VISITOR SERVICES VOLUNTEER

Description of Duties:

Staffs information desk in visitor center, orients visitor to park, introduces movie, collects fees, provides directions and answers phones as needed.

Roves the grounds and fort, initiates visitor contacts providing pertinent information concerning the primary and secondary themes of the park.

The volunteer also fulfills "light security duties" while on the grounds or in the fort. Any safety violation or rule infraction will be dealt with in a matter as prescribed in the training. Any law enforcement issue will be reported immediately to a commissioned ranger.

Volunteers are welcome to develop a formal interpretive program such as a walk or talk. They are asked to consult with the Supervisory Park Ranger.

Operates portable radio as required.

Working Conditions: Work is both indoor and outdoor in nature. Volunteers should come prepared for strong wind and high humidity. Summer temperatures usually range from 90 degrees to 98 degrees. Winter, 38 degrees to freezing. Long hours of walking and standing are required. Bending and light lifting may be required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: The volunteer must be willing and able to develop a knowledge of the basic park story, Baltimore area features, the National Park System, and interpretive techniques. He or she must be able to speak easily to the public in a one-on-one contact situation or large groups.

Supervision: Supervision and training will be provided by the Supervisory Park Ranger and the Volunteer Coordinator. Following the initial learning period, the VIP will be assigned tasks and programs without direct supervision. Off site programs may also be given. Closer supervision will be provided for more difficult tasks or as required.

 

LIVING HISTORY INTERPRETER/FORT MCHENRY GUARD

Description of Duties:

Dresses in period clothing representing a soldier or civilian of 1814.

Initiates visitor contacts, provides information concerning the primary and secondary themes of the park as follows:

Fort McHenry was the key to the successful defense of the city during the Battle of Baltimore, September 12-14, 1814.

Fort McHenry is the birthplace of "The Star-Spangled Banner," written by Francis Scott Key.

Daily life of the garrison soldier-barracks life, rations, drill, guard detail, etc.

Serves as assigned in the Fort McHenry Guard adhering to the Standard Operating Procedures developed for that unit.

May perform off-site living history events, parades and fairs.

Maintains weapons and equipment in working order.

Learns appropriate role in the unit and successfully passes written tests for those skills.

Working Conditions: Work is primarily outdoors in the summer. The volunteer is required to wear authentic wool clothing while exposed to high humidity and temperature. Marching and performing the manual of arms is expected. Bending and light lifting may be required.

Equipment: ALL UNIFORMS, WEAPONS AND OTHER EQUIPMENT WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE PARK. Any personally owned items used by the volunteer must be approved in advance by the park. No original items may be utilized in the living history program.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: The volunteer must be willing and able to develop a basic knowledge of Fort McHenry and the Park story, Baltimore area features, the National Park System and interpretive techniques. He/she must be able to speak easily to the public in one-on-one contact situations or in large groups.

Volunteer Application Form (PDF 24 KB)

You may contact the Volunteer Office either by e-mail: Volunteer Coordinator, or telephone: 410-962-4290. x236.