Volunteer at the Hickory Ridge History Museum

MUSEUM DOCENT

Become a vital part of our museum community as a Docent and help guide visitors on their journey through history.

As a friendly and knowledgeable ambassador, you'll lead tours, share stories, and provide insights into our exhibits and collections. Whether you're passionate about 18th century history or enjoy connecting with people from diverse backgrounds, being a Docent offers a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

  • · Lead guided tours of the museum, providing visitors with historical context, interesting anecdotes, and engaging storytelling.

    · Adapt tour content to the interests and needs of diverse audiences, including school groups, families, seniors, and tourists.

    · Foster a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, encouraging visitor participation and interaction during tours.

    · Assist with special events, educational programs, and outreach activities as needed, representing the museum in a positive and professional manner.

    · Stay informed about museum collections, exhibits, and current research to enhance tour content and visitor experiences.

  • · Strong knowledge of Watauga County and North Carolina history, museum collections, and exhibit themes, with a willingness to undergo additional training and orientation as needed.

    · Excellent communication and public speaking skills, with the ability to engage audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

    · Friendly demeanor, patience, and enthusiasm for working with diverse groups of visitors in a museum setting.

    · Reliability and punctuality, with the ability to commit to a consistent schedule of volunteer shifts.

    · Willingness to uphold museum policies and guidelines regarding visitor interaction, safety, and security.

    · Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and special events as needed.

MUSEUM DEMONSTRATOR

Join our team as a Demonstrator and bring history to life through engaging demonstrations and interactive experiences!

Whether you're skilled in traditional crafts, historic trades, or period-specific activities, your passion for sharing knowledge will inspire visitors of all ages. As a Demonstrator, you'll have the opportunity to showcase your talents and contribute to creating memorable experiences for our guests.

  • · Perform live demonstrations of traditional crafts, historic trades, or period-specific activities for museum visitors.

    · Engage with guests in an interactive and informative manner, answering questions and providing insights into the demonstrated skills or practices.

    · Maintain a safe and organized demonstration area, ensuring all equipment and materials are properly handled and stored.

    · Collaborate with museum staff to develop new demonstration techniques that align with the museum's mission and educational goals.

  • · Demonstrated proficiency in a specific craft, trade, or activity related to the museum's focus area (e.g., blacksmithing, weaving, hearth cooking).

    · Excellent communication skills and ability to engage with diverse audiences, including children, families, and adults.

    · Strong interpersonal skills and a passion for sharing knowledge and historical insights with others.

    · Willingness to adhere to museum policies and safety guidelines while performing demonstrations.

    · Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and special events as needed.

SCHOOL PROGRAM EDUCATOR

Make learning come alive as a Program Educator and inspire students of all ages with hands-on educational experiences.

Whether leading interactive workshops, facilitating group activities, or coordinating immersive learning sessions, you'll play a key role in fostering a love for history and culture. As a Program Educator, you'll have the chance to engage with learners in dynamic ways, encouraging curiosity and exploration in a fun and supportive environment.

  • · Collaborate with museum staff to develop and deliver educational programs, workshops, and activities that align with curriculum standards and learning objectives.

    · Lead hands-on demonstrations, interactive sessions, and guided explorations for school groups.

    · Collaborate with museum staff to design engaging educational materials, lesson plans, and resources.

    · Assist with program logistics, including setup, cleanup, and organization of materials and equipment.

    · Evaluate program effectiveness, gather visitor feedback, and make recommendations for program improvements or enhancements.

  • · Background in education, museum studies, or related field, with experience in developing and delivering educational programming for diverse audiences.

    · Strong knowledge of educational principles, learning theories, and best practices for informal learning environments.

    · Creativity, flexibility, and adaptability to develop engaging and interactive educational experiences that meet the needs of different age groups and learning styles.

    · Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with students, teachers, parents, and museum staff.

    · Organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

    · Commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment that promotes curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of history.

BENEFITS

  • Comprehensive training and ongoing support

  • Free admission to museum exhibits and events

  • Access to behind-the-scenes tours and workshops

  • Recognition in museum publications and social media

  • Networking opportunities with other volunteers and museum staff

  • Flexible scheduling options

  • Opportunities for professional development and skill-building

  • Discounts on museum merchandise and programs

If interested, please contact the Executive Director at: horninthewesthickoryridge@gmail.com