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| Watkins
Woolen Mill State Historic Site 26600 Park Road North Lawson, MO 64062 |
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Dear Future Volunteer, Thank you for your interest in serving as a volunteer at Watkins Mill! We accept volunteers of all ages and skill levels (children under 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). We have many volunteer opportunities, both seasonal and year round, that may be of interest to you. On the following pages are descriptions of the various volunteer opportunities at Watkins Mill. If your interests and abilities are in areas other than those listed, please contact me and we will create your own personalized volunteer opportunity. Our goal is to help our volunteers contribute to the historic site and park in a mutually enjoyable and productive manner. After you have read through the volunteer opportunities please fill out the attached application [Watkins Mill Volunteer Program Application] and return it to the address listed above in care of Matt Carletti, Volunteer Coordinator or stop by and drop them off personally. Once you return the applications we will be in contact with you to set up a convenient time to meet to discuss your future role as a Watkins Mill volunteer! If you have any questions at all relating to the volunteer program, please contact me via phone at (816) 580-3387 or e-mail at watkins.woolen.mill.state.historic.site@dnr.mo.gov (please specify volunteer program in the subject line). Again, we appreciate your interest in becoming a volunteer and helping us to make Watkins Mill State Historic Site and Park a great place for all to visit and enjoy. Sincerely, Matt Carletti
Volunteer Opportunities
1. Archival/ Museum Collections Position: Year round Requirements: There are no set time requirements for this position. Volunteers who choose this category will meet with the volunteer coordinator as well as the archive coordinator to discuss the assignment of archival and curation projects based upon the volunteer's interests and the archival priorities of the historic site. Duties: Volunteer duties in this field may include, but not be limited to: 1) Preservation of Watkins artifacts such as letters, photographs, clothing, books, etcÉ using correct archival materials and techniques. 2) Assigning and recording archival numbers to undocumented and/or recently donated artifacts; as well as providing a description and rating for each artifact using correct archival recording methods. 3) Entering recorded data into electronic archival database system using PastPerfect electronic archival system. This could include not only entering the description of the artifact, but also digital pictures of the artifact. 4) Transcribing original documents of the Watkins family, including personal and business letters, business records, etcÉ Comments: This is a great volunteer position for college students who anticipate entering either the archival or museum curation field and want to get some hands on experience. It is also a great position for those who like history, but don't want to dress up, or for anyone interested in preserving the past!
2. Historic Maintenance/ Maintenance Position: Year round Requirements: There are no set time requirements for this position. Volunteers who choose this category will meet with the volunteer coordinator as well as with the historic maintenance supervisor to discuss the assignment of historic maintenance/maintenance projects based upon the volunteer's interests and the historic maintenance/maintenance priorities of the historic site. Duties: Volunteer duties in this field may include, but not be limited to: 1) Historic maintenance projects such as repairing and white washing the Watkins house fence; working on the mule pasture and school fence projects; painting the roof of the engine shed; as well as the reproduction and repair of period artifacts such as furniture and outbuildings using period correct tools and techniques. 2) Regular maintenance duties such as mowing and trimming areas of the historic site and park; and cleaning and maintaining of historic site and park buildings. * operating power equipment and mowers requires a valid drivers license and will be assigned on a as needed basis. 3) Care for historic livestock (off-season: September through May), including feeding the animals and maintenance of livestock housing. 4) Care and maintenance of heirloom variety garden (off season: September through May; and in season: June through August before and after living history hours), including planting, cultivating, and seed saving. Comments: This volunteer opportunity is a good fit for the pro or amateur wood worker who wants to learn authentic reproduction techniques and methods; the pro or amateur gardener who enjoys learning about and preserving heirloom varieties; as well as for anyone who is interested in livestock or just enjoys being outside.
3. Period Clothing Position: Year Round Requirements: There are no set time requirements for this
position. Volunteers who choose this category will meet with the
volunteer coordinator as well as with the period clothing coordinator
to discuss the assignment of period clothing projects based upon
the volunteer's interests and the period clothing priorities of
the historic site. 1) Repairing and reproducing proper methods and techniques. 2) Researching and documenting specific period clothing items to determine level of authenticity as relating to the main time period being interpreted at Watkins Mill. 3) Assisting in the set up and disassembly of period clothing displays at the visitor center. 4) Assist the period clothing coordinator in dispensing period clothing to paid staff and volunteers for the regular living history season as well as special events. This also includes recording clothing numbers. Comments: This is a great volunteer opportunity for both the amateur and master seamstress or tailor to try something a little different. It is also a good opportunity for college students interested in pursuing a career in design, as well as for anyone who enjoys making clothes.
4. Special Event Volunteer Position: Per special event Duties: Volunteer duties in this field, with the exception of the Back Porch Jam/Fall Music Festival (see following Back Porch Jam/Fall Music Festival duties), may include, but will not be limited to: 1) Assisting in the set up as well as the clean up of the special event. 2) Dressing in period garb assigned or approved by the period clothing coordinator. 3) Performing assigned living history tasks such as cooking on
a wood burning stove; cross cut sawing; making lye soap; or other
activities appropriate for the time period and the nature of the
special event. 4) Engaging the public following the interpretive theme of the event as well as provide standard interpretation of the Watkins Home and Mill. Back Porch Jam Duties 1) Assisting in the set up as well as the clean up of the event. 2) Assisting the special event coordinator and musicians as needed. Comments: This is a superb position for the volunteer who enjoys living history or just wants to help Watkins Mill out, but doesn't quite have the time to do so on a regular basis. Volunteers in this category really help us to truly make our special events something special!
5. Living History Position: Seasonal (June - August) Duties: Volunteer duties in this field may include, but not be limited to: 1) Dressing in period garb assigned or approved by the period clothing coordinator. 2) Performing assigned living history tasks such as cooking on a wood burning stove; cross cut sawing; making lye soap; or other activities appropriate for the time period. 3) Care and maintenance of heirloom variety garden (in season: June through August), including planting, cultivating, and seed saving. 4) Engaging the public through interpretation of the Watkins Home and Mill. 5) Provide tours of the Watkins Home and Mill *optional 6) Participate in special events (see special events description). *optional Comments: This is an excellent position for those who love to bring history to life and have the time and dedication to do so. It is also a good fit for college students interested in working in the interpretive field, or for anyone who wants to learn about history through doing historical activities. Volunteers in this category are the lifeblood of our living history program!
6. Visitor Center Position: Year Round Duties: Volunteer duties in this field may include, but not be limited to: 1) Possessing an adequate knowledge of the historic site and park in order to answer visitors' questions either directly, or via phone. 2) Operating the site's video equipment to show videos or slide shows as per request. 3) Maintaining the site's displays. Comments: This is a good opportunity for volunteers interested in a career in sales, or for anyone who likes to meet people and has good customer service skills. This category is especially important during special events, school tours, and the peak of the tourist season (May - September).
Paid Positions Join the staff at Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and State Historic Site as a Seasonal Historical Interpreter! Job duties & requirements of seasonal historical interpreters at Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and State Historic Site include: •Positions run from late May through mid August. Application Process To apply e-mail your resume to: Interview applicants will be selected no later than April 8th, with
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