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!

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. Our volunteer interpretive Guides ask big questions about our collective history. They encourage discussions about how history impacts us and how we as individuals are a part of those larger stories.

This year, training will be multi-generational; Guides-in-Training will include local teenagers enrolled in HCH’s History Is Now after school guide training program.

Schedule:
Guides-in-Training will meet every other Tuesday evening, from mid-January through mid-May, while also completing relevant readings and tour practice at home. Sessions include training from experts in the field and at partner sites. In late May, Guides-in-Training will begin observations and practice, with 1:1 mentoring with experienced Guides and staff.

Time Commitment:
Guides-in-Training give 6-10 hours per month January through June, and 6 hours per month as regular guides beginning in July 2022. HCH’s regular tour season runs from May through November. Guides usually give 3 one-hour tours per guide stint, and sign up for 2 stints (6 total hours) per month. Additional (optional) volunteer opportunities are available depending on the season.

Covid-19 protocol:
For the health and safety of all volunteers and staff, all Guides-In-Training will need to show proof of vaccination to participate in the program. Proof of vaccination may include a CDC issued card or the NYS Excelsior Pass. Masking, social distancing, and other protocols will be followed based on current recommendations and guidelines from NYS Dept. of Health and the CDC.

Benefits:
All HCH volunteers receive free Individual Member benefits, including discounted rates for special events and gift shop items, free tours for family and friends, HCH research library privileges, social and enrichment meetings, and free outings to local sites.

Who Should Apply?
HCH Volunteer Tour Guides come from a variety of backgrounds. Retirees, college students, part-time workers, stay-at-home parents...all are welcome! 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 Coordinator-Shawna Reilly- at shawna@historiccherryhill.org, or call the museum: 518-434-4791.