Shawnee Mission, like many other missions, was established as a manual training school attended by boys and girls from Shawnee, Delaware, and other Indian nations from 1839 to 1862. It is filled with history, culture, and the stories of all those that lived there. The Mission is always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help share this site with the rest of the world. Here is a volunteer description that came across my desk:
Purpose of Job: To provide a welcoming and educational experience to Mission visitors through guided tours, programs and community events.
Duties may include but are not limited to:
1. Conducting tours throughout the site, including inside the buildings and the grounds. Be comfortable speaking to small and large groups of people of all ages.
2. Greet and welcome tour groups upon their arrival.
3. On occasion, assist with evening special events or programs.
4. Provide information and answer questions of site visitors about the Shawnee Indian Mission.
5. Lead youth programs and/or art activities that are prearranged.
6. Assist with set-up and take down of program materials.
7. Be aware of future programs and events to share with visitors to increase exposure of the Mission to the general public.
8. Be responsible for finding a replacement volunteer if you cannot make your prescheduled obligation.
Qualifications Needed:
o Enjoying interacting with, and comfortable meeting new people of all ages and abilities
o Reliable, responsible
o Extensive knowledge about the Mission is not required but a volunteer should have a desire to learn its history and impact
o Able to work independently
o Ability to speak well in front of an audience
o Physically able to lead tours around the buildings and grounds
o Flexible and enthusiastic
o Capable of learning new material and willing to spend the time to thoroughly read all exhibit labels, tour guide manual, and study additional materials as they are made available
Location of the job:
Check-in for a volunteer shift will always take place in the East building of the Shawnee Indian Mission Historic Site at 3403 W. 53rd Street, Fairway Kansas 66205.
Training and Orientation:
Training will take place with both the Site Director, Jennifer Laughlin and a seasoned site volunteer who will assist in learning the history, operations and school programs/activities.
If you’re interested, contact Jennifer Laughlin.
Happy Volunteering!