Frontier Culture Museum Volunteer Handbook 2013

Welcome to the Frontier Culture Museum Volunteer Program! This handbook contains general information which is useful to all Museum volunteers; information pertaining to your specific work assignment will be available from your supervisor after you have completed orientation and are beginning your volunteer work. Please let Museum Operations Manager/Volunteer Coordinator Lydia Volskis know if you have further questions. She can be reached at 540-332-7850 x 165, at Lydia.Volskis@frontiermuseum.org by mail at PO Box 810 Staunton, VA 24402 or at her office in the administration building. This handbook is updated periodically as needed.

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Table of Contents

I. Museum Mission and History p. 3-5II. Museum Tour and Orientation for New Volunteers p. 6III. Major Buildings and Facilities p. 7

VC - Ticketing, TIC, Film, Collections, RestroomsAdministration – Administration, American Frontier Culture Foundation, StoreDairy Barn I – Interpretation, Education, Offices, Library, Lecture HallDairy Barn II – Maintenance, Collections, Storage, Caretaker ApartmentOctagonal Barn- Upper and lower levels, restrooms, wooded amphitheaterCochran Pavilion – Kitchen and handicapped restroomsDod Amphitheater

IV. Life at the Museum p. 8Who’s Who – Senior Staff at the MuseumParkingMuseum IDKitchen/Picnic/VendingMuseum Dress CodeLost and Found

V. Safety and Health p. 11Fire Extinguishers and Emergency ExitsInjuries on the Job, Weather Related Closings

VI. Volunteer Job Specifics p. 12Training and EvaluationVolunteer Hours RecordedAbsencesCommunicationsJob AssignmentsVolunteer Apparel and IDVolunteer Benefits & “Perks”

VII. Museum Departments and Volunteer Needs p. 14

Buildings and GroundsCollectionsCostumesEducation and InterpretationLibraryMarketingAmerican Frontier Culture FoundationHistoric Buildings, Trades and RestorationSpecial EventsOther Volunteer Opportunities

VIII. Volunteer Timesheet p. 17IX. Volunteer Emergency Contact Form p. 18X. Volunteer Application p. 19

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Frontier Culture Museum Mission StatementThe mission of the Frontier Culture Museum is to increase public knowledge of the formation of a distinctive American folk culture from the synthesis of European, African and indigenous peoples. The Museum uses historic structures, artifacts, and living history interpretation to represent how immigrants to America lived in their homelands, crossed the Atlantic, and traveled from coastal ports into the Shenandoah Valley. These travelers built farms along the early Western Frontier where they and their descendants formed a new American culture.

A Brief History of the Frontier Culture MuseumThe Frontier Culture Museum is the product of an effort that began in the mid-1970s during the planning of America’s Bicentennial celebration. The idea for the museum was first presented by Mr. Eric Montgomery, then Director of the Ulster-American Folk Park and a member of the Northern Ireland Bicentennial Liaison Committee. He proposed a museum that would be similar to the Ulster-American Folk Park, but of a more multinational character, where Americans of all ages could learn about their Old World ancestors, and their contributions to the creation of the American way of life.

In 1976, Mr. Montgomery and colleagues from Northern Ireland met with a group of leaders in the American museum community at the Smithsonian Institute to discuss his idea. Dr. Henry Glassie, then at the University of Pennsylvania, attended the meeting and was asked to prepare a formal proposal. This proposal, entitled, “A Museum of American Frontier Culture: A Proposal”, was completed and published in 1978. Glassie believed that the culture of the frontier was an important aspect of the American character and identity that had not received sufficient attention by American scholars. He envisioned an outdoor museum where frontier culture would be the central theme, and the unique American identity would be highlighted by material culture and living history demonstrations.

Glassie proposed that the museum be comprised of four farms: one each from the North of Ireland, Germany, England; and the Appalachian region of the United States. He stressed the importance of identifying and acquiring original structures and restoring them to the earliest pre-modern date feasible. He proposed that the buildings be surrounded by farms and fields, and that each seem like a complete, self-sustaining farming operation that offered natural stages for demonstrations of rural life.

The location of the museum was also identified by Glassie as a key factor. He thought it would be, “historically inept”, for it to be located outside Appalachia because, “it was not until the land rose and swelled that westward moving people developed the distinct frontier culture. In this difficult environment people were forced out of accustomed habits into a willingness to engage in cultural trading”. Therefore, the proposed museum could be located anywhere from western Pennsylvania south to northern Alabama; he identified the southwestern counties of Pennsylvania and the Valley of Virginia as the two most promising locations.

The effort to make such a museum a reality became focused in the late 1970s with the creation of a Joint International Committee for a Museum of American Frontier Culture with representatives from the United States, Great Britain and Germany. The effort was greatly advanced when officials of the state of Virginia took positive action to have the museum located there. In 1980, the Virginia General Assembly authorized the Jamestown/Yorktown Foundation to work with the Joint International Committee to plan the museum, and offered a 78 acre parcel

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of state land near Staunton, Virginia, at the intersection of Interstates 64 and 81, as a possible location.

In mid-November 1980, a three day, “Planning Conference for a Museum of American Frontier Culture”, funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities was held at Staunton. The conference was attended by 68 official participants and joined by some 35 guests and observers. Over the course of the three days the proposal for the museum was discussed and the site offered by the state of Virginia examined. Guidelines and specific directions were established for an on-going development plan for the project; the site offered by the state of Virginia was tentatively determined to be a viable one; an executive committee was created; funding sources for the project were identified; the creation of a private, non-profit foundation was recommended; and the need for land use and economic impact studies was identified and positive action taken to initiate them.

Over the course of the next few years the key recommendations at the 1980 planning conference were successfully acted upon. In May of 1981 the Jamestown/Yorktown Foundation selected the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University to perform land use and economic impacts studies for the proposed museum. The following year, the studies concluded that the project and the Staunton site were economically viable, and presented a number of possible site plans for the museum. During this period the Joint International Committee was at work as well. Appropriate traditional buildings were identified in Germany, Northern Ireland and England, and plans for dismantling and restoration were prepared. Financing of this work was also arranged through private banks.

An important milestone in the creation of the museum was reached in 1982 with the chartering of the American Frontier Foundation, Inc. Established as a nonprofit corporation under Virginia law, the Foundation became the repository of all gifts of money and materials to the proposed museum. By 1984, the Foundation had received $1,000,000 dollars for the project, with over half of that figured being contributed by the local governments of cities of Staunton and Waynesboro, and Augusta County.

The last half of the 1980s saw what had begun as an idea a decade before become a reality. In early 1985, Mr. Walter Heyer was named Executive Director of the Museum of American Culture. That same year, the Governor of Virginia, Charles Robb, transferred the 78 acre parcel at Staunton to the Jamestown/Yorktown Foundation to be the site of the museum, and dedicated it in a ceremony attended by 300 people. In 1986, the Virginia General Assembly passed an act creating the Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia as an independent state agency with annual appropriation.

In 1984 and 1985, the Ulster-American Folk Park numbered and dismantled a stone farmstead in County Tyrone and shipped it to Virginia. In 1987, the Governor of Virginia, Gerald Baliles laid the corner stone of the Ulster farmhouse in a ceremony at the museum site. The museum also acquired an American farmstead, located in Botetourt County, Virginia, and began the dismantling and restoration of its structures. Progress on the English and German buildings was proving slower than anticipated. The state of Virginia provided funding for the design and construction of a modern visitor center and administration complex which was completed during 1987 and 1988.

The Frontier Culture Museum officially opened in September 1988, with the visitor center complex and the Ulster and American farms in place. During the museum’s first several years the buildings from Germany and England arrived and were reconstructed on their designated

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sites. In 1992 the museum acquired, relocated, and restored a unique octagonal barn - located outside of its historic farmsite area - to be used as meeting and special events space. In 1995, an Ulster forge was donated to the museum by the Ulster-American Folk Park and reconstructed by museum staff. A timber-frame German barn was restored and reconstructed by museum staff in 2001, and in 2005 the Bowman House, an early eighteenth century dwelling from nearby Rockingham County Virginia was moved and reconstructed at the Museum.

The Museum employs costumed interpreters at each of its historic farmsites who perform the daily tasks of pre-industrial rural life, and furnishes the historic buildings with reproductions based on historic forms, and has developed educational programs as well as historic agriculture and livestock programs.

Due to a limited amount of indoor exhibit space the museum has often mounted small exhibits which highlight or expand its living history programs. The museum permanent collection has grown to include some 5000 artifacts, many of which relate to its historic buildings. The museum has also built a library collection of some 4000 volumes. The subjects covered by its library collection include history, specifically works relating to the cultures represented at the museum, geography, architecture, costuming, and historic crafts and trades.

Soon after it opened to the public, the leadership of the Frontier Culture Museum began to develop long-range plans for the future. Initially, the Museum’s land holdings were limited to the 78 acre parcel granted to it in 1985; however, over the ensuing years the state of Virginia transferred an additional 218 acres of surrounding land. A portion of this land is designated for the expansion of the Museum’s outdoor exhibits. This expansion is planned to further develop the Museum’s interpretation of early life on the eighteenth century frontier. The Bowman House, the historic eighteenth century German-American farmhouse from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia was donated to the museum and served as the first structure in this expansion. The 1850’s American House has been moved to join the Bowman House in the New World section of the Museum. In 2009 the Shuler Schoolhouse, a mid-nineteenth century schoolhouse also from Rockingham County Virginia was reconstructed adjacent to the Bowman and 1850’s farm sites. The Museum has erected a 1740’s settlers cabin and small farmstead, depicting life on the early frontier, close to the larger American farms, and is in the process of constructing an American Indian site, also located in the New World portion of the Museum. The Old World section of the museum has also undergone a major change with the departure of the 1850’s American farm and the construction – with the help and support of the Nigerian and Nigerian-American Igbo community - of a West African farm where the contributions of Africans and their American descendants to the creation of American culture on the eighteenth century frontier are interpreted.

The Museum’s plan for the future also calls for the design and construction of an exhibit gallery, the focus of which will be the immigrant experience, including a section dealing with the trans-Atlantic voyage from the Old World to the New World. Additionally, the Museum hopes to construct/reconstruct a “crossroads village” depicting life in the mid-eighteenth century. The village will be located in the New World and will consist of craftsmen and trades shops, dwellings, a mill and possible a church and other buildings.

The Frontier Culture Museum utilizes an operating budget of approximately $1.5 million per year, and attracts about 70,000 visitors. The Museum is an educational agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Museum is accredited by the American Association of Museums (AAM) and is a Member of both the AAM and the Virginia Association of Museums.

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Museum Tour and Orientation for New Volunteers

New volunteers at the Museum should make an appointment to meet with Volunteer Coordinator Lydia Volskis. At this meeting, we will review your volunteer application and discuss the type of volunteer service you might enjoy! Lydia will offer a copy of the volunteer handbook and any other useful materials, and set up a time for new volunteers to have their first experience in the department of choice. It’s important for new volunteers to make time for such a meeting, it helps Museum staff learn more about you than can be conveyed on paper, and it gives you a chance to ask questions and begin familiarizing yourself with the Museum and its people. New volunteers should also plan to take a complimentary tour of the site with a friend or family member before beginning work – have some fun!

As always, Museum volunteer assignments are made with consideration given to the Museum’s mission and needs at the time, and the prospective volunteer’s time and talents. Volunteers are welcomed and much appreciated, and are supervised in the same manner as staff. Volunteers are asked to follow the same standards of conduct and workplace policies as paid staff.

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Major Buildings and Facilities

Visitor Center - The Visitor’s Center, located in the administrative complex of weatherboard buildings, contains the ticketing area, a theater for the Museum orientation film, a small gallery, collections department offices and the Travel Information Center (TIC). The TIC is a collaboration between the Museum and Augusta County. It offers brochures, maps, and tourism and travel information. Only Museum staff are permitted behind the counter at the Visitors Center, and telephones there are for state business only. Please feel free to stop and say hello to staff in the VC, but keep your visits short as it’s a busy place – even in slow visitation times the staff there have other work tasks to complete.Administration Building - The administration building hosts the Museum’s executive, administrative, marketing and fiscal offices, the agency mail and copy room, and, in a basement suite, the administrative offices of the American Frontier Culture Foundation. The Foundation is a non-profit 501c3 organization whose mission is to support the Museum through fundraising and investment activities. Museum Store – The Store is operated by the American Frontier Culture Foundation, and contains books, apparel, music, mementos, gift and craft items as well as sodas, snacks, ice cream and famous made-on-site fudge.Dairy Barn I – The first of two 1940’s era dairy barns originally housing a dairy herd, has been renovated for use by the education and interpretation departments. The Barn features a fudge kitchen, education room, offices, staff lunchroom and locker rooms, library and a lecture hall. The library is available for staff, volunteer and limited public use between the hours of 9 and 5 on weekdays (no holidays or weekends). See Deputy Director Eric Bryan for permission to check out items from the library.Dairy Barn II – The second dairy barn has been renovated to house maintenance, historic trades, and collections storage, as well as some general storage, the woodshop, offices and a small apartment for the Museum caretaker.Octagonal Barn – The Octagonal Barn, located outside the historic area adjacent to the Museum’s main parking lot, offers a lower level (A/C and heat) meeting space and upper level (no A/C or heat but rustic interior) meeting space. The Barn is rented for special events and often offers a place for groups of schoolchildren to eat lunch. Public restrooms are adjacent to the Barn; these restrooms are operational from April through November. A small wooded amphitheater is adjacent to the Octagonal Barn, down the slope in a wooded area; it contains a simple raised wood platform stage.Cochran Pavilion – The pavilion sits on the hill just outside the Visitor’s center breezeway/gate to the historic sites. It is an open-air large picnic and event pavilion with drop-down flap sides, a catering kitchen, handicapped restrooms and storage. It is equipped with ceiling fans and a sound system. Dod Amphitheater – The Dod Amphitheater is located in the wooded area adjacent to and behind the Irish farmsite. It features a raised professional stage with lights, electricity and storage areas, a natural venue for benches, chairs and blankets among the trees and nearby pasture as well as space for a variety of vendors at larger events.

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Daily Life at the MuseumWho’s Who at the Museum – Senior Staff positions

Executive DirectorExecutive Director G. John Avoli has been with the Museum since January 2002. The Executive Director works with the Museum’s Board of Trustees (appointed by the Governor to staggered four-year terms) to set policy and oversee the management of the Museum. Additionally he works closely with the American Frontier Culture Foundation’s Board of Directors to secure funds and resources for the Museum’s programs; the Foundation is a 501C3 non-profit organization which exists to support the Museum. The Executive Director spends a considerable amount of time managing external contacts and community interactions in addition to day-to-day management work and decisions. Supervision of personnel at the Museum is solely at the discretion of the Executive Director following state personnel guidelines; the Museum’s Boards have no role in personnel management. His office is in the administration building.

Deputy DirectorDeputy Director Eric Bryan oversees the Curator of Interpretation, Curator of Education (currently an Interim), and all staff within these departments as well as the Curator of Historic Buildings and staff, and the Curator of Collections. He also acts as the Executive Director’s “second” as needed in all matters pertaining to the management of the Museum. His special area of interest includes historical research and the development and approval of all interpretive materials used by staff and volunteers on the Museum site, and he oversees the Museum’s small research library. His office is in the administration building.

Buildings and Grounds SupervisorCliff Edwards oversees the Museum’s physical plant, facilities and grounds, and manages a staff of several fulltime and part-time employees. Cliff and his staff are responsible for the modern buildings, roads and pathways, safety and security, general grounds maintenance, housekeeping, and day-to-day issues and maintenance. Responsibility for the care and maintenance of historic buildings lies with the Curator of Historic Buildings.

Agency Administration CoordinatorAgency Administration Coordinator Mark Gatewood serves as the agency’s Virginia Contracting Officer, as main contact for Safety and Health issues within the Museum, as the agency Training Coordinator, and as the Worker’s Compensation liaison. He assists the Building and Grounds Department with special projects and events as needed, and helps oversee volunteers who drive the daily tram shuttles during the Museum’s busy season.

Fiscal OfficerMerritt Schoonover serves as the Museum’s Fiscal Officer. She oversees all aspects of the state agency’s Revenues and Expenditures, manages the state appropriation and other funds, oversees all department budgets, prepares and controls the overall agency budget, works closely with the departments of Planning and Budget, Accounts and Treasury in Richmond to ensure that the Museum is in compliance with all state laws and regulations. She also oversees other fiscal staff and the Visitor’s Center. She is responsible for payroll, benefits and retirement

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deduction processing and a variety of other functions. She holds a Bachelor’s degree as well as a recently earned MBA.Operations ManagerOperations Manager Lydia Volskis has been with the Museum since 1993 in a variety of roles. She acts as Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director, carries out Board of Trustees administrative tasks and acts as meeting secretary, serves as the agency’s Human Resource manager, manages the Museum Volunteer program, conducts operational planning for Special Events and seasonal programs, and often works on short-term projects which arise throughout the year. Her office is in the administration building.

Marketing DirectorThe Marketing Director’s position is currently vacant, but is responsible for all aspects of the marketing and sales of the Museum and its programs to both schools and the general public. A significant component of the job consists of personal visits and community outreach to engage and educate both individuals and potential business partners about the Museum and the value of its programs and offerings. The position is likely to be filled beginning in July 2013.

Curator of CollectionsDavid Puckett is the Museum’s Curator of Collections, He is responsible for overseeing the care, acquisition and de-accessioning of the various objects, artifacts, archival materials and reproductions owned by the Museum.

Curator of Historic BuildingsRay Wright serves as the Curator of Historic Buildings. He and his staff team care for the reconstructed and recreated historic farm buildings and their physical environments.

Director of InterpretationAlex Tillen is the Director of Interpretation, and oversees all staff and interpretive content and activities on the farmsites as well as outreach programs. He is also responsible for the volunteer junior interpreter program “The John Lewis Society”.

Education DirectorThe Education Director’s position is currently vacant due to budget issues, and Interim Education Director Andrew Richardson is managing the duties for the time being. The Education Director is responsible for all educational programs on site and outreach, content as it relates to the Virginia Standards of Learning, liaison with teachers and some marketing of educational programs.

American Frontier Culture Foundation StaffThe American frontier Culture Foundation is a 501C3 non-profit fundraising organization which raises money and other resources to support the Museum’s mission. The Foundation also operates the Museum Store. Their offices are in the basement of the administration building, and staff include Foundation Manager Fran Carrington, Foundation Assistant Anne McPherson, Foundation Grantwriter Ann Rogan, Communications Officer Cookie Toms and Store Manager Kimmi Wills.

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Parking – Museum volunteers may park in the main parking lot, or in the Dairy Barn lot which is primarily for staff use. No parking is allowed behind the pavilion or in the lower level of the administration building. No vehicles are allowed on the historic sites loop road, and only after or before hours for a special purpose. Be sure to lock your car and keep valuables out of sight. Sometimes for large events, the agency head may instruct staff and volunteers to park in a special place to allow more room for other cars. Please be sure to observe all speed limits when driving at the Museum – we host many schoolchildren, families, senior citizens and have all manner of farm and utility vehicles on site.

Museum ID – Your supervisor will let you know what form of Museum ID is required for your job. A photo ID may be issued, or a temporary name tag. If you plan to visit other museums that may have a reciprocal admission agreement, ask the Volunteer Coordinator for a letter identifying you as a volunteer. (At least two days advance notice that you need such a letter is best!)

Kitchen/Picnic/Vending – You may be at the Museum during a mealtime or may need to take an occasional break. There is a small kitchen in the basement of the administration building and a kitchen in the staff lunchroom of the Dairy Barn, both with refrigerators for storing a lunch. Please be sure to label your lunch and take remnants away . The education room kitchen in the Dairy Barn is a health department inspected kitchen for catering and fudge-making and is not used for a lunch area. There are several picnic areas – adjacent to the main parking lot and outside the Museum Store which you may use. We ask that you not picnic on the historic sites. Vending machines are located outside the Museum Store with sodas, water and snacks and the Store sells snacks, ice cream, water and sodas. The Sheetz gas station near the Museum’s main entrance sells a variety of beverages, snacks and sandwiches.

Dress Code – A high standard of neatness and cleanliness is required, as the Museum is a state agency and represents not only ourselves but the Board of Trustees, the Secretary of Education and the Governor. Volunteers at the Museum may be fitted with a historic costume, issued a Museum polo or sweatshirt, or work in civilian clothes; your supervisor will let you know which of these is appropriate for your job. Volunteers follow the same dress code as staff.

Unless you are in costume or are working at manual labor tasks, the Museum dress code is “business casual”; at all times clean, pressed, presentable and following modern standards of business workplace hygiene. Khakis and chino pants or nice casual office attire is the norm, with polo’s, collared shirts, sweatshirts, tees or sweaters depending upon season. Not allowed are blue jeans (unless special permission), cutoffs, extensively logoed items, spaghetti strap tank or tube tops, skirts shorter than 2” above the knee, shorts with less than a 6” inseam, beachwear, bathing suits, pajamas, exposed undergarments or flip-flops. The Museum reserves the right to ask a staff member or volunteer dressed inappropriately or not following proper cleanliness standards to return home to correct the situation. For special events, the dress code for all non-costumed staff and volunteers is more standardized, usually a Museum logo top with tan or navy khaki or chino pants, shorts or skirt.

Lost and Found – A lost and found box is located in the Visitors Center for items you may have lost or items you find!

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Safety and Health

Fire extinguishers and emergency exits – Fire extinguishers are located throughout the Museum, both in all modern buildings and hidden in each historic building. When you arrive at your work location, and are learning about your volunteer job, be sure to ask your supervisor or a co-worker where the fire extinguishers are located. In each of the historic houses, they are hidden behind small cabinets and false doors along with emergency telephone systems. You should also familiarize yourself with the location of emergency exits from each modern building, and check with your supervisor regarding emergency exit from a historic building.

Emergency on site - If a site-wide emergency occurs, you will be notified by paid staff and/or your supervisor as to what to do and where to assemble. If an emergency situation occurs where you are working such as an accident or sudden illness, you should immediately call the Museum Visitors Center at 332-7850 x 124 to report the location and nature of the emergency. They will summon emergency help. If you are unable to reach the Visitors Center, call the switchboard at 332-7850 x 110.

Injuries on the job – Volunteers are exposed to many of the same hazards as paid staff, including slips, trips and falls, cuts and bruises. When you begin volunteer work, you should fill out an emergency contact form which will be on file with the volunteer coordinator. If you are injured while serving as a volunteer, you must, as soon as possible, fill out an Incident Report, which is available from your supervisor, Visitor Center staff or in the administration building. If your injury requires medical care, the general liability coverage provided through the Commonwealth of Virginia Risk Management Plan may reimburse you for expenses related to an injury sustained while volunteering at the Museum. To be eligible for reimbursement you must provide the Safety Office/Volunteer Coordinator with the following:

1. A completed and signed incident report Form giving full details of what, how, when and where your injury occurred.

2. Itemized medical bills, including the dates on which the services were provided.3. Admission/discharge summary if applicable4. Risk Management may also ask you to provide copies of other physician’s information

related to the case.

You must also have an up to date Volunteer Application on file with the Museum documenting your relationship as a volunteer to the Museum.

Prevention is always better than dealing with an injury. Your staff supervisor will work with you to assure that you have the proper tools and information to complete your volunteer tasks safely. If you notice potentially unsafe conditions in your work area, please report them to your supervisor.

Weather Related Closings – In case of inclement weather, the Museum may open late or be closed. Call the Museum at 540-332-7850 and when prompted to enter an extension, enter 7669 (SNOW), for the latest news on closings or late openings. Usually the information is announced on TV on WVIR Channel 4 NBC from Charlottesville, and WKDW AM 900 in Staunton, but the SNOW line is the best place to check first.

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Volunteer Job Specifics

Training and Evaluation – Your supervisor will let you know what type of training is needed for your volunteer job. This may consist of reading background information about the historic farms, acting as a “shadow” on the job to learn the basics of your position, participating in training sessions for staff and volunteers and more. We ask that volunteers who work on the farmsites learn and relay the historic information according to our training materials which are under the direction of Deputy Director Eric Bryan. The Museum has carried out extensive research over several decades, and prefers to focus interpretive information on certain aspects of the historic farm’s history. This allows for consistent and accurate shared information by interpretive staff and volunteers. If you find or learn other information about your assigned farm, you must present it to Mr. Bryan for review before sharing with guests at the Museum.

Volunteers are evaluated in much the same manner as staff, with your supervisor acting as trainer and coach; he or she will let you know what aspects of your volunteer job you are doing well, and if needed may offer constructive feedback on ways you can strengthen your performance. Feel free to ask your supervisor about your volunteer work and for feedback!

Volunteer Hours RecordedThe Museum asks that all volunteers record and report their hours worked. This information is useful both in relaying to our Boards and state officials the extent of the work Museum volunteers perform, as well as for grant-writing purposes – and just for interest’s sake! You may either use one of the two volunteer time log books (one in the Interpretive lunchroom and one in administration building lobby) to record your time, or you may email your hours worked to the Volunteer Coordinator on a regular basis. Blank time sheets are available in each book and hours are periodically recorded and time sheets collected. We recommend that you tally and report your hours either weekly or monthly. Our yearly volunteer hour totals are calculated each fiscal year, which runs from July 1 – June 30, so each June the Volunteer Coordinator will remind volunteers to ensure that all hours for the previous year are communicated to her!

AbsencesFrom time to time everyone has a sick day, vacation or family needs which cause an absence. If you will be absent from your scheduled post, let the Volunteer Coordinator or your supervisor know as soon as you are able. But remember, just as with staff, once you have committed to a volunteer job, repeated or unannounced absences may place a burden on Museum staff or other volunteers who are counting on you to be there to help with the day’s tasks. If attendance is a concern, we may ask you to step away from your volunteer duties for awhile until your schedule is more dependable. The Museum in recent years has been very short-staffed due to state budget woes, with all of us handling many more duties than ever before - we sincerely appreciate the help of all of our volunteers!

CommunicationsThe Museum generally communicates with volunteers by email, telephone or occasionally with mailed materials. When you complete your volunteer application, you should offer as many means of contacting you as are available. Email is particularly useful as it is economical and allows staff to contact a number of volunteers at once re’ updates and news. The Volunteer Coordinator sends a weekly schedule for tram and greeter duty, and several departments schedule their volunteers on an as-needed basis and according to the volunteer’s time available.

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Volunteer Job AssignmentsThe Museum makes volunteer job assignments based on the Museum’s needs as well as the prospective volunteer’s interests and talents. Often volunteers participate in a certain job, and then “immigrate” to another job after a season or two, as they learn more about the Museum. The Museum asks that such transitions occur after consultation with the Volunteer Coordinator and with adequate forewarning, to allow for coverage of the vacated volunteer job.

All volunteers must be assigned to a position through the Volunteer Coordinator, and will be overseen by a supervisor in the particular Museum department. Volunteers with ideas for possible tasks around the Museum should gain approval to proceed and input from the Volunteer Coordinator or Deputy Director before initiating work. This way, everyone is accounted for, has a specific job assigned and a supervisor for guidance. All Museum projects, including staff and volunteer tasks, are reviewed and approved centrally to ensure that the work supports the mission, priorities and needs of the Museum.

Volunteer Apparel and IdentificationMuseum polo’s or sweatshirts will be issued to new volunteers unless they are costumed; in order to be eligible for subsequent upgrades to volunteer apparel, volunteers must have worked on a regular basis during the previous six months. Volunteer identification badges will be issued to new volunteers and should be worn when on Museum grounds.

The Volunteer Coordinator keeps a small supply of shirts “on hand” and places an order twice a year, in Spring and in early Fall. Volunteers may choose to take their own preferred garments to the trophy and apparel shop across from the Museum on Frontier Drive who will embroider a Museum logo onto the piece for $5. Many Museum staff use this service to place a logo on outerwear or other favorite garments. Museum volunteers are required to follow the Museum’s staff dress code (previous chapter).

If a volunteer is traveling to other Museum’s around the state and country, the Volunteer Coordinator can prepare a letter on Museum letterhead identifying the volunteer and requesting complimentary or reduced admission if offered. The Museum does not have control over what “perks” other museums may offer but this may be available. You should let the Volunteer Coordinator know several days in advance of when you need such a letter.

Volunteer BenefitsBeing a Museum volunteer is not only enjoyable, challenging and educational, but offers several “perks”. Regular Museum volunteers receive free admission to the Museum during regular business days (a few special events may restrict free admission or complimentary passes and require special ticketing), and may receive up to 12 complimentary passes a year to bring family and guests to the Museum. Museum volunteers also receive a 20% discount on Museum Store merchandise (some consignment pieces may be exempt) and advance notice of special sales. The Museum hosts several volunteer appreciation social events throughout the year including a Volunteer Appreciation cookout in the late summer, a staff and volunteer Holiday breakfast in December, a luncheon on Spring “Cleanup Day” and occasional other events. Volunteers are regularly featured in the American Frontier Culture Foundation’s newsletter and other recognition programs throughout the year.

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Museum Departments and Volunteer NeedsBuildings and GroundsThe Buildings and Grounds “B&G” team is charged with the care and maintenance of a 300 acre site, with an ever-expanding roster of buildings and exhibits. While the care of the actual exhibits falls to the Historic Buildings, Interpretive and Collections staff, the modern buildings, walkways, flower beds, lawns and all other spaces, plus general maintenance, event prep and troubleshooting must be covered by the B&G team. They need volunteers to mow and weed-eat during the warm season, helpers to maintain decorative flower and shrub beds, assistants for setup of tents and tables and other items for special events, golf cart cleaning and care, occasional light cleaning and general maintenance “fixit” work, and special projects which arise throughout the year. Interested volunteers should submit an application to the volunteer coordinator to begin the process. * A note about maintenance volunteers; while the Museum appreciates well-experienced help in this department, we do not have the staff or time available to serve as mentors or as a “learning experience” for those with a low skill level . For safety reasons volunteers in this department must be able to demonstrate competence with any tools or machines to be used.

CollectionsThe Curator of Collections oversees all the material objects owned by the Museum. This includes original historic objects, furnishings, archives and textiles, as well as reproduction items produced or purchased for use on the site. The Curator often needs assistance with cataloging, recording, cleaning or labeling items, caring for items on the historic farmsites, and occasional data entry and special projects. Qualifications for work with the Curator include being over the age of 18, steady hands, ability to follow directions, strong computer skills, and for some projects, mobility to walk throughout the Museum site to care for various objects. The need for volunteers in this area is sporadic, and depends upon the Curators schedule and current project list. Interested volunteers should submit an application to the volunteer coordinator to begin the process.

CostumesThe Historic Costume department makes, acquires and cares for/repairs period clothing and accessories for nearly 30 interpretive staff as well as nearly fifty junior volunteers. Clothing is designed according to a detailed costume policy and must be approved by the Costume Supervisor, Director of Interpretation and occasionally the Deputy Director before use on the site. The department seeks volunteers with strong hand-sewing and “fixit” skills, knowledge of or ability to learn historic sewing techniques, and the ability to complete work on a specific timeline. Other important skills are a good understanding of modern sewing techniques as well as the use of a sewing machine. Often during the year, special costumes are needed for special events and occasionally a costume assistant is needed to be present at the Museum to assist large numbers of staff and volunteers to get dressed/ready for a program, such as Holiday Lantern Tours. Sometimes a volunteer may be able to take work home for completion, depending upon their skill and availability. Interested volunteers should submit an application to the volunteer coordinator to begin the process.

Interpretation and EducationThe Interpretation Department consists of the costumed historic site staff who deliver the Museum’s programs to the visiting public and schoolchildren, conduct living history activities at the farm exhibits and assist in the care of the exhibit sites. Volunteers are needed as farmsite “greeters” (non-costumed interpreters in Museum logo garments who welcome visitors and share basic information) and costumed interpreters who participate in all living history activities, just as the staff do. Generally volunteers begin as non-costumed greeters and may advance, if

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they wish, to more involved costumed interpretation work based on their performance and on careful study of the farm. Museum staff and volunteers convey information that has been developed over a number of years by our research historians from approved sources. The interpretive content of the site is overseen by the Deputy Director, who makes all decision as to what information is shared with visitors; volunteers must adhere to the same information and standards as staff.

The Education Department concentrates on developing and overseeing interpretive staff delivery of educational programs based on the Virginia Standards of Learning. There is a need for volunteers to assist on busy school days to accompany school groups to their assigned locations, and for special events such as Home School Days. Volunteers in these departments should be personable and enjoy speaking and interacting with others, be able to study and learn information about the farmsites and educational programs, be able to walk up to one mile and be on their feet for up to two hours while working on the site, and be able to participate in light farm tasks such as lifting, bending, cleaning, and gardening as needed. Handcraft or historic music skills are a plus. Interested volunteers should submit an application to the volunteer coordinator to begin the process.

LibraryThe Museum’s library consists of over 6,000 volumes and archives relating to the historic sites and time periods depicted at the Museum. It is located in Dairy Barn I upstairs, across the breezeway from the Lecture Hall, Museum staff and volunteers use the library, and some public access is available with prior appointment on business days. There is a need for an occasional volunteer to re-shelve books and materials and for any special project which may arise. Volunteers must have a good working knowledge of library practice and be able to work independently after instruction. The library is managed by the Museum’s Deputy Director. Interested volunteers should submit an application to the volunteer coordinator to begin the process.

American Frontier Culture FoundationThe Foundation is a private non-profit (501C3) organization which supports the Museum via fundraising and special events. The FDN occasionally has a need for volunteer help with clerical and mailing projects, inventory and other projects in the Museum Store and for special event assistance. In particular, volunteers interested in clerical jobs with the Foundation should have a professional background, be able to appropriately handle confidential information, have excellent people skills and be detail oriented. Interested volunteers should submit an application to the volunteer coordinator to begin the process.

Historic Buildings, Trades and RestorationThe Historic Buildings department restores and maintains the authentic historic structures at the Museum as well as the reproduction buildings and structures. Prospective volunteers should have excellent hand tool skills, particularly in non-mechanized historic methods as well as strong skills in the use of modern equipment and power tools. A background in construction or historic preservation is a plus. Volunteers should also be able to work outdoors in all weather if needed, be capable of lifting, bending, walking and conducting work which is often physically challenging, follow directions, learn specialized information about particular projects and be able to converse with the visiting public about the projects they are working on should the need arise. Interested volunteers should submit an application to the volunteer coordinator to begin the process.

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Special EventsThe Museum hosts a variety of special events on weekends and evenings throughout the year – from May Day to Holiday Lantern Tours. There is always a need for volunteers to help drive trams to transport guests, work in a Coke or beer booth, sell raffle tickets, check ID’s, pick up trash, staff a checkpoint or info booth, lead a tour, help with a meal for visiting performers and many other tasks. The Volunteer Coordinator sends a program or operations plan a month or so ahead of each event via email and interested volunteers sign up for available spaces. If you wish to help with special events, be sure the volunteer coordinator has your email and will send you updates as events occur.

Other Volunteer OpportunitiesTrams - The Museum has a group of volunteers who drive the trams/golf carts carrying guests around the site. The trams run daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (10-4 during winter hours) from March – December. The Volunteer Coordinator sends a weekly tram schedule via email, and interested volunteers sign up for available spaces. Some volunteers choose to work a set schedule of a certain day or time each week, while some prefer to select from available spaces as they are able. Interested volunteers should submit an application to the volunteer coordinator to begin the process.Special Projects – Occasionally the Museum needs help with a project that arises suddenly. A recent example was the gift to the Museum of 150 small trees by a local organization – teams of volunteers were summoned to the Museum to plant the trees along with staff over a several week period. Prospective volunteers who would like to learn about sudden projects should ensure that the Volunteer Coordinator includes their email in the large volunteer list.

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FRONTIER CULTURE MUSEUM VOLUNTEER TIMESHEETVolunteer Name: Month (s) Listed:_______________________Department:__________________________________________________________

Day of week & Date#Hours Worked:Notes:

Date& Day of Week#Hours Worked:Notes:

Date & Day of Week#Hours Worked:Notes:

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Volunteer Emergency Contact Form/Personal Contact Form

Name:_______________________________Date:__________________Mailing Address:_____________________________________________Telephone Land:_____________________________________________Telephone Cell:______________________________________________Email:______________________________________________________

Please check one of the following:___Yes, my contact information may be shared with volunteers and Museum staff (if asked)___No, my contact information may not be shared with volunteers or Museum staff

Emergency Contact Information:Name of Contact:_____________________________________________Mailing address:______________________________________________Telephone Land:______________________________________________Telephone Cell:_______________________________________________Email:_______________________________________________________

As you know, the Museum is a large open-air living history Museum, and while some volunteers may work inside buildings, many work outdoors or in close proximity to plants, animals, water, tools, and other potential health hazards. Do you have any allergies or health concerns it would be useful for us to be aware of of as you volunteer on our beautiful Museum site?____________________________________________________________

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Frontier Culture Museum Volunteer Application

Name:_______________________________________________________________Address:_____________________________State:_____________Zip:____________ Home phone:_______________________Work Phone:________________________Cell Phone:___________________________________________________________*Email:_______________________________________________________________

How did you hear about the Frontier Culture Museum?

Have you volunteered with us before? When and for what activity?

What skills or interests would you like to share with the Museum?

What dates and times are you generally available?

Check any activities below you may be interested in:o Visitor Relations/Greetero Historic trades or restoration (requires at least moderate handcraft skills, ability to

work out-of-doors, lifting, standing and manual tasks)o Gardening and Landscaping (Farmsite or general)o General Maintenance Assistanto Collections Management:o Special Events (assorted tasks):o Educational Programso Receptiono Costumed Interpretero General Group Tour guideo Tram Drivero Fudge makingo Costuming/Seamstresso Short-Term Assignment (occasionally help needed for a specific task, such as

Xeroxing, delivering posters around town, a special event or party, telephone reception etc…)

o Agriculture and Livestock

Send to : Frontier Culture Museum PO Box 810 Staunton, VA 24402-0810 Attn: Lydia Volskis or call Lydia at 540-332-7850 x 165 or by email at: Lydia.Volskis@frontiermuseum.org

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