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. Historic Blacksmith volunteers bring the history of the Daniel Arnold Historic Farm to life by interpreting 19th-century farm life, interpreting the Blacksmith shop and it's tool, and demonstrating basic techniques needed for the repairs on the farm. This Shadow Experience opportunity is for those volunteers in training to serve as Historic Blacksmith for the Daniel Arnold Historic Farm at Carriage Hill MetroPark. You will be partnered with a qualified and experienced Historic Blacksmith volunteer and/or Staff Lead during this shadow experience to observe, learn, and practice the skills of a Historic Blacksmith. Period clothing is not required for this shadow experience; however, if you move forward to fully qualify as a Historic Blacksmith, period clothing will be required.
Impact
Historic Blacksmith volunteers provide interpretation and demonstrations for the Blacksmith shop on the Daniel A Arnold Historic Farm. They 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
Under the supervision of the historic farm staff, volunteers assist and support with the following
- Greet and welcome visitors and school groups.
- Interpret and provide historic information specific to the Blacksmith Shop on the Daniel A Arnold Historic Farm.
- Demonstrate simple techniques and make a simple project.
- 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 completed the virtual training for Historic Blacksmith.
- GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up an eligible background check), plus Historic Interpreter check-off and completion of the Historic Blacksmith virtual 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 Blacksmith 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. To start the forge, volunteers will be in an environment with coal, smoke, and fire.
- Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather. Period apparel is not required for a shadow experience. 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 opportun
ities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider this/these opportunities:
