Interpreter

Staten Island Historical Society at Historic Richmond Town

Historic Richmond Town was founded as the Staten Island Historical Society in 1856. The mission is to create opportunities for the public to explore the diversity of the American experience, especially that of Staten Island and its neighboring communities from the colonial period to the present. It's a remarkable living history town and museum complex with four sites. Not being fixed to a specific time period, famous event or person makes us unique in that we can interpret the rich, diverse cultural tapestry of American life at any point in our history.

This complex includes NYC's oldest continuously working, family farm and two other historic sites - including one of the oldest original houses in the country. There is no other place like it in New York City. Over 100,000 people visit the site each year to enjoy tours, education programs, museum exhibits and special events.

Historic Richmond Town seeks an Interpreter to provide mission focused interactive experiences for school children. Programs are interdisciplinary and bring together history, art, science and technology; they provide educational interpretation of the site to all visitors. The field trips to the site use the Museum’s exhibitions and classrooms to provide content-rich programs for a wide ranging audience. Interpreters will participate in trainings and teach in the historic houses.

The successful candidate will be energetic, outgoing, friendly, and well spoken. An interest in and curiosity about American history is a plus. This position reports to the Director of Education & Public Programs.

Responsibilities (not exclusive to the following)

● Teach inquiry based programming about important events and periods in Staten Island and American history

● Learn all programs by studying the provided program outlines, shadowing programs, co-teaching programs and teaching under observation.

● Don clothing issued by SIHS to create a complete appearance transformation to accurately reflect time periods as assigned.

● Learn and perform (demonstrate) a trade or craft

● Communicate with SIHS administrative staff to ensure all programs are delivered in a timely fashion and meet expectations.

● Attend regularly-scheduled on-site trainings to learn content and program formats.

● Complete and submit all required paperwork including program evaluations, planning session sheets, and time-sheets.

● Additional duties as requested may include but not be limited to leading teacher workshops, parent involvement programs, family programs, and special events.

● Maintain visitor safety and safety of museum collection objects

● Prepare buildings with education props for programs as requested.

● Assist with answering visitor inquiries.

● Assist with education tour programs.

● Assist with organizing storage of program materials.

Qualifications

● Interest in and curiosity about American history

● BA and/or relevant museum education experience including teaching art

● Driver’s license and car a plus

● Customer service experience

● A passion for education

Historic Richmond Town is proud to be an equal opportunity employment workplace dedicated to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work and learning environment and look for future team members who share that same value.

Position Details

Part time hourly: $15/hour.

There is daily schedule flexibility, but priority will be given to those who can work mornings from 9:30 am to 12:45pm, and can be available more than two days a week.

Start Date: Immediately

To Apply

To be considered, interested candidate should send cover letter and resume to [log in to unmask] Please feel free to leave your name and address off your application but be sure to include a contact number and email. No phone calls, drop-offs, or faxed applications will be considered. Replies will only be sent to qualified applicants.