Become an Allaire Volunteer!
Allaire’s Mission Statement: Allaire Village Inc., a 503(c)3 is a non-profit organization. Its mission is to recreate the 19th century life and times of James P. Allaire. We strive to energize current and future generations in their understanding of history, through education and preservation.
The Historic Village at Allaire is a non-profit living history museum that runs primarily on the service and dedication of our many historical interpreter volunteers. Our volunteers are active in a variety of areas throughout the village. Interpreters are stationed in the residences and trade shops to engage visitors in conversations regarding life in 1836. The volunteers are the faces of Allaire and represent our mission to the public. Below is a description of the roles and expectations that are a part of being an Allaire Volunteer.
The Different Types of Roles You Can Volunteer For
Historical Interpretation Volunteers
-In this role volunteers will be working in our historic buildings dressed in period clothing. Here volunteers will be discussing the history of the village with visitors as well as learn to demonstrate the many different trades practiced during the time. Interpretive Volunteers must commit to a minimum of 50 hours per year to remain an active volunteer. Interpretive Volunteer positions are intended for volunteers who are looking to make a long-term commitment to Allaire Village, Inc. This is not intended for those looking to fulfill community service hours requirements (such as for National Honors Society, religious involvement, etc.)
Event Volunteers
-If teaching history is not your thing, that’s not a problem! Becoming an Event Volunteer is another way to be involved in the village. You would be helping with things like ticket sales, parking cars, monitoring event activities, and more! There is no hours minimum for this type of volunteering. This is an ideal option for those looking for volunteer hours to fulfill required community service hours (National Honors Society, Religious Commitments, etc)
Facilities volunteers
-In this role, you will help with the maintenance of our grounds and historic buildings. If you love spending time improving the world around you, this role is for you! If you are looking to complete a service project, this is the best place to start: bring us a proposal or consult our in-house list of projects.
How to Get Involved
The first step to getting involved is to fill out the form below. Please scroll down to the bottom of the page and fill out all the required information in the form. Within a few weeks the volunteer coordinator will contact you with information about attending a new volunteer orientation. During the orientation you will receive a packet of information about the history of the organization, take a tour of the village, and learn about behind the scenes world of the interpreter. Next you will pick the day you wish to begin your volunteering and inform the volunteer coordinator. Once you begin volunteering, you will be paired with a mentor who will help teach you and settle in. Throughout the year volunteers participate in training programs, refreshers, workshops, and classes.
Allaire Volunteer Benefits
Becoming an Allaire Volunteer is an excellent opportunity for people of all ages to learn new skills and connect with the community. Allaire Volunteers are not expected to enter the volunteer program with a complete knowledge of the 19th century. Instead they will be trained by Allaire’s volunteers and craftsmen to become an informed interpreter and experienced in any or all of the trades listed below.
- Tinsmithing*
- Woodworking*
- Cooping*
- Hearth Cooking*
- Blacksmithing*
- Leather-working*
- Interpreting a home
- Playing historic games
- Sewing, embroidery, etc.
- Spinning, weaving, etc.
- Gardening
- Playing music
- Dancing
- Other
Note: Roles marked with an asterisk (*) have a minimum age requirement
