Historic Interpreter - Volunteer Training
Thank you for your interest in supporting the historic farm. Carriage Hill MetroPark has many facets that attract visitors each year including the Daniel Arnold Historic Farm. The farm is an original homestead first established in the 1830s and maintained by Five Rivers MetroParks to recreate the Arnold Family farm of the 1880s when the farm flourished. A combination of original buildings and reproductions helps accurately depict what the farm looked like during this time. In addition, heirloom crops, heritage breeds, and historic farming methods help bring the 1880s to life.
The interpretative purpose of the farm is to use the Arnold Family as a guide to show visitors how a real farm family would have lived in the 1880s. Through oral history, letters, diaries, government records, and other primary and secondary sources, a picture of a lifestyle emerges that volunteers can help bring to life.
Historic Interpreter volunteers are asked to complete a virtual training, an in-person Shadow Experience at the Carriage Hill Historic Farm, and a Historic Clothing Fitting. Historic Clothing is loaned to volunteers who complete Historic Interpreter training and serve as Historic Interpreters on the Daniel Arnold Historic Farm. A few opportunities are available that do not require historic clothing for those interested in supporting the Historic Farm but not interested in wearing historic clothing. Reach out to volunteer.services@metroparks.org to inquire about these potential opportunities.
DO YOU QUALIFY? To be eligible to support this opportunity, volunteers must be 18 years of age or older, complete the volunteer onboarding qualifications, and receive an eligible background check. Click here to complete your volunteer onboarding qualifications.
GET STARTED!
Follow these steps to qualify as a Historic Interpreter on the Daniel Arnold Historic Farm at Carriage Hill MetroPark:
Step 1: Complete the Historic Interpreter Virtual Training:
- Watch the 10-minute Carriage Hill MetroPark Historic Farm Tour Video posted above.
- Click the link to review the Carriage Hill Farm Volunteer Interpretive Guide.
- Take the Historic Farm Quiz below:
Step 2: Complete an In-Person Historic Interpreter Shadow Experience.
- Once your quiz has been reviewed, a Volunteer Coordinator will be in touch with you to schedule a shadow experience.
SHADOW EXPERIENCES: This is an opportunity for you to observe and practice the skills necessary for a volunteer opportunity with a qualified volunteer and/or staff person. Volunteers may be asked to complete shadow experiences to gain practice and master essential skills. Volunteers may also request shadow experiences to gain more practice and master the skills needed to volunteer.
During this shadow experience, the Staff Lead or a qualified volunteer will walk you through the tasks of a Historic Interpreter and give you an opportunity to practice. You will need to successfully demonstrate the tasks of a Historic Interpreter in order to be checked off and qualify as a Historic Interpreter at the Daniel Arnold Farm.
Step 3: Complete your Historic Clothing Fitting:
- Review the relevant Historic Clothing Guide for you: Men’s Historic Clothing Guide or Women’s Historic Clothing Guide.
- Take the relevant Historic Clothing Guide Quiz: Men’s Clothing Guide Quiz or Women’s Clothing Guide Quiz.
- Schedule a Historic Clothing Fitting. Once you have completed the Clothing Guide Quiz, the Staff Lead will contact you to schedule your personal Historic Clothing Fitting.
Welcome to the team!
Once your Historic Interpreter qualifications are approved, you can begin signing up for these opportunities.
If you are interested in serving by applying your Historic Interpreter training to a Skilled Trade such as Historic Woodworking, Historic Blacksmith, or Textiles, please proceed to the Skilled Trades Training page here.
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