This Shadow Experience opportunity is for those volunteers in training to serve as Historic Interpreters for the Daniel Arnold Historic Farm at Carriage Hill MetroPark. You will be partnered with a qualified and experienced Historic Interpreter volunteer and/or Staff Lead during this shadow experience to observe, learn, and practice the skills of a Historic Interpreter. Period clothing is not required for this shadow experience; however, if you move forward to fully qualify as a Historic Interpreter, period clothing will be required.
The individuals who volunteer their time and talents help put excitement and perspective into the activities at the Carriage Hill Historic Farm. Volunteers during program times may engage the public with assorted demonstrations or interpretive stations in different areas. Each volunteer's pride and dedication in "working on the farm" gives Carriage Hill Farm vitality. The interpretative purpose of the farm is to use the Arnold Family, who once lived at Carriage Hill Farm, as a guide to how a real conservative farm family is in real-time at a real place. Through oral history, letters, diaries, government records, and other primary and secondary sources, a picture of a lifestyle emerges that Carriage Hill interpreters can bring to life for the public. Volunteers will be program support for the Maple Sugaring at Carriage Hill Historic Farm.
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 the experience of life on an 1880s working farm. This opportunity will allow people to enjoy an experience at the historic farm, learn more about maple sugaring, and get a personal introduction to life on the farm.
Tasks.
- Greet and welcome participants
- Assist staff in the setup and/or tear down of activities.
- Assist the staff lead during the program to create a better learning environment for this interactive program.
- Volunteers are needed to help interpret the activities of the day.
- Share information about the farm, as well as interpret how maple sugar is processed.
- Engaging participants and families in the activities on the farm during the program.
- Assist staff with demonstrations of the various processes involved in the maple sugar process.
- Demonstrations will include boiling down the sap, making maple sugar, and cooking with maple syrup and sugar. Guidance on using the woodstove will also be provided.
- Assist staff with tours of the historic farm
- Review Maple Sugaring Information Sheets
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Short-term and Long-Term volunteers who are 16 years or older and have completed the historic interpreter virtual training. Learn more about our types of service here.
- Youth volunteers ages 14-17 are not required to complete a background check. If you are a new youth volunteer contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org to have your background check waived.
- 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 meet at the Historic Farm. Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark. Volunteers arrive 30 minutes before the beginning of the program. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's agenda, review specific stations, and provide other important information.
- Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place indoors and outdoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more.
- Dress: Period apparel is not required. Volunteers will need to be fitted before they can sign up for Historic Interpreter opportunities.
Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Programming Volunteer Position Description for more programming opportunities with us.
