Historic Interpreter volunteers are needed during Christmas on the Farm to provide interpretation for the Daniel A Arnold Historic Farm and to lead and interpret several demonstrations:
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. This opportunity will focus on historical farming, gardening, homesteading, and food preparation information.
Tasks
- Greet and welcome participants.
- Interpret and provide historic information on Daniel A Arnold Historic Farm.
- Engage participants and families in the activities on the farm during this program.
- Interpret and support an assigned demonstration. Demonstrations are as follows:
- Historic Holiday Foods: in the Winter Kitchen of the DA House - Interpreting to the public. Discussing traditional Christmas foods and providing resources on how to make them today.
- Holiday Crafts: in the Sitting Room of the DA House - Interpreting to the public. Performing a basic craft (Knitting or crocheting), that demonstrates making a gift in the 1880s. An additional evening activity will be making pomander balls.
- Christmas Traditions: in the Parlor of the DA House - Interpreting to the public. Describing traditional Christmas decorations, trees, ornaments, and overall traditions.
- Christmas Tree Decorations: in the Old Summer Kitchen of the DA House - Interpreting to the public about the use of the Summer Kitchen, the Arnolds, and performing a basic craft that can be given to the public. The daytime activity is stringing popcorn for decoration.
- Kettle Corn Demonstration: Outside of the DA House - Interpreting to the public and answering questions as needed. Volunteers will be using the old kettle to make popcorn and distribute it to the public.
- Gingerbread Baking: Outside of the DA House in the outside oven - Interpreting to the public and answering questions as needed. Volunteers will work with staff during the daytime portion to make gingerbread and distribute it to the public.
- Fresh Holiday Greens: In the new Summer kitchen - Interpreting to the public and answering questions as needed. Volunteers will create small greens giveaways for visitors during the daytime event. An additional evening activity will be roasting chestnuts and distributing them to the public
- Parlor Games: In the parlor of the DA House - Interpreting to the public and answering questions as needed. Volunteers will engage the public with typical parlor games used in the 1800s.
- Barn Guide: Outside of the DA House at the barn - Interpreting to the public and answering questions as needed. Volunteers will share information about the heritage breeds at the historic farm and the history of the various barns at Carriage Hill.
- Santa's Assistant: Inside the DA Barn - Assisting Santa Claus pass out candy and toys, during Santa's breaks, volunteers will be reading
'Twas the Night Before Christmas.
Eligibility
This is an opportunity for the following volunteers: Long-Term Volunteers who are 16 and older and have qualified as Historic Interpreters 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.
Additional Notes
- Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark. Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 1/2 hour before the beginning of the program. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's activities, including planned demonstrations and a historical clothing check. Volunteers will also have time for a review of what can be demonstrated and 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. Volunteers will be sent information on their specific activity demonstration before the event. With cold weather, please remember to take breaks and warm up.
- Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather. Period apparel is required.
Volunteers must be qualified as a Historic Interpreter to serve in this opportunity. To learn more, visit our Historic Interpreter Training page here.
Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Programming Volunteer Position for more information on programming opportunities with us.
