The Professional Tourguiding class at Delgado Community College in New Orleans provides training in two tracks. First, a segway through Louisiana and New Orleans history with most of the facts and some of the gossip. Second, an exploration of the elements of good storytelling. The goal is to inspire raconteurs to tell the stories in ways that will be memorable to listeners. Whether for family, friends, students or tourists, a good story lasts for a long time! On passing the course, you are qualified to apply for a city tour guide license.
Annually, there are three classes, Spring, Summer and Fall, all held on ten Monday nights from 6-9 PM. Most of the lectures are Power Point presentations. There are five field trips on Saturdays – French Quarter tour, Garden District tour, Africans’ experiences and St. Louis Cemetery tour, a City tour by bus, and a Plantation tour on a bus. Bill Norris, tour guide, raconteur, lecturer, entrepreneur, and small business counselor is the guide for the safari.
NEXT CLASS STARTS: Monday, September 12, 2011 In Building 2, Room 221. Classes from 6:00 PM to 9:00 . Join the fun, call 504.671.6474 and register.
Bill,
I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed the class. The only problem with it is that it is over !! It was a pleasure to meet you and participate in both the class sessions and field trips. I am sure anyone who chooses this course will enjoy it as much as I did.
Thanks for a great and informative experience.
Patsy
I just completed Bill’s Tourism Class at Delgado. I will miss this class. I learned so much about the history of New Orleans and Louisiana and in a most interesting way. I learned from Bill, of course, and also from the other students, many of whom are involved in the industry already. Our discussions were lively, informative, and fun. Guest speakers and guides for the Saturday tours were leaders in area tourism. Bill is well informed, mild mannered, organized and is generous with his knowledge, time and energy. I wish there were a Part II.
This course is super. Until I took this course I only thought I knew about New Orleans. If you want to help share the story of New Orleans this is the class for you.
Bill Norris is the most interesting and knowledgable man I have ever met. His teaching method of New Orleans and La. history made my “professionl tour guiding” class one of the most enjoyable and educating experiences I have ever had in my life. His tours and the lectures were priceless.
I have fallen in love with our city all over again. I am recommending this class to everyone I know that wants to learn more about our beautiful city; whether they want to become tour guides or not. It is well worth the tuition at any cost !
I just took Bill Norris’ course and loved it. I had taken other tour guiding courses which were all great but focused mainly on the French Quarter. Bill’s course compliments these other courses since he takes you on a Garden District tour, City Tour and Plantation tour, as well as emphasizing the skill of storytelling. The schedule works out if you are employed because the classes are once a week in the evening.
The course was very interesting, I learned lots of new information and enjoyed listening to Bill’s anecdotes. I highly recommend it to those history lovers.
The lessons I learned from Bill have served me well and as a result of his teachings I am now a licensed tour guide operator for the city of New Orleans and am offering catered tours of the Garden District. Bill is a true guide in every sense. I will be forever enriched and truly greatful for having been his student. Thank you Mr. Norris!
Thanks, Tree. I look forward to seeing you on the streets giving tours! Bill
What is the studied in this class besides New Orleans history? I am considering taking the class and would like to know what goes into the curriculum besides the history. Thanks!
The course includes New Orleans and Louisiana history, but its core subject is telling stories about what, who, where and when things happened. The course is an experience in being raconteurs who know how to entertain with history! There are ten Monday evenings 6-9 lectures via Power Point presentations. We have four Saturday AM tours – French Quarter, Garden District, Cemeteries & African American Experience, City Tour – and we have one all day Saturday bus tour to the plantations. We visit Evergreen, Laura and San Francisco plantations. Besides these academic activities the participants develop a rapport with others with similar interests.
Don’t miss the excitement and friendships!