Cultural Site Interpreter

The Trustees of Reservations•Harvard, MA

2d•$17 - $19•Onsite

About The Position

As a Cultural Site Interpreter, you will bring the stories of our special places to life for our visitors in meaningful, fun, and relevant ways and support the Trustees’ mission to create a sense of belonging and connection at our properties. As a Cultural Site Interpreter at Fruitlands Museum, a historic property that consists of several different galleries and historic buildings, you will lead house tours and engage with visitors. Fruitlands Museum has a diverse collection of art and material culture on 210 acres of land, stunning views, and miles of walking trails. In 1843, Amos Bronson Alcott and Charles Lane turned a swath of Harvard farmland into a Transcendentalist experiment in subsistence farming and Emersonian self-reliance, named Fruitlands, which ultimately disbanded after only seven months. In 1914, Clara Endicott Sears opened the grounds to the public, establishing a museum in the property’s 1820s farmhouse. Now, the 210-acre landscape encompasses five collections first established by Sears: the original Fruitlands Farmhouse; the Shaker Museum, the first such museum in the country; the Wayside Visitor Center, a classroom, education, and exhibit space; the Seasonal Gallery; and the Four Seasons Gallery.

Requirements

Training is available for candidates without cultural interpretation experience.
Weekend availability required.
Current authorization to work in the United States – a candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment.
A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.

Nice To Haves

Background in teaching, museums, customer service, and/or theater preferred.
Enjoy engaging with visitors using a variety of interpretive techniques including storytelling, hands-on activities, and interactive discussion.
Ability to share a passion for history, literature, and/or philosophy.
A degree in history, literature, philosophy, theatre arts, education, museum studies, or a related field preferred.
Intellectually curious and open to learning and sharing new things.
Flexible and willing to meet the needs and interests of visitors.
Reliable and committed to their position, their site team, and the mission of the Trustees.

Responsibilities

Lead and facilitate interactive tour experiences and participatory activities for visitors of all ages.
Welcome and orient visitors, acting as an ambassador for the site and The Trustees.
Attend trainings and regular team meetings to learn about the interpretive philosophy and techniques used at the site.
Follow best practices in historic site interpretation, collections management, and security.
Work up to 4 days per week including weekends, along with coverage during events and public programs as needed.

Benefits

Sick time: 40 hours of paid sick time upfront.
Reciprocity: Employees have access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions.
Discounts: Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores and on stays at our inns.

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