INTERPRETER (TOUR GUIDE) – APRIL through DECEMBER

Applicants who have interest in public speaking, tourism, hospitality, and history would be well-suited for this volunteer opportunity. Interpreters give guided tours of our gorgeous Colonial home to our guests. This position is a very low-stress one and the work is performed in a pleasant, climate-controlled setting. Volunteers would give tours on Thursday, Friday, Saturday (10 AM-3PM) and their schedule is based upon their availability. The museum is open for tours from April to December, so please factor that into your decision.

MUSEUM STORE CASHIER/MANAGER – APRIL through DECEMBER

Volunteers are needed for service in Historic Smithfield's Museum Store. This type of position would be perfect for someone with retail experience. Gift Shop volunteers receive training on very basic cash register operations and the work is performed in a comfortable, air-conditioned environment. Volunteers would operate the shop on Thursday, Friday, Saturday (10 AM-3PM) and their schedule is elective. The museum is open for tours from April to December, so please factor that into your decision.

The museum also seeks a Museum Store manager whose regular duties involve assisting the Executive Director in inventory management and making weekly sales reports. This position would require a commitment of approximately five hours per week with the greatest need being two or more Saturdays per month from April to December.

EDUCATION SPECIALIST – WEEKDAY MORNINGS IN FALL AND SPRING

Historic Smithfield receives about 1,000 school children on field trips each year. The museum prides itself on the level of quality that its education specialists provide for these groups. Volunteers present on historic topics – usually related to civilian and military topics of the Colonial Period – for these field trip groups. Students who are living history interpreters or who have or who plan to work in a public history setting are encouraged to apply. This position would also be a perfect fit for teachers in training, re-enactors, or retired educators.

CAMP COUNSELORS - JULY

Volunteers working as camp counselors will help the Program Coordinator run Smithfield’s Summer Camp each July, and will help run a variety of educational activities throughout the week. This position would be a perfect fit for student teachers, current teachers or retired educators.

GARDENER/LANDSCAPER – ALL YEAR

Historic Smithfield is renowned for its Colonial kitchen garden and natural beauty. These gardens need a great deal of attention and much of the work cannot be performed by our local volunteers who are too far along in years to complete some of the tasks. Work alongside our Master Naturalists and Master Gardeners, and you can learn on the job with them too! The museum has work that needs to be done outdoors throughout the year. This area represents the museum's most pressing need!

HALLOWE’EN DECORATOR – OCTOBER 1 to OCTOBER 28

Smithfield dials up the spooky every year for Hallowe’en throughout the manor house! Volunteers who would find it fun to hang cobwebs, decorate themed rooms, and celebrate the autumnal season are sought for this opportunity. Some moderate lifting is required. The decorating is usually done between October 1 and October 28 and hours are flexible.

YULETIDE DECORATOR – THANKSGIVING to DECEMBER 1

Smithfield decks its halls every year for Christmas in a big way! Volunteers who would find it fun to string garland, decorate Christmas trees, and ring in the holiday season are sought for this opportunity. Some moderate lifting is required. The decorating is usually done between Thanksgiving and December 1 and hours are flexible.

REPAIRS/HANDYWORK VOLUNTEER - YEAR ROUND

A 250-year-old house is difficult to maintain, and that’s to say nothing for the four other buildings on the museum’s grounds. The need for volunteer handy workers is very strong. Applicants with training/competency in any of the following would be greatly needed: woodworking, masonry, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing.