FOC Walking Tour Guides

If you are interested in being considered for 2024 (Class Start Date 2/26/24) class contact the office at 504-523-3939 or volunteers@friendsofthecabildo.org.

The Friends of the Cabildo (FOC) Walking Tour Guide Training Program provides intensive and comprehensive training for tour guides.

The classes are under the expert direction of Friends of the Cabildo Tour Guide Committee led by Robi Robichaux and the Walking Tour Class Committee, who are assisted by a staff of volunteer FOC tour guides. The program provides an intensive overview of New Orleans History, architecture and culture. Almost 100 hours of class time in one month and classes are usually M-W-F and usually one Saturday.

In addition to the academic component, trainees are provided training in presentation techniques, procedures for conducting tours, and other practical guidelines. An extensive reading list is provided.

Students are guided in the creation and practice of their own self-designed walking tours of the French Quarter.

Students must pass a one-on-one tour with an evaluator, as well as a critiqued tour with a group under the observation of an experienced guide. Students are prepared for a written examination required by the city of New Orleans as a prerequisite to obtaining a tour guide license.

The Friends of the Cabildo welcome the use of knowledge acquired during the course of training in tour- guiding capacities outside the organization, however, the purpose of the training is to support FOC fund-raising endeavor that benefits the Louisiana State Museums.

Therefore, enrollment in the program is conditioned on making a commitment to the FOC to serve as a volunteer guide for a period of two years.  Guides are generally scheduled to give tours twice per month during this period, though flexibility is available (e.g., for periods when traveling.)

The walking tour guide class is offered one time per year at the Cabildo. Please email us if you would like to receive alerts about upcoming class information as it becomes available. Acceptance into the program is contingent upon an interview process following application.

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