Introduction The Wisconsin Historical Society , considered one of the nation's finest historical institutions, is a State of Wisconsin government agency as well as a mission-driven entrepreneurial organization. The Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS), founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. At its core, WHS believes that increasing the public's knowledge of history has profound societal, cultural, and economic benefit. Its library, archives and collections, historic sites and museums, historic preservation office, and extensive educational programs and community outreach are focused on our vision to enrich and transform lives through unparalleled access to history. Click here for more information about WHS' mission, vision, and core values.
Position Summary Historic Wade House Stagecoach Inn, Wesley W. Jung Carriage Museum, blacksmith shop, sawmill and grounds in Greenbush, Wisconsin. The site offers guided tours from May - early November with special events throughout the year. The Visitor Center and Wesley W. Jung Carriage Museum is open year-round. The domestic interpreter (tour guide) is responsible for the daily guest experience at the 1850s Wade House Stagecoach Inn, interpretation of the history of the Wade family, the Wade House Historic Site, and the Wesley W. Jung Carriage Museum. Duties will include interactions with a diverse array of guests, leading house tours, caring for the site animals including the chickens and sheep, and using the wood burning stove for demonstrations. Interpreters are stewards of the buildings and collections of the Wisconsin Historical Society and are responsible for daily cleaning and collections care to ensure that we can share Wisconsin's stories for generations to come. All interpreters are provided with 1850s clothing to wear as a domestic interpreter.
Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Provide engaging storytelling opportunities to guests, guiding them through the history of the Wade House Stagecoach Inn, the Wade Family, and daily life in the 1850s.
- Interpret the Wade House Stagecoach Inn and Wesley W. Jung Carriage Museum according to approved materials and as explained by the Guest Experience Coordinator/Curator.
- Provide assistance and guidance to visitors in a courteous and professional manner.
- Keep the Wade House Stagecoach Inn clean, organized, and presentable for guests.
- Open and close site as needed.
- Use the 1850s wood burning stove for daily interactive programming.
- Assist in the preparation, presentation, and clean up for events during which you are scheduled to work.
- Interpret any special materials which are needed for special events and relate this information to site visitors as scripted.
Work Environment:
Work is in an environment which may be dusty, hot, humid, moldy and open to pollen, ragweed and other allergens at times, while in 1850s period clothing.
Salary Information Pay range is $14.00 per hour with a weekend differential of 80 cents per hour. This classification is in schedule and class 18-00
Please note this is a Limited Term Employment position so it does not include paid time off or benefits upon hire.
Job Details A criminal background check will be conducted by WHS prior to an offer of employment to determine if the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job.
This is a Limited Term Employment (LTE) position and limited to 1,039 hours. This position will be part time and average 15-20 hours per week.
Wisconsin residency is required for Limited Term Employment positions.
Limited Term Employment (LTE) positions are not civil service classified positions, do not give any rights to permanent civil service classified positions and do not lead to permanent status.
WHS does not sponsor work visas. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant being able to prove valid status to work in the United States.
Qualifications - Knowledge of (or willingness to learn) interpretive methodologies, including guided tours
- Knowledge of (or willingness to learn) site specific history
- Knowledge of (or willingness to learn) professionally-recognized collection care principles and practices.
- Knowledge of material culture, its connection to cultural history, and the ability to build these elements into interpretation (or willingness to learn).
- Excellent oral communication skills with staff and the public. Ability to give presentations to the public.
- Ability to use email and enter time using computer technology.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Knowledge of (or willingness to learn) use of period equipment including an 1850s wood burning stove and other items necessary for demonstrations and programs.
- Ability to work well with and coordinate diverse groups of individuals, including children, adults and mixed groups.
How To Apply Apply online! To apply, click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. Then, you will access your existing account or to create a new account if you don't have an account. Once you are logged in, click "Apply for Job." Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.
Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. For instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications for your application and what should be included in these materials, click here .
Submitted materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the hiring process.
We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce.
Questions can be directed to dawn.garcia@wisconsinhistory.or g or (608) 264-6670
Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance.
Deadline to Apply Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
