Civil war buffs drill for the 'hardest test in history'

Not so much at this Gettysburg level, but one of the challenges for volunteer docents is that visitors often volunteer what I call "lore" that is based in myth, folklore, fiction, or folk etymology, and the docent, not having enough time to accurately correct the misinformation, is faced with saying nothing, or "I've heard that too." and moving the tour along. Lore at the level of: "spices can conceal the taste of spoiled meat" and "window glass moves over time, making panes thicker at the bottom." Later, other visitors will defend their misinformation with "Well, someone at <site> said it, so it must be true." Glad to see that NPS has serious standards.

> There is a degree of mansplain competitiveness

I know a decent handful of women who are also “an uber nerd” about these things.

Are they also mansplaining?

Isn't it just explaining at some point? Do you consider your tour guide that you traveled to a location and paid for, an obnoxious mansplainer?

Is this more or less status than Warhammer? Personally I'd say higher status, you're in company with Presidents and Lords in castles. The real pros get the local yokels to run around in the fields with the giant arrows, re-playing the battles of yore so they can watch from the turret (this is a joke so old, it's basically in Tristram Shandy)

Visiting Gettysburg was one of the few times in my life where I’ve done a tour with a private guide. It was way better than I expected. The guide actually drove me and my family in my car and gave us a great experience.