Historic Woodworker - Carriage Hill Historic Farm

The Daniel Arnold Historic Farm offers a fascinating look into the past, attracting visitors each year. It provides more than just a historical overview; it offers an immersive interpretive experience. Guided by the story of the Arnold family, visitors can discover what life was truly like for a farming family in the 19th century.

In the woodshop at the historic farm, volunteers explain the tools and methods used, while also supporting farm projects by creating wooden items. Through this hands-on interpretation, visitors gain an appreciation for the craftsmanship and pride that woodworkers in the 1880s felt when making useful products.

Impact

Volunteers represent what living in the 1880s might have been like, and help visitors make a stronger connection to the history of Carriage Hill and experience life on an 1880s working farm. 

Tasks

• Greet and welcome participants.
• Interpret and provide historical information specific to the Wood Shop on the Daniel A Arnold Historic Farm.
• Demonstrate simple techniques of tool use.
• Work with staff lead, historic interpreters, and program assistants to provide an engaging event for the public participants.
• Help train new volunteers as needed.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual, long-term volunteers, ages 18 and up, who have qualified as Historic Interpreters and a Historic Woodworker.  

• GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up an eligible background check), plus Historic Interpreter training. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications, or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.
• Historic Interpreter Qualification: Visit the Historic Interpreter page in our Training Library to see what training is required to become part of the Historic Interpreter volunteers. 
• Historic Blacksmith Qualification: Visit the Historic Woodworker page in our Training Library to see what training is required to complete the training as a Historic Blacksmith volunteer. 

Additional Notes

• Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark.  Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 30 minutes before the beginning of the opportunity. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's activities, including planned demonstrations and a historical clothing check.  Volunteers will have time for a review of what can be demonstrated and other important information.
• Cancellation:  If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number.
• Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more.  Volunteers need to be aware of safety concerns for themselves and visitors within the woodshop with a fireplace and sharp tools. 
• Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather. Period apparel is required.  If not yet fitted, the staff lead or volunteer coordinator will contact you to schedule a fitting. 

Learn more about Skilled Trades opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House.

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider this/these opportunities:

Carriage Hill Farm Chores

Historic Woodworker