Volunteer at Smithfield

We seek to inspire a new generation of Americans through the stories and values of the Preston Family and all those who lived at Smithfield.

Are you interested in volunteering at Smithfield?

We would love to hear from you! There are many opportunities available for those who would like to volunteer onsite during the open season. Feel free to scroll down to fill out the Volunteer Contact Information form, or email us at info@historicsmithfield.org.

Historic Smithfield, located right next to Virginia Tech, and just off of US 460, is seeking volunteers and student volunteers for multiple service opportunities this season. Smithfield is a plantation house outside Blacksburg, Virginia, built from 1772 to 1774 by Col. William Preston to be his residence and the headquarters of his farm.

It was the birthplace of two Virginia Governors: James Patton Preston and John B. Floyd. The house remained a family home until 1959 when the home was donated to the APVA.

MUSEUM STORE CASHIER/MANAGER

April - 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 Wednesday through 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.

Volunteer Positions Available

INTERPRETER (TOUR GUIDE)

April - 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 Wednesday through 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.

REPAIRS/HANDYWORK VOLUNTEER

All Year

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.

EDUCATION SPECIALIST

Weekday mornings in Fall & 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.

HOLIDAY DECORATOR

October - December

Smithfield decks its halls every year for annual Hallowe’en and Yuletide celebrations. Volunteers who find it fun to string everything from cobweb to garland, decorate themed rooms, and celebrate the season are sought for this opportunity. The decorating is usually done between October 1st and 28th for Hallowe’en and Thanksgiving and December 1st for the Christmas season. Hours are flexible.

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. 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!

Volunteer Contact Information Form

Feel free to submit your info down below, and we will be in touch with you very soon! Thank you!