• Eleanor Roosevelt's Val-Kill Cottage and Playhouse

    Eleanor Roosevelt

    National Historic Site New York

Volunteer

Volunteer conducting tour of the FDR Greenhouse

Volunteer conducting tour of the Roosevelt Greenhouse

NPS

Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Site

Volunteer Opportunities

Have you ever wanted to work at a National Park assisting visitors? Are you interested in recordkeeping, data entry, or clerical work? Does early 20th century history fascinate you? Do you like leading tours and giving public presentations?

If any of the above intrigues you, consider becoming a volunteer. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available at Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites including:

Visitor Services/Interpretation

· Assisting the interpretive staff conducting tours in the FDR home, Val-Kill, or Vanderbilt Mansion, and on the grounds.

· Assisting the interpretive staff at the visitor center information desks answering questions, and providing information about the park and surrounding area.

· Assisting the interpretive staff in "backing up" large tour and school groups.

Park Stewards

  • In 2009-10 the National Park Service is initiating a "Park Stewards" program for the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Stewards provide security for the buildings and furnishings, perform routine preservation tasks, assist visitors, and answer logistical questions. The Stewards do not present programs or tours.

Train Volunteers

  • If you are a person interested in history, and riding trains, there are opportunities available to volunteer with the National Park Service's Trails to Rails program. Volunteers ride on Amtrak trains presenting programs to riders.

Garden Volunteers

· If you enjoy working outdoors, and are interested in gardening, there are opportunities available to volunteer with the Beatrix Farrand Garden Association or the Frederick W. Vanderbilt Garden Association.

Volunteers work as part of a team along side park staff upholding the high standards of the National Park Service. Candidates should want to learn more about the history of the sites. Information given out must be accurate and clear. The park will train and assist you.

For more information about becoming a volunteer, please contact the park volunteer coordinator at 845-229-7770 or by email.

Did You Know?

Franklin and Eleanor

Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt had six children. 5 lived to adulthood, the oldest a daughter, Anna, and four sons, Elliot, James, Franklin Jr., and John.