Volunteer Spotlight: Ellen Eveland - Historic Interpreter, Textile Demonstrator, and Helper Extraordinaire!

Jul 28, 2025

by Volunteer Services

Growing up in Illinois, Ellen Eveland's parents took her on family camping vacations from coast to coast, visiting historic sites along the way and sparking her interest in living history. She fondly remembers bringing her children to Carriage Hill MetroPark in the 1980's and 1990's for Christmas on the Farm, participating in scouting opportunities, hiking the trails, visiting farmers in the barn, and exploring the endless possibilities for fun and adventure on a historic farm. She knew then that she would someday become a volunteer. Fast forward to summer of 2022, when they visited the park to see the steam engine and ended up spending several hours chatting with the historic interpreters in the house - At that moment, Ellen knew it was time for her to join the team and help others enjoy the Carriage Hill farm experience.

Ellen began training to become a Historic Interpreter by completing the easy online training and then she began shadow experiences with qualified Historic Interpreter volunteers and staff where she could learn and practice the role of Historic Interpreter. "Becoming a Historic Interpreter has been such a rewarding experience. Sharing the lives of the Arnold Family with visitors helps bring the history of the farm to life." Ellen's favorite aspect of being an interpreter is welcoming the many school groups that visit the farm. Spring is especially busy with groups of all ages coming to learn about life at Carriage Hill Farm in the 1880's. She notes that students and teachers alike keep her on her toes with a variety of questions. Ellen appreciates the onboarding and training, knowing that the training materials and the diaries of Henry Arnold are readily available to help answer some of the trickier questions. She often gets asked if they live in the farmhouse. When people inquire if she enjoys being an interpreter, her response is always, "I get to dress in period clothes and talk to people. What's not to like?!"

Ellen, a long-time quilter, not only joined our group of Historic Interpreters, but soon joined our group of textile volunteers. She has helped construct an 1880's woman's dress alongside staff and other volunteers, sewn an extra-large man's shirt for a farm worker, and assisted in planning and presenting programs like beginning quilting and quilt-as-you-go tote bags. Ellen mentioned that she has learned a lot by observing the crocheters, weavers, knitters, and other members of the group. Together, they constantly brainstorm new projects and activities and are excited to welcome new members to the group.

Staff Lead and Education Specialist, Deb Spencer shared, "When I think of Ellen, I see passion, enthusiasm, a teacher, a leader, a student, and a helper extraordinaire! She can switch from historic interpreter to teacher to demonstrator to student, and to organizer at a moment's notice. Her delight at sharing her quilting expertise is infectious, leading to very successful quilting classes at Carriage Hill. Ellen is an amazing volunteer and an absolutely wonderful person!"

Ellen wasn't new to volunteering. After retiring as a high school secretary in 2017, she tried various volunteer opportunities, including teaching English to foreign-born adults for seven years with the ASPIRE program. She shared that volunteering with Carriage Hill MetroPark has been her favorite, saying, "I have been impressed with how Five Rivers MetroParks incorporates the knowledge and expertise of their volunteers to align with both the volunteers' interests and the programming of the parks and facilities."

Ellen has shared her passion for volunteerism with others, and recently, her husband Ed began his volunteer experience with MetroParks. They enjoy hiking and have participated in the MetroParks Trails Challenge. Both find it fun to discover new trails and explore what they have to offer. "There are so many amenities and programs available. We even had Ed's retirement and 70th birthday party at the Cedar Lake Shelter at Carriage Hill MetroPark!"

When she's not at the farm. Ellen enjoys quilting and making handbags at home. She is an avid reader and loves spending time gardening. Last year, Ellen and Ed expanded their gardening efforts with a plat at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark and are looking forward to a fruitful season. Her greatest joy is visiting her 4.5-year-old old grandson in Illinois. She says, "We can't wait to have him visit us here so we can take him to Carriage Hill Farm!"

Thank you, Ellen Eveland, for your outstanding commitment, dedication, and service to Five Rivers MetroParks!

Learn more about becoming a Historic Interpreter Volunteer on the historic farm at Carriage Hill MetroPark here. Interested in sharing your textile skills with our textile group? View our textile opportunities here.

Meet more AMAZING MetroParks' volunteers in our Volunteer Spotlights available on the Volunteer Blog.