Are you a story-teller? Do you love learning about and discussing historical topics and want to understand how others view the past? Do you want to learn more about Albany's place in history, as well as your own? If so, join our team of historic house Guides!
ABOUT THE TOUR
Historic Cherry Hill’s Guides give our core tour, "The Rankins of Cherry Hill: Struggling with the Loss of their World," which explores American history at the turn of the 20th century through the lens of one Albany household. Through the tour, we ask big questions about our collective history. Guides encourage discussions about how history impacts us and how we as individuals are a part of those larger stories.
SCHEDULE
Guides-in-Training will meet roughly every other Wednesday evening (5-7pm), from February 8 through May 17, while also completing relevant readings and tour practice. Training includes
1:1 mentoring with experienced guides and staff, and workshops with experts in the field. In May and June, Guides-in-Training will practice with mentors, observe experienced guides, and give their first public tours; scheduling is flexible. July through November, guides volunteer about twice a month, Friday-Sunday.
TIME COMMITMENT
Guides-in-Training give 7-10 hours per month while training (February through June). This involves in-person meetings, virtual trainings, short home readings or videos, in-person practices and observations of tours. Once trained, guides usually give up to 2 tours per stint, and sign up for 2 stints (7 total hours) per month (July through November). Additional (optional) volunteer opportunities are available depending on the season.
COVID-19 PROTOCOL
For the health and safety of all volunteers and staff, Historic Cherry Hill will continue to follow the most current recommendations and guidelines from NYS Dept. of Health and the CDC.
BENEFITS
All HCH volunteers receive free Individual Member benefits, which includes exclusive tour offerings, discounted rates for special events and gift shop items, and free tours for family and friends. Volunteers also enjoy HCH research library privileges, social and enrichment meetings, and free outings to local sites.
*Students gain hands-on experience in the museum field, with training in interpretation, public speaking, disability inclusion, diversity, equity & inclusion, hospitality and more. We have worked with colleges and high schools to ensure students receive internship credit for training and volunteering, upon request.
Who Should Apply?
HCH Volunteer Tour Guides come from a variety of backgrounds. Retirees, seniors, students, part-time and full-time workers...all are welcome!
Note: Guides walk up and down two flights of stairs during the tour, and may be on their feet for prolonged periods of time.
Historic Cherry Hill is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equal employment- and volunteer- opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, gender identity or Veteran status.
For more information, visit our website:
www.historiccherryhill.org, email the Education Assistant- Meghan Willis- at
meghan@historiccherryhill.org, or call the museum: 518-434-4791.
