Decatur House is one of the oldest surviving homes in Washington, DC, and one of only three remaining residential buildings in the country designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, the father of American architecture. Completed in 1818 for naval hero Stephen Decatur and his wife Susan, its distinguished neo-classical architecture and prominent location across from the White House made Decatur House one of the capital's most desirable addresses and home to many of our nation's most prominent figures. Today, visitors hear compelling stories of this unique site, from elite socializing to a fatal duel to a slave's campaign for freedom.

The mission of Decatur House is to educate the public about American cultural and social history as it relates to the House, its location, architecture, preservation, and its occupants and their stories.

The following museum interpreter positions are open. Please send cover letter and resume ATTN: Guide to The Decatur House Museum, 748 Jackson Place, NW Washington, DC 20006

 

MUSEUM GUIDE

 

Work Objective: To accurately and professionally present the museum to the public through weekday and weekend tours and educational programs, designed by the Director of Education and Programs, while maintaining a safe environment for visitors and museum collection.

 

Position Duties:

1 - Responsible for the security of the property, its contents, and the visiting public.

2 - Professionally represent the Decatur House Museum and the National Trust for Historic Preservation to the visiting public.

3 - Must commit a minimum of 12 hours and a maximum of 19 hours a week.

4 - Lead visitors through the house and grounds.

5 - Responsible for being personable and knowledgeable when educating the visiting public on tours.

6 - Assist with on-site educational programs for visitors of all ages.

7 - Participate in continuing education opportunities made possible and provided by the Museum.

8 - Responsible for punctuality and schedule commitment.

9 - Responsible for attending all required meetings.

10 - Assist with other projects when requested during a scheduled shift.

 

Hourly Rate: $7.50 / hour

 

Qualifications: College degree required. Background in history, architecture, museum studies or education a plus. Guiding experience a plus but not required. Availability for weekday and weekend hours a must.

 

 

MUSEUM OUTREACH GUIDE

 

Work Objective: To accurately and professionally present the museum to the public through scheduled weekday and weekend on and off-site educational programs, designed by the Director of Education and Programs, while maintaining a safe environment for visitors and museum collection, and provide substitution support for Museum Guide shifts.

 

Position Duties:

1 - Responsible for the security of the property, its contents, and the visiting public.

2 - Professionally represent the Decatur House Museum and the National Trust for Historic Preservation to the visiting public and outreach groups.

3 - Commitment of a minimum of 4 hours month. Maximum of 19 hours a week.

4 - Present off-site outreach programs and talks, and on-site educational programming for visitors of all ages.

5 - Lead visitors through the house and grounds.

6 - Lead tours as substitutes for Museum Guide shifts occasionally and as needed.

7 - Responsible for being personable and knowledgeable when educating the visiting public on during programs and outreach presentations.

8 - Participate in continuing education opportunities made possible and provided by the Museum.

9 - Responsible for punctuality and schedule commitment.

10 - Responsible for attending all required meetings.

 

Hourly Rate: $7.50 / hour

 

Qualifications: College degree required. Background in history, architecture, museum studies or education a plus. Guiding experience a plus but not required. Availability for weekday and weekend hours a must.

 

 

 

Sheri J. Levinsky

Director of Education and Programs

Decatur House Museum

748 Jackson Place NW

Washington, DC 20036

phone: (202) 842-0920 x 223

fax: (202) 842-0030

email: [log in to unmask]

website: www.decaturhouse.org

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Decatur House Museum is a property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation

For information about visiting the museum, scheduling tours and a calendar of public programs and events, visit our website or call the Department of Education and Programs