Historic Blacksmiths are Historic Interpreter volunteers who train and receive qualification through Five Rivers MetroParks' as an historic blacksmith. Volunteers acting as program assistants are current Historic Blacksmiths who have volunteered for at least 5 years in the Blacksmith shop, and have assisted in the training and mentoring of new volunteers. The classes are to build knowledge, start some skills, and encourage volunteerism at the Historic Farm.
Volunteers for this opportunity will be supporting the staff during a public program. It DOES NOT REQUIRE PERIOD APPAREL!
Impact
The individuals who volunteer their time and talents in the Blacksmith Shop help make it possible for others to experience these 19th Century skills that are still relevant today, create interest in these skills, enhance a more personalized experience in a program, and allow us to support the historic farm. Volunteers allow the interpretive teams to help visitors make a stronger connection to the history of Carriage Hill and experience life on an 1880s working farm.
Tasks
- Assist with set up and prep for the class
- Greet and welcome participants to class and get them signed in.
- Volunteers will support the instructor and students during the information and practical portion of the class.
- Support and assist staff or participants with hammering, operating blower, and techniques used in blacksmithing .
- Support and assist participants to follow safety precautions, and alert staff with students needed additional assistance.
- Assist staff lead in creating a better learning environment for this interactive opportunity, and give participants the encouragement needed to do a new skill.
- Assist with clean-up of the program.
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-term volunteers who have qualified as a historic blacksmith for a minimum of 5 years. Learn more about our types of service here.
- Learn more about becoming a Historic Blacksmith from our virtual training page: Skilled Trade - Historic Blacksmith
Additional Notes
Parking & Meeting Instructions: Please park in the historic farm parking lot and walk to the Blacksmith Shop. Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark. Volunteers should arrive a little early to allow for parking and getting to class location. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's agenda and other important information.
Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors in the Blacksmith Shop. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 20 lbs or more. Blacksmith volunteers will be hammering hot metal for periods of time to demonstrate various techniques. There will be smoke, fire, hot objects, and tools that require you to be careful and work safely in a small space.
Dress: Volunteers do not need to wear period apparel. Volunteers should dress for the weather, and wear their MetroParks name badge.
Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Skilled Trades and Programming Volunteer Position for more information on programming and skilled trades opportunities with us.
Visit the Historic Interpreter page in our Training Library to see what training is required to become part of the Historic Interpreter volunteers.
