• A re-enactment of the Civil War's Cedar Creek, a battlefield in the Shenandoah Valley

    Civil War tours

    Shenandoah Battlefield Tours offers a unique blend of on-the-ground exploration, map studies, and storytelling that will give you a deep appreciation for the area's Civil War battles, the brave men (and women!) who fought them, and the terrible impact on the war, region, and nation.

    Whether you're a Valley local with a history hobby, a Civil War buff on vacation, or a student of the Civil War engaged in academic research, Shenandoah Battlefield Tours has a tour for you.

    Explore our private walking, driving & customizable tours of Shenandoah's Civil War battlefields, and meet Jim, your historian-tour guide!

  • Jim Goecker gives a tour of a Civil War battlefield in the Shenandoah Valley

    Speaking engagements

    Jim, one of the partners behind Shenandoah Battlefield Tours, is a compelling speaker with two decades of experience weaving together historical facts and contemporary personal accounts to bring the Civil War to life.

    He's been a featured guest on many blogs and podcasts and has spoken at numerous events, conferences, and historical societies across the country on a wide range of Civil War topics.

    Whether you're planning an educational event, a community gathering, or a historical symposium, Jim will deliver an engaging and educational presentation informed by his deep knowledge and passion.

  • Sheridan's Ride, a Civil War era painting by Thomas Buchanan Read

    Local Civil War research

    Need historical research from the Shenandoah Valley?

    As a Civil War scholar, Jim is an experienced researcher who is available for primary research activities within the Shenandoah Valley. These services include research at area libraries and archives, field exploration and battlefield visits, and liaison with the area's Civil War preservation organizations.

    Whether you're looking into Civil War-era genealogy or family history, require Civil War research to support an academic thesis, or are simply interested in Shenandoah history, Jim is ready to be your boots on the ground.