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Costumed Volunteer Interpreter – Special Skills

Assist staff and other volunteers with the interpretation and animation of different period correct activities that are appropriate for the living history site and time period of either 1812 or the 1850’s.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Meet with the Cultural Manager to discuss period correct activities.
  • Prepare an outline of the period correct activities.
  • Identify any necessary materials or supplies if the project will become the property of Tyrconnell Heritage Society.
  • Provide a tentative schedule for the activities.
  • Lead, demonstrate and interpret the activities.
  • Assist with the set up and clean up of the activities.
  • Dress in and maintain an historic reproduction costume.
  • Work as a team member with staff and volunteers.

Position Boundaries:

  • Volunteers must be willing to accept direction from programming staff.
  • Interpreting will be limited to the approved activities.
  • Volunteers are required to direct visitor’s questions to a staff member when unsure of the correct response.
  • Projects and materials supplied by Tyrconnell Heritage Society and Backus-Page House Museum will become the property of the site and must be stored on site.

Qualifications:

  • Specialized knowledge of the appropriate activities i.e., music, hand work, sewing, quilting, knitting, historical food preparation, small wood crafts etc.
  • Positive attitude and excellent communication skills.
  • Enjoy working with staff, volunteers and the public.
  • Self directed and willing to work with minimum supervision.

Time Frame:

Backus-Page House Museum is open May 1 through Thanksgiving Monday.
Tuesday – Friday 10am—4:30pm. Saturday, Sunday, and Holiday Mondays noon-4:30pm.
Some events in the off season may also require costumed interpreters.

Training & Supervision:

  • Orientation for volunteers will be held periodically throughout the year.
  • Specialized training sessions will be offered.
  • Informal feedback on volunteer activities will be provided on a regular basis by staff.
  • Formal performance evaluations will be conducted in August upon request.

Staff Contact: Some events in the off season may also require costumed interpreters.

Benefits:

  • Unique opportunity to learn about the region’s history and heritage.
  • Free admission to the Backus-Page House Museum.
  • Invitations to volunteer appreciation events.
  • Use of the museum’s library.

    Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Tyrconnell Heritage Society! The following questions will help us assess your suitability. Please answer all of the questions as completely as possible.

    How did you find out about volunteering at Backus-Page House Museum?

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    Experience and Skills

    Please tell us about the talents and abilities that you would bring to volunteering.

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    Availability

    Volunteer opportunities are subject to museum needs which vary from time to time. To assist us in determining how your schedule might fit with our needs, please check day &/or evenings below according to your usual availability (check all that apply)

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    How many hours would you like to work?

    Please fill in at least one of the fields.

    A commitment of one year is preferred.

    Why are you interested in volunteering with us at the Backus-Page House Museum.

    Please tell us in your own words what you hope to gain from the experience, and what you can contribute to our organization.

    References

    Please indicate two references (character or professional) whom we may contact with regards to your application.

    All personal information collected will be used for the sole purpose of volunteer management and event planning at Backus-Page House Museum.

    I hereby consent to the collection, use and dissemination of personal information for the purpose of volunteer management and event planning by staff of Backus-Page House Museum and board of the Tyrconnell Heritage Society.