by Morgan Cantrell
I was inspired to be a tour director by the tour directors and guides I have experienced throughout my life. If I close my eyes, I can recall the pattern on the tartan of the Scottish tour director's kilt and the French accent of the man who led my sister and me through Monaco. I can see the smile on the Egyptian's face as he talked about temples and the Nile, and I can feel the emotion as the Protestant or Catholic guides spoke about the Troubles in Belfast. These people were, and still are, passionate about sharing their homes and histories with total strangers. They inspired me to be one of them.
As a tour director, I get to tell stories about American history and share the narratives of peoples and cultures with total strangers in places like New York City or Washington DC or Savannah. That is magical, and I am so thankful to be part of this industry. I only hope that I, too, inspire some young budding historians or explorers to learn about the world around them.