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Volunteering at The History Center starts in the Exhibit Hall -
Exhibit Hall Docents are an integral part of THC community engagement. They are a knowledgeable, conversational, and uplifting presence in our museum front in the Ithaca Commons. Docents staff the front desk and help keep our museum admission-free. This position is ideal for getting familiar with THC, our staff, and current projects. Docents also…
Support community engagement projects like mailing, calling, and poster distribution
Assist in collections digitization and cataloging
Individuals interested in volunteering may also explore our HistoryForge project, a census mapping database.
Employment
Tour Guide - Downtown Walking Tours
Company Description
The History Center in Tompkins County is an education and research institution that connects the public to the rich and diverse history of the area. Through its exhibits, extensive archival collections, and dynamic programs, The History Center encourages the use of historical tools to understand the past, gain insight into present challenges, and influence the future. Located in the heart of downtown Ithaca, the Exhibit Hall showcases rotating displays, while the Research Library and archives serve as invaluable resources for those exploring local history. The Center also offers engaging living history programs for learners of all ages.
Role Description
This is a part time, on-site role for a Tour Guide specializing in walking tours of downtown Ithaca. As a Tour Guide, you will lead groups through historical sites, sharing engaging stories and insights about Tompkins County. Responsibilities include memorizing a comprehensive tour script, learning additional background information, providing excellent customer service, answering visitor questions, and promoting and selling museum services or merchandise. This role requires enthusiastic interaction with diverse groups of people, fostering a memorable learning experience. Tour Guides are ambassadors for The History Center in Tompkins County.
Walking tours are 10-15 blocks, 60-90 minutes long, and will run Thursday through Saturday evenings from May 29 through September 19. Tour guides may work 0-3 tours per week dependent on availability.
A note about compensation - Tour Guides are W2 employees of The History Center in Tompkins County. They are paid $50 per delivered tour, and $25 in-case of a cancelled tour.
Qualifications
Strong skills in Guided Tours and delivering engaging presentations to groups
Excellent Communication and Customer Service abilities to interact with diverse audiences
Knowledge of local History and a passion for storytelling
Ability to work outdoors and lead walking tours for prolonged periods
Flexibility to work some weekends and holidays as needed
Previous experience in education, public history, or hospitality is a bonus
You may apply to this position on LinkedIn or by emailing your resume, cover letter, and a brief introduction to BOTH director@thehistorycenter.net and historian@thehistorycenter.net
The subject of your email should read “Last Name, Application for Tour Guide Position”
8 Square School Teacher
The 8 Square School Teacher, hereafter referred to as “Interpreter” has primary responsibility for managing the field experience at the 8 Square Schoolhouse. Interpreters set-up, deliver, and restore the building for each trip that occurs at the historic building. The 8 Square School Teacher reports directly to the Youth Educator & Eight Square Schoolhouse Coordinator, hereafter referred to as Coordinator. Broadly, services to be performed by the Interpreter for each day scheduled include:
A. Set-up the classroom and school grounds in advance of the arrival of each class.
B. Check-in with the classroom teacher for any particular needs or modifications for their class.
C. Teach the living history curriculum as trained by the Coordinator.
D. Clean up the classroom and school grounds and reset for the next day’s class.
E. Communicate with the Coordinator within 24 hours after the session with any immediate concerns or questions.
F. Complete the post-session reflection form within one week after each season in which you lead at least one field experience.
As the Interpreter, each person will agree to:
• Provide their own transportation to and from the site.
• Maintain the historic time of 1892 as outlined in the curriculum.
• Wear historically appropriate clothing, including long dark skirt, boots, and button up shirt (women), and dark pants, dark shoes, and button up shirt (men).
• Refrain from using cell phones or any other modern-day objects during the class session unless for the safety/needs of the students/program.
• Communicate with the Coordinator in a timely manner about any needs in the classroom materials.
• Treat all students, teachers, chaperones, History Center staff, as well as the schoolhouse, grounds, and all objects with respect and dignity. No punitive measures against students will be tolerated.
The Interpreter will be paid at a rate of $22/hour for all teaching and training. As an employee of The History Center in Tompkins County, you are guaranteed a 5 hour minimum for all field experiences; if the total time at the 8 Square Schoolhouse is less than 5 hours of work, Interpreters may bill for the full 5 hours or $110/day. If a class session is scheduled, and the Interpreter arrives onsite, but the class fails to appear, the Interpreter will still be paid for the day.
Interpreters may elect to be paid bi-weekly, monthly, or at the end of the season, after the Interpreter’s final class, depending on their personal preference. A timesheet template will be provided to each Interpreter, and they are responsible for submitting their time sheet to the Executive Director, at director@thehistorycenter.net.
To Apply
You may apply to this position on LinkedIn or by emailing your resume, cover letter, and a brief introduction to BOTH director@thehistorycenter.net and eightsquare@thehistorycenter.net
The subject of your email should read “Last Name, Application for Tour Guide Position”