Become a Docent or Event Volunteer
Some Perks from Volunteering at the Meridian Historical Village:
Volunteers who work 10+ Hours in a year, will receive an annual Friends of Historic Meridian (FHM) Membership
FHM Membership includes the following: 10% Discount at the Gift Shop; a free personalized tour and a 25% discount on selected building rentals (excluding the Village Chapel)
Volunteering Means that You Can…
You can volunteer as much you are like. Receive countless smiles, that “ah ha” look and an occasional thank you from students and the general public
Volunteer Job Descriptions
General Store Gift Shop Clerk
When: Saturdays ( May-End of October): 10:00-12:00 and/or 12:00-2:00. Position is also needed for Special Events. Please see the Friends of Historic Meridian Calendar of Events
Position Requirements:
Participation Requirements: Gift Shop Clerks receive orientation to the village as well as training for the Gift Shop. If demand is considerable for this volunteer position, we will schedule a group training sessions. Training may also be provided on an as needed basis.
Village Tour Guide
When: Saturdays (May-End of October): 10:00-12:00 and/or 12:00-2:00
What: Take individuals/ groups of 10 or less on an approximately 30-45 minute walking tour of the Village featuring approximately 2-3 buildings respectively.
“History Buff”/Enthusiast in local history as depicted through the Meridian Historical Village.
Participation Requirements: Village Tour Guides attend training with educational materials provided. If demand is considerable for this volunteer position, we will schedule a group training session. Training may also be offered on an as needed basis.
FHM Membership Representative:
When: Saturdays (May-End of October): 10:00-12:00 and/or 12:00-2:00 Position is also needed for Special Events. Please see the Friends of Historic Meridian Calendar of Events. We regard representatives as FHM ambassadors . Word of mouth is still a great way to reach out to supporters of the historical village.
What: Membership representatives enjoy sharing information about FHM membership with visitors to the village or on an off-site basis. This includes the various membership levels and benefits that come along with supporting the historical village. Representatives are enthusiastic about the Friends’ mission to “Preserve & Share the Meridian Historical Village to Create Interest in Local History”
Participation Requirements: Membership representatives receive information about FHM membership. This is generally done on an as needed basis.
Event Building Docent:
When: Celebrate Meridian, June 24, 2023, 12-4 pm with shifts to be determined; Heritage Festival, October 7, 2023 10am-4pm shifts to be determined; Christmas in the Village, December 10, 2023, 2-4 pm
What: Event docents have general knowledge of the historic building (date built, purpose of building, name of individual(s) associated with building, and original location prior to its relocation to the historical village).
Participation Requirements: Docents receive training with educational materials provided often through attending a volunteer meeting. If demand is considerable for this volunteer position, we will schedule a group training session. Training may also be offered on an “as needed basis.”
School Building Docent
When: Weekday (Monday-Friday) field trips are booked months in advance or at least 2 weeks prior to the field trip. Docents receive email notification of upcoming tours with the opportunity to sign up for field trips. There are two seasons within a school year. Autumn: September-Mid November and Spring: Late March-Early June
What: Present a lesson in one of our buildings: one room schoolhouse, tollgate, farmhouse, general store and log cabin. It is also important to intersperse interaction with students by asking and responding to questions. Each rotation is about 25 minutes long and is typically repeated three to four times in a given shift (shifts usually are for 1 1/2 hour or a two hours)
Participation Requirements:
Prospective School Docents attend volunteer meetings to receive an overview of field trips. Educational materials are provided. Meetings are offered twice a year, usually in September and March. New docents or docents who are interested in learning a new building are encouraged to “shadow” more experienced docents to gain familiarity. Individual orientation may be arranged.
School Chore Docent
When: Weekday (Monday-Friday) field trips are booked months in advance and at least 2 weeks prior to event. Docents receive email notification of upcoming tours with the opportunity to sign up for field trips. There are two seasons within a school year. They are Autumn: September-Mid November and Spring: Late March-Early June
What: Lead tours by demonstrating a craft/chore. Historic Era chores and crafts include corn grinding, 19th century laundry, drop spinning, rope making or a suitable craft of your suggestion. It is also beneficial to interact by asking and responding to questions from the students. Each presentation is about 25 minutes long and is typically repeated three to four times in a shift (usually a 1 1/2 hour or a two hours in length
Building Maintenance Worker
When: Flexible based upon volunteer & FHM representative
What: Are you handy with a hammer or like to paint? Do you have carpentry skills? Do you have an appreciation for the character of older buildings? Tollgate plank road maintenance is as needed. Our historic buildings and village features need “TLC”, tender, loving care!
Brick Walkway Maintenance Worker:
When: Seasonal & flexible in the spring through the fall for weeding.
What: Clear weeds that grow in the brick walkways at the Farmhouse & General Store
“Housekeeper”
When: Flexible when Staff is Available
What: Light housekeeping of the historical buildings, including dusting, sweeping & vacuuming
Artisan or Craftsman
When: Variable & Flexible depending on nature of activity.
If your art or craft fits into an historic context, we welcome you to become involved at the village! Some crafts include but not limited to weaving, drop spinning, candle stick making, rug hooking, and rope making. Historic trades such as blacksmith and tin smith are also desirable. As referenced above, artisans demonstrate their skill for students on field trips, but also special weekend events open to the public and could hold classes open to scouting groups and the community at whole.
Meridian Historical Village Representative at Farmer’s Market
When: Saturday Market Days from 10-12 and/or 12-2
What: Staff information table encouraging visits, volunteering and membership to the FHM. Minimal training needed and will be made available on an as needed basis
Archivist/Librarian
When: Ongoing when staff is available
What: Volunteers organize & make accessible written documents, photographs, maps and artifacts. The archivist/librarian receives guidance from FHM staff as well as reporting to FHM staff.
Outreach Assistant
When: Special events Ongoing & Flexible
What: Someone who loves to keep others informed about the Friends of Historic Meridian & MHV. Taking photographs, promote the historical village through social media. The outreach assistant has strong communication skills. The outreach Assistant receives guidance from FHM staff as well as reporting to FHM staff.
Historic Musical Instrument Maintenance/Care
When: As needed & Periodic
What: Knowledgeable & skillful Organ & Player Piano repairperson
Child Care
Aid with child care while meetings take place or during special events.
Do You Have Other Ideas?
Please share! Email cordill@meridianhistoricalvillage.org or Patrick@meridianhistoricalvill.org
or call 347-7300
