Historic Interpreter/Craftsperson

Date when the Listing is to expire*

07

/

11

/

2025

Organization Name
*

Historic Westville, Inc.

Organization Website
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https://www.facebook.com/HistoricWestvilleVillage/

Position Description / Other Info
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Historic Westville, Inc. is a living history museum that conserves both the material and the intangible culture of the nineteenth century. As the state’s earliest major experiment in living history, Westville conserves and perpetuates the work skills of antebellum west Georgia. The historic buildings and collection were moved from their original location in Lumpkin to Columbus, Georgia, and the site features interpreters in period wardrobe demonstrating early crafts. The museum is seeking skilled, enthusiastic, and self-motivated educators who are passionate about sharing history in a hands-on, immersive environment. Historic Interpreters will work directly with the public within the village presenting demonstrations of traditional skills and crafts while wearing period appropriate dress. Staff members will present educational programs to school groups and museum guests. Staff will work as a team to ensure the site and structures remain clean, accessible, and welcoming to guests. Multiple interpreters will be hired with preference given to those with a high level of proficiency in at least one of the following crafts/skills: ● Blacksmithing ● Woodworking ● Cobbling/Shoemaking ● Basket Weaving ● Cotton Weaving ● Quilting and Sewing ● Gardening ● Pottery/Ceramics ● Hearth Cooking ● Soap and Candle Making Positions are part-time requiring weekend work. Staff members may be required to work expanded hours on a flexible schedule to support Historic Westville events and programs. Qualifications: ● High School diploma or GED ● Demonstrated ability in a traditional craft/skill including, but not limited to: blacksmithing, woodworking, cobbling, basket weaving, cotton weaving, quitting and sewing, gardening, potting, heart cooking, or soap and candle making. ● Preference may be given to applicants with a minimum of 6 months of work experience in areas of museums/living history, interpretation, education, customer service, or other areas of related work employing comparable skills. Duties and Responsibilities: ● Assist with day-to-day tasks including, but not limited to, program preparation and clean-up, cleaning of exhibit areas, gardening, proper fire techniques, daily upkeep of assigned wardrobe, and other related tasks. ● Develop and lead crafting workshops for the general public, maintain supplies, and assist with promotion. ● Assist with educational school and group tours, community outreach, and special programs. ● Maintain cordial, cooperative, and professional working relations with coworkers, supervisors and the public. ● Support the guest services and gift shop staff to create merchandise for sale to support museum programs, greet guests, and other duties as assigned. Skills and Abilities: ● Ability to learn and present complex historical concepts to museum guests of all ages and knowledge levels. ● Excellent public speaking and customer service skills. ● Knowledge of traditional craft/skills. ● Desire to wear period appropriate clothing and conform to strict dress code requirements ● Able to meet physical requirements of the position including standing, walking, or talking for up to seven hours in a day. ● Able to perform effectively and professionally under atypical conditions such as working in historic structures during inclement weather of extreme cold or heat. ● Maintain cordial, cooperative, and professional working relations with coworkers, supervisors and the public. ● Demonstrates reliability, punctuality, and flexibility. ● Maintain all safety and security procedures to ensure the safety of colleagues and guests. ● Basic computer skills including email and Word. ● Ability to work flexible schedules including weekends, holidays, and special events. Please submit a resume, cover letter outlining qualifications, and photos or videos demonstrating traditional crafting/skills appropriate for the museum’s time period via https://tinyurl.com/WestvilleApplicationInterp

Hiring Salary Range (Answer must be numerical)
*

13.00

Apply via the following Email Address/URL*
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https://tinyurl.com/WestvilleApplicationInterp