Volunteer Positions

Listed below are all current Volunteer positions available. If you find one you are interested in apply online or call (803)329-2121 ext 186

• Archaeology
• Building Restoration
• Education and Interpretation
• Living History
• School Programs
• Exhibits
• Kid's Corner
• Marketing
• Membership/Fundraising
• Museum Collections
• Preforming Arts
• Research
• Retail Services
• Special Events/Hospitality
• Support Services
• Visitor Services

Archaeology

Archaeological digs further the study of the Bratton family and the enslaved African Americans on the Brattonsville site. The archaeology collection includes everything from bottles and nails to textile fragments developed from scholarly digs on the property and “surface finds” by staff and visitors.

Archaeology Volunteer (Historic Brattonsville)
Reporting to the Archaeologist, volunteer will help wash, organize, and count artifacts with the goal of having all artifacts sorted and ready for further research. Candidates for this position should have an interest in history and archaeology and be able to work independently. Minimum time commitment: two days a month preferred.

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Building Restoration

Responsible for researching, documenting and restoring historic buildings using correct materials and techniques ensuring structural soundness and historical integrity.

Restoration Volunteer (Historic Brattonsville)
Reporting to the Restoration Architect, volunteer will assist in the repair of the shutters on the Colonel Bratton House with the ultimate goal being the complete repair, refurbishing and repainting of all shutters. Woodworking experience and a knowledge of appropriate tools, techniques, and method of shutter construction essential for this position. Time commitment preferred: one day a week.

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Education and Interpretation

Create and present field trips for students of all ages and interests, portray the lifeways and customs of the 18th and 19th centuries in the SC backcountry, provide interpretation of exhibits and collections for visitors.

Interpreter (All Sites)
Reporting to the Interpretation Manager, volunteers assist with weekday school programs and tours for students and adults and with weekend public programs. Duties might include leading school programs and engaging museum visitors in informal learning opportunities in the galleries or on site. The goal of this position is to provide children and adult groups with a meaningful and educational experience. The ideal candidate would be energetic and outgoing with a love of science, nature, or history, and be comfortable speaking to groups of children and adults. Suggested time commitment: two days a month.

Academy Teacher (Historic Brattonsville)
Reporting to the Interpretation Manager, volunteers assist as part of a team of teachers who instruct children in 1840’s subjects and activities with the goal of creating a first-hand experience of a school day in the South Carolina backcountry in the 1840’s. The ideal candidate for this position should be enthusiastic and energetic, with an interest in history and a love of working with children, and a willingness to wear period clothes during programs. Time commitment: two weekday mornings a month.

Arts-In-Education Volunteer (McCelvey Center)
Reporting to the School Programs Specialist, volunteers assist with the Arts-In-Education programs by processing admissions and ushering to ensure a well-run program. A person who enjoys working with children, is friendly and outgoing and available weekdays will enjoy this opportunity. Time commitment: three hours on the days of performances.

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Living History

Step back in time as a costumed interpreter and bring to life everything from hearth cooking and weaving to blacksmithing and militia drills – opportunities for both 18th and 19th century interpretation are available!

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School Programs

Children make up a large portion of our museum visitors…join us for an opportunity to teach and share the past, the present and the future with our school audience! Opportunities are available at Museum of York County, Historic Brattonsville and McCelvey Center.

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Exhibits

Involved in every stage of exhibit production: planning, design, fabrication, installation, and maintenance of exhibits at all three sites. Subjects include art, art history, science, history, archaeology, anthropology, or a combination.

Exhibit Hall Prep Volunteer (Museum of York County)
Reporting to the Exhibits Manager, volunteers will assist with gallery renovation and construction of new exhibits. Duties might include removal of old exhibit components, resurfacing and painting walls, prepping for murals, construction of framework for new habitats and exhibit cases, and installation if new diorama habitats and exhibit components with the goal of making the hall ready for a new exhibit. An ideal candidate for this opportunity should be skilled with woodworking tools and construction techniques, able to work independently, and be available weekdays during the months of June and July 2006. Artistic or set design experience helpful. Suggested minimum time commitment: one day a week.

Exhibits Volunteer (Museum of York County)
Reporting to the Exhibits Manager, volunteers will assist in the construction and installation of the Piedmont Halls exhibit components. Projects might include assisting in the creation of artificial trees, plants and rocks and in building and surfacing display cases. The goal of this position is the creation of new exhibits about the flora and fauna of the South Carolina Piedmont circa 1400. Candidates must be available weekdays, have an interest in learning museum exhibit techniques and have a flexible schedule. Helpful but not required are carpentry skills and experience with hand tools, artistic ability, experience with molding/casting materials. Time commitment of one day a week.

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Kid's Corner

Create and present activities for programs such as summer day camps, Saturday Samplers, and birthday parties.

Children’s Programs Crafts Assistant (Museum of York County)

Reporting to the Family and Children’s Programs Specialist, volunteers prepare crafts projects for summer camp, birthday parties, Saturday Samplers, etc. The goal is to prepare and organize materials for the crafts projects to ensure a well organized program with an interesting craft project ready in advance. A candidate for this position should enjoy children’s art projects, have some artistic ability, and be able to work independently. Time commitment: varies.

Movie Hosts (Museum of York County)
Reporting to the Family and Children’s Programs Specialist, volunteers assist with movies for families and children by introducing the movie, assisting with concessions, and possibly interpreting related materials or collections afterward. The goal is a well-run event with a movie and snacks followed by a learning opportunity. Time commitment: three hour shifts.

Summer Camp Volunteer (Historic Brattonsville, Museum of York County)
Reporting to the Family and Children’s Programs Specialist, volunteers assist with set up and clean up, games and activities, drinks and snacks, and dress in period clothing if appropriate (HB), with the goal of creating an outstanding day camp experience that is both fun and educational. Candidates must enjoy working with children, be friendly, outgoing, and energetic, and be available weekdays in June or July. Minimum time commitment of one day a week during camp sessions requested.

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Marketing

It’s vital to get the word out to both community members and visitors to the area – if you love marketing and would like to help us be creative, we have opportunities for you.

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Membership/Fundraising

Promotes the CHM and its programs through marketing, membership drives, and regular fundraisers.

Membership Volunteer (Downtown Rock Hill)
Reporting to the Membership Manager, volunteers assist staff with renewal notices, phoning, data entry and mailings with the goal of increasing numbers of new members, renewing members and increasing the diversity of the donor pool. This is a great opportunity for volunteers with excellent communication skills, proficiency with computers and a keen eye for detail. Minimum time commitment of two days per month requested.

Community Event Volunteer (Downtown Rock Hill)
Reporting to the Membership Manager, volunteers represent the CHM at community events and festivals discussing programs and promoting membership with the public with the goal of increasing new and renewing members of the CHM. This is a great volunteer opportunity for someone who is outgoing, friendly with the ability to engage visitors and talk about museum programs. Must be available for about four hours on occasional Saturdays, Spring through Fall.

Marketing Volunteer (Museum of York County)
Reporting to the Marketing and Public Information Assistant, volunteer assists the Marketing Department with monthly mailings to individuals requesting information about the Culture and Heritage Museums. Job entails making copies of cover letter, attaching enclosures and stuffing envelopes. Interested volunteers should have a keen eye for detail. Time commitment: one day a month.

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Museum Collections

Collections include historic structures, decorative and fine arts, furniture, quilts, collections of African and Native American artifacts, and specimen collections including taxidermy mounts. Collections and artifacts are preserved, cataloged, housed and inventoried for use by scholars and the public.

Archives Volunteer (Historical Center – McCelvey Center)
Reporting to the Archivist in our Historical Center, volunteer will assist the HC staff in protecting and preserving historical records and collections. Projects might include organizing maps, rare books, clippings, indexing wills, creating box lists and finding aids for collections. With the ultimate goal to preserve historical documents and photos and make them ready for public use, the ideal individual should have a love of history, strong organizational skills and good attention to detail. Training provided. Time commitment requested: one day a month.

Artifacts Inventory (McCelvey Center)
Reporting to the Collections Manager at the McCelvey Center, volunteer will assist in creating an inventory of the artifacts (approximately 10,000 plus) in the museum by gathering information on each artifact, creating a paper record, and re-housing artifacts when necessary. The goal is to gain intellectual control of the collection so we know what we have, where things are housed, and in what condition. An interest in historical artifacts, an ability to lift moderately heavy objects, an ability to work in a variety of conditions, and keen attention to detail are important. Computer skills helpful as well. Minimum time commitment: two days per month.

Database Volunteer (Museum of York County)
Reporting to the Curator of Natural History, volunteer will assist with the creation of image and library databases related to natural history. Projects include scanning reference images of plants and animals, creating digital files of the images and creation of a database of book and journal articles. The ability to work independently and attention to detail are requirements for this position. Familiarity with Microsoft Work, Excel, and Access helpful but not required. Minimum time commitment: of two days per month.

Mounted Collection Caretaker (Museum of York County)
Reporting to the Curator of Natural History, volunteers assist with yearly maintenance of the mounted animals by removing dust and inspecting for carpet beetles and other pests with the goal of maintaining and preserving the integrity of the collection. Candidates should be available weekdays, pay keen attention to detail, and work well independently. Time commitment: one day a week until project is completed.

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Preforming Arts

Hosts an annual performance series in a 560-seat theater in the McCelvey Center in downtown York. Recent programs include Chanticleer, Jean Redpath, The Glenn Miller Orchestra and The Dixie Hummingbirds.

Showcase Volunteer (McCelvey Center)
Reporting to the Community Programs Manager, volunteers assist with the logistics of showcase performances by adding inserts into playbill, taking admissions, ushering, taking tickets, etc., to ensure smooth operation of the event. The ideal candidate should be outgoing and able to anticipate needs. Time commitment is four to five hours in the afternoon or evening of the event.

Hospitality (McCelvey Center)

Reporting to the Community Programs Manager, volunteers assist staff in creating a welcoming environment and a memorable experience for performers and visitors by providing refreshments or assisting with food preparation. This opportunity is ideal for someone who is outgoing, friendly, and flexible. The time commitment varies but is usually four hours on the day of the event.

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Research

Archives and Library house a large collection of original documents and scholarly publications on topics related to the CHM mission and genealogical reference material. Serves scholars, students, and people doing genealogical research.

Research Volunteer (Historical Center)
Reporting to the Historian, volunteers provide assistance by answering email requests for information, copying material related to the Bratton family in wills, estates, inventories, and family papers. The goal is to process research on the Revolutionary War and the Bratton family and to increase our knowledge of the family. Candidates should have an interest in local history, experience with computers, organization skills. Minimum time commitment: two days a month.

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Retail Services

Museum shops at the Museum of York County and Historic Brattonsville offer a variety of unique and eclectic gifts, pottery, jewelry and souvenirs. A shopping destination for holidays, weddings, and special occasions.

Gift Shop Volunteer (Historic Brattonsville, Museum of York County)
Reporting to the Store Manager, volunteers assist with all aspects of running the store including greeting the public, assisting with purchases, answering the phone, assisting with inventory and arranging displays, with a goal of ensuring that visitors have a pleasant shopping experience. The ideal candidates for this position should be courteous and helpful with excellent communication skills. Suggested minimum time commitment: two days a month.

Data Entry Volunteer (Historic Brattonsville, Museum of York County)
Reporting to the Store Manager, volunteers will update the vendor database by researching and updating vendor information and entering into the computer, with the goal of creating an accurate directory of approximately one hundred vendors. This is a great opportunity for someone who is familiar with computers, enjoys detail, and works well independently. Time commitment requested is one half day per week until project completed.

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Special Events/Hospitality

Staff plan and execute events for families such as Africa Alive, Children’s Day on the Farm, Earth Day Birthday, and Christmas Candlelight Tours.

Special Events Volunteer (Historic Brattonsville, Museum of York County)
Reporting to the Events Manager, volunteers assist in a variety of ways including set up, break down, admissions, concessions, surveys, etc., with a goal of a well-run event and a memorable visitor experience. This is a great opportunity for volunteers who are outgoing and friendly, enjoy working with the public, and are able to work in a variety of conditions. Time commitment varies depending on the event.

Photographer (All sites)
Reporting to the Events Manager, volunteers will attend events and programs to photograph visitors, volunteers, performers, etc., and create a disc of digital images with the goal of creating professional imagery of CHM events for newsletters, brochures, annual reports and other promotional materials. This is a great volunteer opportunity for someone who has skill with a high resolution digital camera, a flexible schedule and a willingness to work in a variety of conditions. Time commitment varies.

Event Decorator (All sites)

Under the direction of the Events Manager, volunteers assist staff in enhancing special events by creating appropriate, attractive decorations and beautiful settings using provided guidelines and materials. Requirements include artistic ability, interest in decorating or flower arranging, willingness to follow directions and work independently. Time commitment: one or two days before events.

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Support Services

Responsible for the cleaning, repair and maintenance of all buildings and for grounds-keeping at our three sites.

Garden Volunteer (Historic Brattonsville, Museum of York County)
With direction from the Historic Farmer, volunteers maintain the 19th century ornamental garden (Historic Brattonsville), the Carolina Fence Garden and the perennial garden (Museum of York County), which are used for educational and ornamental purposes. Candidates should have gardening experience and knowledge of correct planting and pruning techniques. Suggested time commitment: one morning a week Spring through Fall.

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Visitor Services

Performs admissions function at the museums. Ensures that visitors feel welcome, are properly oriented to the museum, and generally assist visitors in any way possible. Answers phone inquiries, give directions to the site, and create statistical reports. Promotes membership and upcoming events.

Front Desk Volunteer (All sites)
Under the supervision of the Visitor Services Manager, volunteers greet, admit and orient visitors to the site, answer phones and prepare and balance cash drawer providing visitors with consistent, superior customer service. This is a wonderful volunteer opportunity for an outgoing person with excellent communication skills and a flexible schedule. Time commitment is two days for training and then, as needed.

Living History Saturdays (Every Saturday from March to November at Historic Brattonsville)
Every Saturday from March through November 25th, Historic Brattonsville staff will be on site with volunteers interpreting a wide variety of historic activities. Each day will involve both 18th and 19th century work, so volunteers can come and work on a wide range of projects or learn new skills.

Volunteer interpreters have the opportunity to bring to life the customs and seasonal activities of the 18th and 19th century planters, yeoman farmers, and enslaved African Americans. Demonstrations include militia drills, cooking, planting, gardening, harvesting, domestic skills, music etc.

We welcome volunteers for a full day or a half day. A light lunch will be provided for volunteers working a full day.

If you are interested in signing up for our special living history Saturdays, please contact Betty Caughman at betcaughman@chmuseums.org or by calling 803,684.2327 ext 107.

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