As summer draws to a close and the grain has had time to dry, it’s time to bring in the harvest! This year’s exceptional wheat crop means we’ll need many hands to help with the age-old agricultural tradition of threshing grain. Threshing is the process of separating the edible grain from the stalk on which it grows and a vital step in turning a field of wheat into food. For generations, this labor-intensive task brought communities together, and now you have the opportunity to experience this important part of our agricultural heritage firsthand. Historic Interpreter Volunteers will assist with the hands-on chores of tossing bundles of wheat to be put through the separator, raking the straw, collecting the grain, and carrying firewood while also helping visitors understand the tools, techniques, traditions, and hard work that were once an essential part of farm life.
Impact
Volunteers, especially Historic Interpreters, are an essential part of making this more than just a day in the field! They help bring the story of the Historic Farm to life for our visitors.
Tasks
- Welcome and greet visitors to the Historic Farm and this special demonstration of grain threshing.
- Assist staff by tossing bundles of wheat to the separator.
- Assist in raking the discarded straw and placing it in the disposal area.
- Assist in collecting the grain.
- Volunteers will get firewood and carry it back to the steam engine.
- Interpret the tools, techniques, traditions, and hard work involved in this special program.
- Assist the staff lead during the program to create a better learning environment for this interactive program.
- Review additional material to learn more about the history of wheat and small grains here.
- Encourage volunteerism and help direct to the website for information.
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to individual, long-term and short-term volunteers, ages 16 and up who have qualified as Historic Interpreters.
- 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.
Additional Notes
- Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers will park and meet the staff lead at the Daniel Arnold house at the start of their shift. Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark. Volunteers should plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to their shift and the staff leads will greet and orient volunteers to the day's agenda 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. Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e., sun, poison ivy, ticks, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (e.g., grass, pollen, bees, etc.) and can expect to participate in bending, kneeling, reaching, walking, and lifting objects weighing 15 lbs or more in direct sunlight. This activity will create a dusty environment.
- Dress: Period Apparel Required! Volunteers who need to be fitted must contact the staff lead to set an appointment before the opportunity.
Learn more about Programming 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 these opportunities:
