Volunteer - Living History

Job Title:

Living Historian

Job Description:

Throughout the year, the park offers a variety of interpretive programs, including living history, to visitors, free of charge. Due to high demand of these programs, the park needs Living Historians to assist in providing quality experiences for visitors. Living history is an interpretive technique where the past is brought to life. This interpretive technique can cover any period of Fort Smith’s story and can involve demonstrations, talks, weapons programs, etc. Park interpretive themes and training will be provided to the VIP. Opportunities are typically available seven days a week and during special events. Living history can take place both indoors and outdoors.

Skills Needed / Preferred:

• Willingness to talk with visitors
• Ability encourage visitors to stewardship
• Flexibility for various types of weather conditions
• Ability to accurately portray Fort Smith’s story in action, dress, speech, etc.

Goals / Outcomes of Job:

Provide a fun and educational experience for visitors, helping them understand the significance of Fort Smith’s story, along with other park themes.

Benefits to Volunteers:

Ability to work with a variety of visitors; strengthen communication skills; thoroughly learn Fort Smith’s story. Official VIP uniform & period costuming provided.

Number of volunteers needed:

Numbers Vary

Minimum Commitment:

VIP should work with VIP Coordinator to determine topic, length, and date of program.

Location of Position:

Visitor Center & Park Grounds

Supervisor:

VIP Coordinator Cody Faber
479-783-3961

Firearms in the Park:

Under 43 C.F.R. § 20.511, Departmental volunteers in the course of their official duties are prohibited from possessing firearms on property under control of the Department. Because of the stated purpose of the sponsors of Section 512 to provide uniformity under applicable state law from bureau-to-bureau, the potential liability issues that could result, and the absence of any criminal penalties applicable to this regulation, this Departmental policy continues to apply to all NPS/FWS employees and volunteers during their official duties. Volunteers who are not on official duty may possess firearms on Departmental lands under the same conditions applicable to members of the general public, according to P.L. 111-24, Section 512. For this purpose, volunteers are considered the same as other employees when engaged in their official activities