Any tour begins with thorough research. Consult local historical societies, libraries, and knowledgeable old-timers for information. Seek second and third sources for any stories or facts you might seek. If your account includes elements that may be legends or otherwise improvable, that might make your tour even more interesting. Take special care to avoid plagiarizing someone else’s work; no one can own a copyright on facts and events, but they can protect their own expression of story in print, a movie or video, or other form of publication. You might be able to receive permission to use material researched by others; if so, be sure to obtain written permission.
Any good teacher also has to have some acting ability. Some tour guides dress up as someone from the past or assume some of that person’s characteristics. You might conduct nighttime tours by lantern. Some guides arrange for accomplices to appear at particular locations along the way. Look for ways to expand your offerings and times to allow you to conduct several tours a day, or prepare a full week’s lineup. You may be able to sell packages that include several tours. Part of your research will include information about seasonal trends among visitors. Is your locality most popular in the summer, with few visitors in the winter? Does the mix of visitors change with the season? Are senior citizens (who may be good customers, albeit with special needs) more common in the spring and fall? Are families with young children more plentiful in the summer?
