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Living History Interpreter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Historic Site Guide

Stagecoach, NV · On-site

$15.50 - $16.25/hr

You will be responsible for interpreting the site's history, architecture, and significance ... living history activities at the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm Historic Site for daily ...

BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II - 37002293

Lake Wales, FL

$3.0K/mo

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... living history interpretation, Wildland fire management, disaster recovery teams, and heavy equipment to managing herds of cracker cattle and horses. Duties and Responsibilities: This position ...

Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is ... The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert ...

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Living History Interpreter information

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$12

$25

$40

How much do living history interpreter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for living history interpreter in the United States is $25.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by living history interpreters when engaging with diverse audiences?

Living History Interpreters often encounter audiences with varying levels of background knowledge and interest in historical topics. A key challenge is adapting communication styles to engage both children and adults, as well as addressing questions that may not have straightforward historical answers. Additionally, interpreters must balance historical accuracy with accessibility, making information relatable without oversimplifying. Flexibility, patience, and the ability to think on one's feet are essential skills for navigating these situations and ensuring every visitor has a meaningful experience.

What is a living history interpreter?

Living History Interpreters are professionals who portray historical figures or everyday people from a specific time period to educate and engage the public. They work in museums, historic sites, and reenactment events, using costumes, storytelling, and demonstrations to bring history to life. Their goal is to provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the past by recreating historical experiences and answering questions in character. This interactive approach helps make history more accessible and memorable for audiences of all ages.

What is the difference between Living History Interpreter vs Museum Educator?

AspectLiving History InterpreterMuseum Educator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer history or education certificationsDegree in education, history, or related field often preferred
Work EnvironmentHistorical sites, outdoor settings, living history museumsMuseums, educational centers, indoor and outdoor exhibits
Employer & IndustryHistorical sites, living history museums, cultural organizationsMuseums, educational institutions, cultural organizations
Primary FocusEngaging visitors through interactive historical reenactments and storytellingProviding educational programs, tours, and workshops about exhibits

While both roles involve educating the public about history, Living History Interpreters focus on immersive reenactments and interactive storytelling at historical sites, whereas Museum Educators develop and deliver educational programs within museum settings. Both require strong communication skills and a passion for history, but their work environments and methods differ.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a living history interpreter?

To thrive as a Living History Interpreter, you need a deep knowledge of historical periods, strong research skills, and often a background in history or education. Familiarity with period-appropriate tools, costumes, and sometimes museum collections management systems is important. Excellent storytelling, public speaking, and interpersonal skills help engage visitors and create immersive educational experiences. These skills are vital for bringing history to life accurately and memorably, fostering visitor interest and learning.
More about Living History Interpreter jobs
What cities are hiring for Living History Interpreter jobs? Cities with the most Living History Interpreter job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Living History Interpreter jobs? The most popular types of Living History Interpreter jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Living History Interpreter jobs? The top employers for Living History Interpreter jobs are:
What states have the most Living History Interpreter jobs? States with the most job openings for Living History Interpreter jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Living History Interpreter jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Living History Interpreter jobs are:
Infographic showing various Living History Interpreter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,349 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Evening Interpreter C- Actor/Storyteller

Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Williamsburg, VA • On-site

$14.42 - $21.63/hr

Part-time

Posted 22 days ago


Colonial Williamsburg rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 29 rated museums


Job description

About Colonial Williamsburg:
From our Historic Area to Hotels, Colonial Williamsburg's mission "that the future may learn from the past" is part of everything we do. The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational institution welcoming guests to the world's largest living history museum which brings the past to life through museum theater, 18th-century trades, historic sites, and more. The Foundation also includes two world-class art museums, featuring the nation's premier folk art collection, plus the best in British and American fine and decorative arts from 1670-1840. The Colonial Williamsburg Company boasts a rich history as well, having hosted and entertained guests from around the world with an impressive collection of amenities including our hotels, guest homes, food and beverage outlets, championship golf courses, and spa & fitness center.
About the Position:
Evening actor interpreters help to teach 18th century history to diverse audiences using a variety of performance and storytelling techniques that amplify our educational mission while also providing exceptional guest service. From immersive ensemble trial dramas and engaging storytelling programs to evening walking tours, stage shows, music, and dance, evening programs at Colonial Williamsburg offer our guests a fun and educational experience after dark.
Main Duties:
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Evening actor interpreters help to teach 18th century history to diverse audiences using a variety of performance and storytelling techniques that amplify our educational mission while also providing exceptional guest service. From immersive ensemble trial dramas and engaging storytelling programs to evening walking tours, stage shows, music, and dance, evening programs at Colonial Williamsburg offer our guests a fun and educational experience after dark.
Essential Functions:Teach 18th century history by:
Interpreting 18th century Williamsburg and Virginia history
Using a variety of presentation techniques to meet the needs of diverse audiences
Interpreting, participating in, and supporting a variety of seasonal and special events
Engaging in program preparation, rehearsal, public performance and/or interpretation as assigned
Successfully performing the work assignment as prepared by Programmatic Personnel in accordance with the approved standards for the particular presentation and site. The employee will not alter, or cause to be altered, the approved set up arrangement including blocking and scripting.
Provide exceptional customer service by:
Modeling the organizational values of stewardship, customer service, hospitality and respect for people
Managing guest/employee service
Orienting visitors
Maintaining a caring attitude guided by integrity, truthfulness, fairness, courtesy and respect for the individual
Work collaboratively to achieve the mission of Colonial Williamsburg by:Modeling the organization's personal/professional expectations
Participating as an active member of a team
Qualifications:Experience
Competencies usually acquired through completion of 4 years of college or 2-4 years' experience in storytelling, character interpretation, theatre, music, dance, or related field, OR any combination of education and experience that fulfill the responsibilities of the job AND completion of established Foundation, Division, and Department training requirements.
Scheduling
Must be able to work a flexible schedule including week nights, holidays, and weekends.
Must be able to provide annual availability that includes a minimum of 2 evenings per week on a regular basis and up to 4 evenings per week during periods of peak demand, when required.
Environment
Ability to work in all types of weather including rain, snow, wind, heat, humidity, and storms, and to come in daily contact with allergens, including pollen and dust.
General
Interviews, clearings and or auditions are required for some positions.
Must have good overall attendance, work ethic, and attitude to lead a team of co-workers.
Must have exceptional problem solving skills, including the demonstrated ability to be proactive in a reactive situation.
General knowledge of Colonial Williamsburg Foundation policies and procedures; familiarity with physical layout of Historic Area and interior of exhibition buildings.
This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This position may be subject to overtime during high peak times, etc. as directed and approved by the supervisor.
This job description reflects the general responsibilities of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties and responsibilities may evolve over time based on operational needs.
Required Education and Experience:
Competencies usually acquired through completion of 4 years of college or 2-4 years' experience in storytelling, character interpretation, theatre, music, dance, or related field, OR any combination of education and experience that fulfill the responsibilities of the job AND completion of established Foundation, Division, and Department training requirements.
Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver's license and have an acceptable driving record based on The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation's criteria.
Must be able to provide a 5-year Motor Vehicle Record prior to employment
Must be at least 21 years of age
May not have more than 1 moving violation or at fault accident within 12 months
May not have more than 2 moving violations or at fault accidents within 36 months
May not have any serious motor vehicle violations including but not limited to excessive speeding, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, suspended or revoked license, etc.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Interviews, clearings and or auditions are required for some positions.
  • Must have good overall attendance, work ethic, and attitude to lead a team of co-workers.
  • Must have exceptional problem-solving skills, including the demonstrated ability to be proactive in a reactive situation.
  • General knowledge of Colonial Williamsburg Foundation policies and procedures; familiarity with physical layout of Historic Area and interior of exhibition buildings.

Physical and Environmental Demands:
Stand: Frequently
Walk: Frequently
Sit: Occasionally
Use hands/fingers: Occasionally
Climb or balance: Occasionally
Stoop/kneel/crouch/crawl: Occasionally
Reach with hands/arms: Occasionally
Talk or hear: Constantly
Lifting up to 10 lbs: Occasionally
Lifting up to 25 lbs: Occasionally
Lifting up to 50 lbs (with assistance): Occasionally
Lifting up to 100 lbs (with assistance): Rarely
More than 100 lbs (with assistance): Rarely
Wet/humid conditions: Occasionally
Work near moving mechanical parts: Rarely
Fumes/airborne particles: Occasionally
Extreme cold: Occasionally
Extreme heat: Occasionally
Typical Work Schedule:
Casual staff must be able to work a flexible schedule including week nights, holidays, and weekends.
Must be able to provide annual availability that includes a minimum of 2 evenings per week on a regular basis and up to 4 evenings per week during periods of peak demand, when required.
Compensation Disclaimer: The compensation listed below for this position represents the anticipated hiring range and is provided in accordance with Virginia pay transparency requirements. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as the selected candidate's skills, qualifications, experience, education, certifications, internal equity, and the specific requirements of the role.
Range: $14.42 to $21.63
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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