Living History Interpreter

Help visitors go back in time and appreciate the stories of one of the most important battles of the American Civil War. Volunteers will wear period military and civilian costumes and present programs that try to bring history to life. Men, women, and children are welcome to apply. Historic weapons demonstrators must be at least 16 years old (18 years for artillery). Groups wishing to present living history programs should submit at least two references from sites, preferably NPS sites, where they participated in similar programs during the last two years. TIME REQUIREMENTS: Individuals - Minimum of 14 weekend days a year (6-8 hour shifts) Groups - Minimum of one weekend per year (6-8 hours each day) SUPERVISOR: Historic Weapons Program Supervisor DUTIES: Completes annual training in the use and interpretation of historic weapons and passes all competency evaluations as necessary. Participates in interpretive programs featuring the use of material culture items (clothing, tools, weapons, etc.) of the Civil War, Volunteers may be asked to research, prepare and present interpretive talks and/or first-person interpretive presentations based on their skills and interest. KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR THE POSITION: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, Ability to work with a team, General knowledge of the Civil War and the Battle of Stones River are desirable, and Must be able to work outdoors for long periods of time wearing historic clothing. TRAINING PROVIDED (R-Required, O-Optional) Volunteer Orientation (R) Orientation to the Battle of Stones River (R) Historic Weapons Training (R for use of weapons) Introduction to the National Park Service: The History of the NPS (R) Foundations of Interpretation (R) Effective Informal Interpretation (R) Effective Interpretive Talks (O) First Aid and CPR (O)