty Boyko, Superintendent, Fort Scott National Historic Site.

Like all prescribed fires, the plans for the tallgrass prairie Rx contain a set of parameters which define (among other things) the expected weather and fuel conditions under which the fire can be initiated. Prior to implementing the burn, fire managers will evaluate current conditions and will only ignite the fire if all of the prescribed conditions are within those parameters.

During typical prescribed fire activity, daytime smoke disperses to the northeast, up and over the highway.  Coordination with the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas State Highway Patrol, and Kansas Department of Transportation is already underway for this prescribed fire.  Smoke impacts or traffic delays on Highway 69 should not occur during the burn.

Come To The Fort For Living History April 27-28

A sewing circle. NPS photo.
History re-enactors and volunteers will be portraying life during the Civil War era at Fort Scott National Historic Site this weekend, April 27-28
The Holmes Brigade, 8th Missouri State Militia Cavalry, Western Bluecoats Field Hospital, Friends of Fort Scott NHS, Inc., and Fort Scott National Historic Site volunteers  will be demonstrating cooking, sewing, period games, and other activities about life at the fort during this time period.

The artillery. NPS photo.
The times for the events:

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

  • 9:00 a.m.             Raising the Colors
  • 10:00 a.m.           Infantry Drill and Weapons Demonstration
  • 10:30 a.m.           Lunette Blair Block House Program
  • 10:45 a.m.           Cooking Demonstrations:  (All day)
  • 11:00 a.m.           Cavalry Drill
  • 11:30 a.m.           An Arm and a Leg: The Cost of Surgery
  • 12:00 noon          Artillery Drill and Weapons Demonstration
  • 1:00 p.m.             Ordered  To Be Shot: Civil War Courts Martial
  • 2:00 p.m.             Infantry Drill and Weapons Demonstration
  • 2:30 p.m.             An Arm and a Leg: The Cost of Surgery
  • 3:00 p.m.             Artillery Drill and Weapons Demonstration
  • 4:00 p.m.             Flag Retreat

SUNDAY, APRIL 28

  • 9:00 a.m.              Raising the Colors
  • 10:00 a.m.           Church Service
  • 11:00 a.m.           Cooking Demonstration
  • 11:30 a.m.           Infantry Dress Parade and Inspection
  • 12:00 noon          Artillery Drill and Weapons Demonstration
  • 1:00 p.m.             Cavalry Drill
  • 1:30 p.m.             An Arm and a Leg: The Cost of Surgery
  • 2:00 p.m.             Infantry Drill and Weapons Demonstration
  • 2:30 p.m.             Conceived in Liberty:  An Interpretive Dialog
  • 3:00 p.m.             Artillery Drill and Weapons Demonstration

The address of the fort is 1 Old Fort Blvd, Fort Scott,  at the north end of Main Street.

The infantry. NPS photo.
Submitted by:
Carl Brenner
Chief of Interpretation and Resource Management
Fort Scott National Historic Site (www.nps.gov/fosc)
Cell – 785-521-5371
Office – 620-223-0310

Civil War Encampment April 27-28 at FSNHS

Smell, hear and see the Civil War at Fort Scott National Historic Site

Without having to enlist

FORT SCOTT, Kan. – Fort Scott National Historic Site is hosting the Annual Civil War Encampment, 8 a.m. through 5 p.m., April 27 and 28.  Experience artillery, cavalry and infantry troops preparing for battle. Cooking demonstrations will be in the mess hall and the post sutler will be hawking his wares in the sutler store. A Civil War doctor will be promoting period medical practices and reenactors will be discussing surgery of the era, sometimes at the cost of “an arm and a leg.”

“This is our 37th annual encampment,” Superintendent Betty Boyko said. “You feel history come to life through the generous support provided by volunteer members of the Holmes Brigade, 8th Missouri State Militia Cavalry, Western Bluecoats Field Hospital, Friends of Fort Scott NHS, Inc., and a host of Fort Scott National Historic Site volunteers.”

Park volunteers and staff will be leading a variety of programs. Saturday: discussions around the importance of the Lunette Blair Block House (adjacent to the park) and stories of Civil War courts martial at Fort Scott. Sunday: period church services and explore the meanings of states’ rights vs federal authority in “Conceived in Liberty.”

Encampment Schedule:

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

  • 9:00 a.m.             Raising the Colors
  • 10:00 a.m.           Infantry Drill and Weapons Demonstration
  • 10:30 a.m.           Lunette Blair Block House Program
  • 10:45 a.m.           Cooking Demonstrations:  (All day)
  • 11:00 a.m.           Cavalry Drill
  • 11:30 a.m.           An Arm and a Leg: The Cost of Surgery
  • 12:00 noon          Artillery Drill and Weapons Demonstration
  • 1:00 p.m.             Ordered  To Be Shot: Civil War Courts Martial
  • 2:00 p.m.             Infantry Drill and Weapons Demonstration
  • 2:30 p.m.             An Arm and a Leg: The Cost of Surgery
  • 3:00 p.m.             Artillery Drill and Weapons Demonstration
  • 4:00 p.m.             Flag Retreat

SUNDAY, APRIL 28

  • 9:00 a.m.              Raising the Colors
  • 10:00 a.m.           Church Service
  • 11:00 a.m.           Cooking Demonstration
  • 11:30 a.m.           Infantry Dress Parade and Inspection
  • 12:00 noon          Artillery Drill and Weapons Demonstration
  • 1:00 p.m.             Cavalry Drill
  • 1:30 p.m.             An Arm and a Leg: The Cost of Surgery
  • 2:00 p.m.             Infantry Drill and Weapons Demonstration
  • 2:30 p.m.             Conceived in Liberty:  An Interpretive Dialog
  • 3:00 p.m.             Artillery Drill and Weapons Demonstration

-NPS-

April 1 Starts Longer Operation Hours at Fort Scott National Historic Site

Spring Hours of Operation for Fort Scott National Historic Site

 

Fort Scott KS – As the days grow longer, so do the hours of operation at Fort Scott National Historic Site. Beginning Monday, April 1, the park visitor center, Park store, and historic structures will be open daily from 8:00 am–5:00 pm. The park grounds, walkways, and parking lot are open from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset daily.

Park Rangers are on hand and happy to help you learn more about the area and plan your visit. For more information about Fort Scott National Historic Site programs, upcoming events such as the annual spring Civil War Encampment (April 27 & 28), Symbols of Sacrifice (May 24 through 27), Candlelight Tour (December 6 & 7), or other activities, please call the park at 620-223-0310, or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

Fort Scott National Historic Site is a fee-free park that offers a glimpse into the growth of our nation through a short film, interactive audio-visual programs, displays, the museum, and historic objects. A walk through the fort reveals the significant role it played in the opening of the West, as well as, the Civil War and the strife in the State of Kansas that preceded it.

Ranger Positions At FSNHS

Seasonal Park Ranger Position Available at Fort Scott National Historic Site

 

Fort Scott KS – Fort Scott National Historic Site is recruiting for a GS-05 Park Ranger temporary position Wednesday, February 13th, through Thursday, February 21st, for the summer of 2019. Application information can be found at www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/524354100. Additional park positions will be announced later this spring.

The Park Ranger serves as a front-line representative conducting independent research and developing original, thematic interpretive programs, and presenting interpretive, educational, and living history demonstrations/programs about the area’s cultural and natural resources to audiences ranging in size from 1-200, using a variety of props and techniques. The incumbent operates the park visitor center and ensures visitor safety. They are also responsible for opening and closing the site and basic resource protection tasks including exotic plant control and routine cleaning of museum objects and exhibit spaces. Other duties include making and maintaining interpretive products (such as signs and labels) and caring and accounting for interpretive props (such as living history clothing and equipment). They will work closely with park staff on critical special initiatives including website development, social media, and special events.

The GS-05 Park Ranger generally work a full-time 40-hour week, and is entitled to paid holidays. Holiday, evening, and weekend work is required. A driver’s license is recommended.

This position is expected to start in April and end in September.

For more information about the park in general, contact Fort Scott NHS at (620) 223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

 

FSNHS Is Recruiting For A Park Guide Starting Today, Feb. 11

Courtesy photo from the NPS.

Seasonal Park Guide Position Available at Fort Scott National Historic Site

 

Fort Scott KS – Fort Scott National Historic Site is recruiting for a GS-04 Park Guide temporary position starting Monday, February 11th for the summer of 2019. Application information can be found at: www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/523844900. Additional park positions will be announced later this spring.

The Park Guide is responsible for daily visitor center operations, including providing visitors with accurate information on park resources and cultural history, as well as safety and information for the surrounding area. The incumbent serves as a front-line representative providing informal interpretive opportunities and formal interpretive programs such as walks, talks, multimedia, demonstrations, and children’s programs. They will also participate in living history programs, education programs, and work closely with park staff on critical special initiatives including website development, social media, and special events.

The GS-04 Park Guides generally work a full-time 40-hour week and is entitled to paid holidays. Holiday, evening, and weekend work is required. A driver’s license is recommended.

This position is expected to start in April and end in September. The advertisement closes on Friday, February 15, 2019.

For more information about the park in general, contact Fort Scott NHS at (620) 223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

Student Internships Available At The Fort

Summer Student Intern Positions Available at Fort Scott National Historic Site    

Fort Scott KS – Fort Scott National Historic Site begins recruiting for a GS-05 Park Ranger (Student Trainee) temporary position Friday, February 8 for the summer of 2019 as part of the National Park Service’s Pathways Program. Additional positions will be announced later this spring.

Student Trainee (Laborer) interns will perform tasks to assist the Division of Maintenance with cyclic preservation projects to maintain the exterior of historic structures. The interns may also assist with special events and a variety of routine maintenance and resource management projects.

In order to be eligible for an appointment under the NPS Pathways Internship Program you must be a current student who has been accepted for enrollment or is enrolled at least half-time in an accredited high school, college, professional, technical, vocational, or trade school pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate. To maintain eligibility for internships individuals must remain enrolled in a degree or certificate program throughout their appointment. Additional information on the Pathways Internship Program can be found at: www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/students

A WG-03 Student Trainee (Laborer) earns an hourly pay rate, generally works a full-time/40-hour week, M-F.  Holiday, evening, and weekend work may be required. A valid state driver’s license is required.

Persons selected to these positions are expected to start on May 28, 2019 and end in August. To apply, follow the instructions in the application announcement at: www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/523456800. The advertisement closes after the first 50 applications or on February 15, 2019 (whichever occurs first).

For more information about the park in general, contact Fort Scott NHS at (620) 223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

FSNHS Summer Student Intern Positions Available Feb. 4

Fort Scott National Historic Site will begin recruiting for a GS-05 Park Ranger (Student Trainee) temporary position Monday, February 4 for the summer of 2019 as part of the National Park Service’s Pathways Program. Additional positions will be announced later this spring.

The Park Ranger intern will assist the Division of Interpretation and Resource Management with leading our YCC and youth outreach programs. They will present talks, answer questions, guide small groups and provide orientation services to park visitors. The interns will also participate in maintenance and resource management projects, as well as working closely with park staff on critical special initiatives including website development, social media, and special events.

In order to be eligible for an appointment under the Pathways Internship Program you must be a current a student who has been accepted for enrollment or is enrolled at least half-time in an accredited high school, college, professional, technical, vocational, or trade school pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate. To maintain eligibility for internships individuals must remain enrolled in a degree or certificate program throughout their appointment. Additional information on the Pathways Internship Program can be found at: www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/students

The GS-05 park rangers earn 16.10 per hour, generally works full-time 40-hour week, and is entitled to paid holidays. Holiday, evening, and weekend work is required. A driver’s license is recommended.

This position is expected to start in early May and end in September. Application information can be found at: www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/522940700. The advertisement closes February 11, 2019.

For more information about the park in general, contact Fort Scott NHS at (620) 223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.