Historical Interpreter

Purpose of Position:

Share the stories of the American maritime experience with museum audiences of all ages in a thematic, organized, relevant, and enjoyable manner through demonstrations, presentations, storytelling, performance, and conversation with visitors of all ages and interest levels. Demonstrations will include hands on activities and historic trades demonstrations. Interpreters will work in a variety of exhibits, including, but not limited to, historic trades and facilitated family learning spaces.

Additional work with the education department and with public program events will be required, as needed. This work may include on grounds tours and presentations, in school programming, or virtual programming. This position requires a minimum of one, regularly scheduled weekend day, and some evening work, as needed to execute the goals of the Museum.

Essential Functions:

• Provide a friendly, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all visitors.
• Train and work in a variety of exhibits that highlight different aspects of maritime history. This training may involve historic trades, demonstrations of maritime skills, presentations about maritime topics, theatrical or musical performances, and participatory activities for youth and family audiences.
• Conduct programs and hands-on activities for adults and children in assigned exhibits, as needed. Collaborate with other departments on program goals, schedules, and activities. These may include after hours or weekend programs.
• Conduct primary and secondary research, on existing and upcoming exhibits, demonstrations and programs. Distill research to help develop interpretive content and presentations.
• Ensure dissemination of excellent interpretive programming through ongoing training, personal and assigned readings, workshops, department meetings, and other trainings as required
• Be familiar with and demonstrate knowledge of the museum and its offerings so as to orient and guide visitors to help them make the best use of the Museum.
• Be familiar with and follow all museum-wide and departmental policies
• Care for exhibits, objects and artifacts in the spaces assigned and serve as the “first line” of security for them
• Train with the education department to conduct on grounds tours, in school outreaches, and virtual programs, as needed.
• Assist in visitor studies projects and data collection as necessary
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Friendly & welcoming personality
• Public performance or speaking experience
• Some customer service experience
• Ability and willingness to accept work assignments in challenging conditions, such as: hot/cold temperatures, all types of weather, proximity to wood/coal stove fires
• Ability and willingness to work with visitors of various ages and learning styles.
• Ability and willingness to work on a team and independently
• Ability and willingness to work at least one weekend day each week
• Possess or be willing to acquire and use one or more special skills or crafts, including (but not limited to): working aloft on vessels; performing physically demanding demonstrations; theatrical performance; wood carving; blacksmithing; coopering; type-setting and hand press printing; vocal and instrumental musical performance; open-hearth cooking.
• At least one year of college level training or the equivalent experience
• Basic proficiency in using e-mail, web browsing applications, and Microsoft Office suite.
• Demonstrated ability to advance knowledge and skills through self-directed activities
• Must be able to exchange information proficiently with visitors