Living History Historic Weapons Volunteer

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DISCLAIMER: You MUST be 18 years of or older to volunteer in this position. There are no housing opportunities for this position. Orientation and training will be provided.

Are you passionate about history? Do you want the opportunity to shoot a cannon or a musket?

If so, look no further, and apply to be a part of Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument’s Historic Weapons Program!

We here at Mill Springs Battlefield are in the process of building our Historic Weapons Program, and the next step is bringing in motivated volunteers such as yourself! From Memorial Day to Labor Day every year, Mill Springs Battlefield will be providing a variety of interpretive programs to the public, free of charge. Volunteers will wear period military uniforms and present programs that try and bring history to life.

The Historic Weapons Program is only one part of the Living History Program at Mill Springs.

Living History is where the past is brought back for those in the present to experience and learn from. This includes wearing the clothing of the period and demonstrating work that would have been done during the period being taught. At Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument, our Living History program will emphasize the daily lives of those living during the early Civil War, the battle of Mill Springs, and the people who fought as soldiers both for the Union and the Confederacy. Volunteers selected for positions in our Historic Weapons program will conduct programs in support of our Living History programming efforts.

TIME REQUIREMENTS:

Historic Weapons programming will take place on Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

• Minimum of 15 weekend days a year (6-8 hour shifts)

DUTIES:

• Complete annual training in the use and interpretation of historic weapons and pass all competency evaluations as necessary.
• Participate in interpretive programs featuring the use of material culture items (clothing, tools, weapons, etc.) of the Civil War.
• May be asked to research, prepare, and present interpretive talks and/or first-person interpretive presentations based on their skills and interest while following prescribed interpretive techniques.
• Cleaning and maintaining weapons.
• Assistance with events both on and off site.
• Willingness to dress in period-correct, male-presenting clothing, regardless of gender identity.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR THE POSITON

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills,
• Ability to work with a team,
• General knowledge of the Civil War and the Battle of Mill Springs is desirable,
• Must be able to work outdoors for long periods of time while wearing historic clothing.

REQUIRED TRAINING PROVIDED

• Volunteer Orientation
• Orientation to the Battle of Mill Springs
• Historic Weapons Training
• Foundations of Interpretation

Start Date - 2024-12-13

End Date - 2025-11-30

Activities include: Tour Guide/Interpretation