Frontier Culture Museum
Volunteer Handbook 2013
Welcome to the Frontier Culture Museum Volunteer Program! This handbook contains general
information which is useful to all Museum volunteers; information pertaining to your specific
work assignment will be available from your supervisor after you have completed orientation
and are beginning your volunteer work. Please let Museum Operations Manager/Volunteer
Coordinator Lydia Volskis know if you have further questions. She can be reached at 540-3327850 x 165, at Lydia.Volskis@frontiermuseum.org by mail at PO Box 810 Staunton, VA 24402
or at her office in the administration building. This handbook is updated periodically as needed.
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Table of Contents
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
X.
Museum Mission and History
Museum Tour and Orientation for New Volunteers
Major Buildings and Facilities
VC - Ticketing, TIC, Film, Collections, Restrooms
Administration – Administration, American Frontier Culture Foundation, Store
Dairy Barn I – Interpretation, Education, Offices, Library, Lecture Hall
Dairy Barn II – Maintenance, Collections, Storage, Caretaker Apartment
Octagonal Barn- Upper and lower levels, restrooms, wooded amphitheater
Cochran Pavilion – Kitchen and handicapped restrooms
Dod Amphitheater
Life at the Museum
Who’s Who – Senior Staff at the Museum
Parking
Museum ID
Kitchen/Picnic/Vending
Museum Dress Code
Lost and Found
Safety and Health
Fire Extinguishers and Emergency Exits
Injuries on the Job,
Weather Related Closings
Volunteer Job Specifics
Training and Evaluation
Volunteer Hours Recorded
Absences
Communications
Job Assignments
Volunteer Apparel and ID
Volunteer Benefits & “Perks”
Museum Departments and Volunteer Needs
Buildings and Grounds
Collections
Costumes
Education and Interpretation
Library
Marketing
American Frontier Culture Foundation
Historic Buildings, Trades and Restoration
Special Events
Other Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Timesheet
Volunteer Emergency Contact Form
Volunteer Application
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p. 6
p. 7
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p. 11
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p. 17
p. 18
p. 19
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Frontier Culture Museum Mission Statement
The mission of the Frontier Culture Museum is to increase public knowledge of the formation of
a distinctive American folk culture from the synthesis of European, African and indigenous
peoples. The Museum uses historic structures, artifacts, and living history interpretation to
represent how immigrants to America lived in their homelands, crossed the Atlantic, and
traveled from coastal ports into the Shenandoah Valley. These travelers built farms along the
early Western Frontier where they and their descendants formed a new American culture.
A Brief History of the Frontier Culture Museum
The Frontier Culture Museum is the product of an effort that began in the mid-1970s during the
planning of America’s Bicentennial celebration. The idea for the museum was first presented by
Mr. Eric Montgomery, then Director of the Ulster-American Folk Park and a member of the
Northern Ireland Bicentennial Liaison Committee. He proposed a museum that would be similar
to the Ulster-American Folk Park, but of a more multinational character, where Americans of all
ages could learn about their Old World ancestors, and their contributions to the creation of the
American way of life.
In 1976, Mr. Montgomery and colleagues from Northern Ireland met with a group of leaders in
the American museum community at the Smithsonian Institute to discuss his idea. Dr. Henry
Glassie, then at the University of Pennsylvania, attended the meeting and was asked to prepare
a formal proposal. This proposal, entitled, “A Museum of American Frontier Culture: A
Proposal”, was completed and published in 1978. Glassie believed that the culture of the
frontier was an important aspect of the American character and identity that had not received
sufficient attention by American scholars. He envisioned an outdoor museum where frontier
culture would be the central theme, and the unique American identity would be highlighted by
material culture and living history demonstrations.
Glassie proposed that the museum be comprised of four farms: one each from the North of
Ireland, Germany, England; and the Appalachian region of the United States. He stressed the
importance of identifying and acquiring original structures and restoring them to the earliest premodern date feasible. He proposed that the buildings be surrounded by farms and fields, and
that each seem like a complete, self-sustaining farming operation that offered natural stages for
demonstrations of rural life.
The location of the museum was also identified by Glassie as a key factor. He thought it would
be, “historically inept”, for it to be located outside Appalachia because, “it was not until the land
rose and swelled that westward moving people developed the distinct frontier culture. In this
difficult environment people were forced out of accustomed habits into a willingness to engage
in cultural trading”. Therefore, the proposed museum could be located anywhere from western
Pennsylvania south to northern Alabama; he identified the southwestern counties of
Pennsylvania and the Valley of Virginia as the two most promising locations.
The effort to make such a museum a reality became focused in the late 1970s with the creation
of a Joint International Committee for a Museum of American Frontier Culture with
representatives from the United States, Great Britain and Germany. The effort was greatly
advanced when officials of the state of Virginia took positive action to have the museum located
there. In 1980, the Virginia General Assembly authorized the Jamestown/Yorktown Foundation
to work with the Joint International Committee to plan the museum, and offered a 78 acre parcel
of state land near Staunton, Virginia, at the intersection of Interstates 64 and 81, as a possible
location.
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In mid-November 1980, a three day, “Planning Conference for a Museum of American Frontier
Culture”, funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities was held at
Staunton. The conference was attended by 68 official participants and joined by some 35
guests and observers. Over the course of the three days the proposal for the museum was
discussed and the site offered by the state of Virginia examined. Guidelines and specific
directions were established for an on-going development plan for the project; the site offered by
the state of Virginia was tentatively determined to be a viable one; an executive committee was
created; funding sources for the project were identified; the creation of a private, non-profit
foundation was recommended; and the need for land use and economic impact studies was
identified and positive action taken to initiate them.
Over the course of the next few years the key recommendations at the 1980 planning
conference were successfully acted upon. In May of 1981 the Jamestown/Yorktown Foundation
selected the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University to perform land use and
economic impacts studies for the proposed museum. The following year, the studies
concluded that the project and the Staunton site were economically viable, and presented a
number of possible site plans for the museum. During this period the Joint International
Committee was at work as well. Appropriate traditional buildings were identified in Germany,
Northern Ireland and England, and plans for dismantling and restoration were prepared.
Financing of this work was also arranged through private banks.
An important milestone in the creation of the museum was reached in 1982 with the chartering
of the American Frontier Foundation, Inc. Established as a nonprofit corporation under Virginia
law, the Foundation became the repository of all gifts of money and materials to the proposed
museum. By 1984, the Foundation had received $1,000,000 dollars for the project, with over
half of that figured being contributed by the local governments of cities of Staunton and
Waynesboro, and Augusta County.
The last half of the 1980s saw what had begun as an idea a decade before become a reality. In
early 1985, Mr. Walter Heyer was named Executive Director of the Museum of American
Culture. That same year, the Governor of Virginia, Charles Robb, transferred the 78 acre parcel
at Staunton to the Jamestown/Yorktown Foundation to be the site of the museum, and
dedicated it in a ceremony attended by 300 people. In 1986, the Virginia General Assembly
passed an act creating the Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia as an independent state agency
with annual appropriation.
In 1984 and 1985, the Ulster-American Folk Park numbered and dismantled a stone farmstead
in County Tyrone and shipped it to Virginia. In 1987, the Governor of Virginia, Gerald Baliles
laid the corner stone of the Ulster farmhouse in a ceremony at the museum site. The museum
also acquired an American farmstead, located in Botetourt County, Virginia, and began the
dismantling and restoration of its structures. Progress on the English and German buildings
was proving slower than anticipated. The state of Virginia provided funding for the design and
construction of a modern visitor center and administration complex which was completed during
1987 and 1988.
The Frontier Culture Museum officially opened in September 1988, with the visitor center
complex and the Ulster and American farms in place. During the museum’s first several years
the buildings from Germany and England arrived and were reconstructed on their designated
sites. In 1992 the museum acquired, relocated, and restored a unique octagonal barn - located
outside of its historic farmsite area - to be used as meeting and special events space. In 1995,
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an Ulster forge was donated to the museum by the Ulster-American Folk Park and
reconstructed by museum staff. A timber-frame German barn was restored and reconstructed
by museum staff in 2001, and in 2005 the Bowman House, an early eighteenth century dwelling
from nearby Rockingham County Virginia was moved and reconstructed at the Museum.
The Museum employs costumed interpreters at each of its historic farmsites who perform the
daily tasks of pre-industrial rural life, and furnishes the historic buildings with reproductions
based on historic forms, and has developed educational programs as well as historic agriculture
and livestock programs.
Due to a limited amount of indoor exhibit space the museum has often mounted small exhibits
which highlight or expand its living history programs. The museum permanent collection has
grown to include some 5000 artifacts, many of which relate to its historic buildings. The
museum has also built a library collection of some 4000 volumes. The subjects covered by its
library collection include history, specifically works relating to the cultures represented at the
museum, geography, architecture, costuming, and historic crafts and trades.
Soon after it opened to the public, the leadership of the Frontier Culture Museum began to
develop long-range plans for the future. Initially, the Museum’s land holdings were limited to the
78 acre parcel granted to it in 1985; however, over the ensuing years the state of Virginia
transferred an additional 218 acres of surrounding land. A portion of this land is designated for
the expansion of the Museum’s outdoor exhibits. This expansion is planned to further develop
the Museum’s interpretation of early life on the eighteenth century frontier. The Bowman
House, the historic eighteenth century German-American farmhouse from the Shenandoah
Valley of Virginia was donated to the museum and served as the first structure in this
expansion. The 1850’s American House has been moved to join the Bowman House in the
New World section of the Museum. In 2009 the Shuler Schoolhouse, a mid-nineteenth century
schoolhouse also from Rockingham County Virginia was reconstructed adjacent to the Bowman
and 1850’s farm sites. The Museum has erected a 1740’s settlers cabin and small farmstead,
depicting life on the early frontier, close to the larger American farms, and is in the process of
constructing an American Indian site, also located in the New World portion of the Museum.
The Old World section of the museum has also undergone a major change with the departure of
the 1850’s American farm and the construction – with the help and support of the Nigerian and
Nigerian-American Igbo community - of a West African farm where the contributions of Africans
and their American descendants to the creation of American culture on the eighteenth century
frontier are interpreted.
The Museum’s plan for the future also calls for the design and construction of an exhibit gallery,
the focus of which will be the immigrant experience, including a section dealing with the transAtlantic voyage from the Old World to the New World. Additionally, the Museum hopes to
construct/reconstruct a “crossroads village” depicting life in the mid-eighteenth century. The
village will be located in the New World and will consist of craftsmen and trades shops,
dwellings, a mill and possible a church and other buildings.
The Frontier Culture Museum utilizes an operating budget of approximately $1.5 million per
year, and attracts about 70,000 visitors. The Museum is an educational agency of the
Commonwealth of Virginia. The Museum is accredited by the American Association of
Museums (AAM) and is a Member of both the AAM and the Virginia Association of Museums.
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Museum Tour and Orientation for New Volunteers
New volunteers at the Museum should make an appointment to meet with Volunteer
Coordinator Lydia Volskis. At this meeting, we will review your volunteer application and discuss
the type of volunteer service you might enjoy! Lydia will offer a copy of the volunteer handbook
and any other useful materials, and set up a time for new volunteers to have their first
experience in the department of choice. It’s important for new volunteers to make time for such
a meeting, it helps Museum staff learn more about you than can be conveyed on paper, and it
gives you a chance to ask questions and begin familiarizing yourself with the Museum and its
people. New volunteers should also plan to take a complimentary tour of the site with a friend or
family member before beginning work – have some fun!
As always, Museum volunteer assignments are made with consideration given to the Museum’s
mission and needs at the time, and the prospective volunteer’s time and talents. Volunteers are
welcomed and much appreciated, and are supervised in the same manner as staff. Volunteers
are asked to follow the same standards of conduct and workplace policies as paid staff.
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Major Buildings and Facilities
Visitor Center - The Visitor’s Center, located in the administrative complex of weatherboard
buildings, contains the ticketing area, a theater for the Museum orientation film, a small gallery,
collections department offices and the Travel Information Center (TIC). The TIC is a
collaboration between the Museum and Augusta County. It offers brochures, maps, and tourism
and travel information. Only Museum staff are permitted behind the counter at the Visitors
Center, and telephones there are for state business only. Please feel free to stop and say hello
to staff in the VC, but keep your visits short as it’s a busy place – even in slow visitation times
the staff there have other work tasks to complete.
Administration Building - The administration building hosts the Museum’s executive,
administrative, marketing and fiscal offices, the agency mail and copy room, and, in a basement
suite, the administrative offices of the American Frontier Culture Foundation. The Foundation is
a non-profit 501c3 organization whose mission is to support the Museum through fundraising
and investment activities.
Museum Store – The Store is operated by the American Frontier Culture Foundation, and
contains books, apparel, music, mementos, gift and craft items as well as sodas, snacks, ice
cream and famous made-on-site fudge.
Dairy Barn I – The first of two 1940’s era dairy barns originally housing a dairy herd, has been
renovated for use by the education and interpretation departments. The Barn features a fudge
kitchen, education room, offices, staff lunchroom and locker rooms, library and a lecture hall.
The library is available for staff, volunteer and limited public use between the hours of 9 and 5
on weekdays (no holidays or weekends). See Deputy Director Eric Bryan for permission to
check out items from the library.
Dairy Barn II – The second dairy barn has been renovated to house maintenance, historic
trades, and collections storage, as well as some general storage, the woodshop, offices and a
small apartment for the Museum caretaker.
Octagonal Barn – The Octagonal Barn, located outside the historic area adjacent to the
Museum’s main parking lot, offers a lower level (A/C and heat) meeting space and upper level
(no A/C or heat but rustic interior) meeting space. The Barn is rented for special events and
often offers a place for groups of schoolchildren to eat lunch. Public restrooms are adjacent to
the Barn; these restrooms are operational from April through November. A small wooded
amphitheater is adjacent to the Octagonal Barn, down the slope in a wooded area; it contains a
simple raised wood platform stage.
Cochran Pavilion – The pavilion sits on the hill just outside the Visitor’s center breezeway/gate
to the historic sites. It is an open-air large picnic and event pavilion with drop-down flap sides, a
catering kitchen, handicapped restrooms and storage. It is equipped with ceiling fans and a
sound system.
Dod Amphitheater – The Dod Amphitheater is located in the wooded area adjacent to and
behind the Irish farmsite. It features a raised professional stage with lights, electricity and
storage areas, a natural venue for benches, chairs and blankets among the trees and nearby
pasture as well as space for a variety of vendors at larger events.
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Daily Life at the Museum
Who’s Who at the Museum – Senior Staff positions
Executive Director
Executive Director G. John Avoli has been with the Museum since January 2002. The Executive
Director works with the Museum’s Board of Trustees (appointed by the Governor to staggered
four-year terms) to set policy and oversee the management of the Museum. Additionally he
works closely with the American Frontier Culture Foundation’s Board of Directors to secure
funds and resources for the Museum’s programs; the Foundation is a 501C3 non-profit
organization which exists to support the Museum. The Executive Director spends a
considerable amount of time managing external contacts and community interactions in addition
to day-to-day management work and decisions. Supervision of personnel at the Museum is
solely at the discretion of the Executive Director following state personnel guidelines; the
Museum’s Boards have no role in personnel management. His office is in the administration
building.
Deputy Director
Deputy Director Eric Bryan oversees the Curator of Interpretation, Curator of Education
(currently an Interim), and all staff within these departments as well as the Curator of Historic
Buildings and staff, and the Curator of Collections. He also acts as the Executive Director’s
“second” as needed in all matters pertaining to the management of the Museum. His special
area of interest includes historical research and the development and approval of all interpretive
materials used by staff and volunteers on the Museum site, and he oversees the Museum’s
small research library. His office is in the administration building.
Buildings and Grounds Supervisor
Cliff Edwards oversees the Museum’s physical plant, facilities and grounds, and manages a
staff of several fulltime and part-time employees. Cliff and his staff are responsible for the
modern buildings, roads and pathways, safety and security, general grounds maintenance,
housekeeping, and day-to-day issues and maintenance. Responsibility for the care and
maintenance of historic buildings lies with the Curator of Historic Buildings.
Agency Administration Coordinator
Agency Administration Coordinator Mark Gatewood serves as the agency’s Virginia Contracting
Officer, as main contact for Safety and Health issues within the Museum, as the agency
Training Coordinator, and as the Worker’s Compensation liaison. He assists the Building and
Grounds Department with special projects and events as needed, and helps oversee volunteers
who drive the daily tram shuttles during the Museum’s busy season.
Fiscal Officer
Merritt Schoonover serves as the Museum’s Fiscal Officer. She oversees all aspects of the state
agency’s Revenues and Expenditures, manages the state appropriation and other funds,
oversees all department budgets, prepares and controls the overall agency budget, works
closely with the departments of Planning and Budget, Accounts and Treasury in Richmond to
ensure that the Museum is in compliance with all state laws and regulations. She also oversees
other fiscal staff and the Visitor’s Center. She is responsible for payroll, benefits and retirement
deduction processing and a variety of other functions. She holds a Bachelor’s degree as well as
a recently earned MBA.
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Operations Manager
Operations Manager Lydia Volskis has been with the Museum since 1993 in a variety of roles.
She acts as Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director, carries out Board of Trustees
administrative tasks and acts as meeting secretary, serves as the agency’s Human Resource
manager, manages the Museum Volunteer program, conducts operational planning for Special
Events and seasonal programs, and often works on short-term projects which arise throughout
the year. Her office is in the administration building.
Marketing Director
The Marketing Director’s position is currently vacant, but is responsible for all aspects of the
marketing and sales of the Museum and its programs to both schools and the general public. A
significant component of the job consists of personal visits and community outreach to engage
and educate both individuals and potential business partners about the Museum and the value
of its programs and offerings. The position is likely to be filled beginning in July 2013.
Curator of Collections
David Puckett is the Museum’s Curator of Collections, He is responsible for overseeing the
care, acquisition and de-accessioning of the various objects, artifacts, archival materials and
reproductions owned by the Museum.
Curator of Historic Buildings
Ray Wright serves as the Curator of Historic Buildings. He and his staff team care for the
reconstructed and recreated historic farm buildings and their physical environments.
Director of Interpretation
Alex Tillen is the Director of Interpretation, and oversees all staff and interpretive content and
activities on the farmsites as well as outreach programs. He is also responsible for the volunteer
junior interpreter program “The John Lewis Society”.
Education Director
The Education Director’s position is currently vacant due to budget issues, and Interim
Education Director Andrew Richardson is managing the duties for the time being. The Education
Director is responsible for all educational programs on site and outreach, content as it relates to
the Virginia Standards of Learning, liaison with teachers and some marketing of educational
programs.
American Frontier Culture Foundation Staff
The American frontier Culture Foundation is a 501C3 non-profit fundraising organization which
raises money and other resources to support the Museum’s mission. The Foundation also
operates the Museum Store. Their offices are in the basement of the administration building,
and staff include Foundation Manager Fran Carrington, Foundation Assistant Anne McPherson,
Foundation Grantwriter Ann Rogan, Communications Officer Cookie Toms and Store Manager
Kimmi Wills.
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Parking – Museum volunteers may park in the main parking lot, or in the Dairy Barn lot which is
primarily for staff use. No parking is allowed behind the pavilion or in the lower level of the
administration building. No vehicles are allowed on the historic sites loop road, and only after or
before hours for a special purpose. Be sure to lock your car and keep valuables out of sight.
Sometimes for large events, the agency head may instruct staff and volunteers to park in a
special place to allow more room for other cars. Please be sure to observe all speed limits
when driving at the Museum – we host many schoolchildren, families, senior citizens and have
all manner of farm and utility vehicles on site.
Museum ID – Your supervisor will let you know what form of Museum ID is required for your job.
A photo ID may be issued, or a temporary name tag. If you plan to visit other museums that may
have a reciprocal admission agreement, ask the Volunteer Coordinator for a letter identifying
you as a volunteer. (At least two days advance notice that you need such a letter is best!)
Kitchen/Picnic/Vending – You may be at the Museum during a mealtime or may need to take an
occasional break. There is a small kitchen in the basement of the administration building and a
kitchen in the staff lunchroom of the Dairy Barn, both with refrigerators for storing a lunch.
Please be sure to label your lunch and take remnants away . The education room kitchen in the
Dairy Barn is a health department inspected kitchen for catering and fudge-making and is not
used for a lunch area. There are several picnic areas – adjacent to the main parking lot and
outside the Museum Store which you may use. We ask that you not picnic on the historic sites.
Vending machines are located outside the Museum Store with sodas, water and snacks and the
Store sells snacks, ice cream, water and sodas. The Sheetz gas station near the Museum’s
main entrance sells a variety of beverages, snacks and sandwiches.
Dress Code – A high standard of neatness and cleanliness is required, as the Museum is a
state agency and represents not only ourselves but the Board of Trustees, the Secretary of
Education and the Governor. Volunteers at the Museum may be fitted with a historic costume,
issued a Museum polo or sweatshirt, or work in civilian clothes; your supervisor will let you know
which of these is appropriate for your job. Volunteers follow the same dress code as staff.
Unless you are in costume or are working at manual labor tasks, the Museum dress code is
“business casual”; at all times clean, pressed, presentable and following modern standards of
business workplace hygiene. Khakis and chino pants or nice casual office attire is the norm,
with polo’s, collared shirts, sweatshirts, tees or sweaters depending upon season. Not allowed
are blue jeans (unless special permission), cutoffs, extensively logoed items, spaghetti strap
tank or tube tops, skirts shorter than 2” above the knee, shorts with less than a 6” inseam,
beachwear, bathing suits, pajamas, exposed undergarments or flip-flops. The Museum reserves
the right to ask a staff member or volunteer dressed inappropriately or not following proper
cleanliness standards to return home to correct the situation. For special events, the dress
code for all non-costumed staff and volunteers is more standardized, usually a Museum logo top
with tan or navy khaki or chino pants, shorts or skirt.
Lost and Found – A lost and found box is located in the Visitors Center for items you may have
lost or items you find!
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Safety and Health
Fire extinguishers and emergency exits – Fire extinguishers are located throughout the
Museum, both in all modern buildings and hidden in each historic building. When you arrive at
your work location, and are learning about your volunteer job, be sure to ask your supervisor or
a co-worker where the fire extinguishers are located. In each of the historic houses, they are
hidden behind small cabinets and false doors along with emergency telephone systems. You
should also familiarize yourself with the location of emergency exits from each modern building,
and check with your supervisor regarding emergency exit from a historic building.
Emergency on site - If a site-wide emergency occurs, you will be notified by paid staff and/or
your supervisor as to what to do and where to assemble. If an emergency situation occurs
where you are working such as an accident or sudden illness, you should immediately call the
Museum Visitors Center at 332-7850 x 124 to report the location and nature of the emergency.
They will summon emergency help. If you are unable to reach the Visitors Center, call the
switchboard at 332-7850 x 110.
Injuries on the job – Volunteers are exposed to many of the same hazards as paid staff,
including slips, trips and falls, cuts and bruises. When you begin volunteer work, you should fill
out an emergency contact form which will be on file with the volunteer coordinator. If you are
injured while serving as a volunteer, you must, as soon as possible, fill out an Incident Report,
which is available from your supervisor, Visitor Center staff or in the administration building. If
your injury requires medical care, the general liability coverage provided through the
Commonwealth of Virginia Risk Management Plan may reimburse you for expenses related to
an injury sustained while volunteering at the Museum. To be eligible for reimbursement you
must provide the Safety Office/Volunteer Coordinator with the following:
1. A completed and signed incident report Form giving full details of what, how, when and
where your injury occurred.
2. Itemized medical bills, including the dates on which the services were provided.
3. Admission/discharge summary if applicable
4. Risk Management may also ask you to provide copies of other physician’s information
related to the case.
You must also have an up to date Volunteer Application on file with the Museum documenting
your relationship as a volunteer to the Museum.
Prevention is always better than dealing with an injury. Your staff supervisor will work with you
to assure that you have the proper tools and information to complete your volunteer tasks
safely. If you notice potentially unsafe conditions in your work area, please report them to your
supervisor.
Weather Related Closings – In case of inclement weather, the Museum may open late or be
closed. Call the Museum at 540-332-7850 and when prompted to enter an extension, enter
7669 (SNOW), for the latest news on closings or late openings. Usually the information is
announced on TV on WVIR Channel 4 NBC from Charlottesville, and WKDW AM 900 in
Staunton, but the SNOW line is the best place to check first.
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Volunteer Job Specifics
Training and Evaluation – Your supervisor will let you know what type of training is needed for
your volunteer job. This may consist of reading background information about the historic farms,
acting as a “shadow” on the job to learn the basics of your position, participating in training
sessions for staff and volunteers and more. We ask that volunteers who work on the farmsites
learn and relay the historic information according to our training materials which are under the
direction of Deputy Director Eric Bryan. The Museum has carried out extensive research over
several decades, and prefers to focus interpretive information on certain aspects of the historic
farm’s history. This allows for consistent and accurate shared information by interpretive staff
and volunteers. If you find or learn other information about your assigned farm, you must
present it to Mr. Bryan for review before sharing with guests at the Museum.
Volunteers are evaluated in much the same manner as staff, with your supervisor acting as
trainer and coach; he or she will let you know what aspects of your volunteer job you are doing
well, and if needed may offer constructive feedback on ways you can strengthen your
performance. Feel free to ask your supervisor about your volunteer work and for feedback!
Volunteer Hours Recorded
The Museum asks that all volunteers record and report their hours worked. This information is
useful both in relaying to our Boards and state officials the extent of the work Museum
volunteers perform, as well as for grant-writing purposes – and just for interest’s sake! You may
either use one of the two volunteer time log books (one in the Interpretive lunchroom and one in
administration building lobby) to record your time, or you may email your hours worked to the
Volunteer Coordinator on a regular basis. Blank time sheets are available in each book and
hours are periodically recorded and time sheets collected. We recommend that you tally and
report your hours either weekly or monthly. Our yearly volunteer hour totals are calculated each
fiscal year, which runs from July 1 – June 30, so each June the Volunteer Coordinator will
remind volunteers to ensure that all hours for the previous year are communicated to her!
Absences
From time to time everyone has a sick day, vacation or family needs which cause an absence.
If you will be absent from your scheduled post, let the Volunteer Coordinator or your supervisor
know as soon as you are able. But remember, just as with staff, once you have committed to a
volunteer job, repeated or unannounced absences may place a burden on Museum staff or
other volunteers who are counting on you to be there to help with the day’s tasks. If attendance
is a concern, we may ask you to step away from your volunteer duties for awhile until your
schedule is more dependable. The Museum in recent years has been very short-staffed due to
state budget woes, with all of us handling many more duties than ever before - we sincerely
appreciate the help of all of our volunteers!
Communications
The Museum generally communicates with volunteers by email, telephone or occasionally with
mailed materials. When you complete your volunteer application, you should offer as many
means of contacting you as are available. Email is particularly useful as it is economical and
allows staff to contact a number of volunteers at once re’ updates and news. The Volunteer
Coordinator sends a weekly schedule for tram and greeter duty, and several departments
schedule their volunteers on an as-needed basis and according to the volunteer’s time
available.
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Volunteer Job Assignments
The Museum makes volunteer job assignments based on the Museum’s needs as well as the
prospective volunteer’s interests and talents. Often volunteers participate in a certain job, and
then “immigrate” to another job after a season or two, as they learn more about the Museum.
The Museum asks that such transitions occur after consultation with the Volunteer Coordinator
and with adequate forewarning, to allow for coverage of the vacated volunteer job.
All volunteers must be assigned to a position through the Volunteer Coordinator, and will be
overseen by a supervisor in the particular Museum department. Volunteers with ideas for
possible tasks around the Museum should gain approval to proceed and input from the
Volunteer Coordinator or Deputy Director before initiating work. This way, everyone is
accounted for, has a specific job assigned and a supervisor for guidance. All Museum projects,
including staff and volunteer tasks, are reviewed and approved centrally to ensure that the work
supports the mission, priorities and needs of the Museum.
Volunteer Apparel and Identification
Museum polo’s or sweatshirts will be issued to new volunteers unless they are costumed; in
order to be eligible for subsequent upgrades to volunteer apparel, volunteers must have worked
on a regular basis during the previous six months. Volunteer identification badges will be issued
to new volunteers and should be worn when on Museum grounds.
The Volunteer Coordinator keeps a small supply of shirts “on hand” and places an order twice a
year, in Spring and in early Fall. Volunteers may choose to take their own preferred garments
to the trophy and apparel shop across from the Museum on Frontier Drive who will embroider a
Museum logo onto the piece for $5. Many Museum staff use this service to place a logo on
outerwear or other favorite garments. Museum volunteers are required to follow the Museum’s
staff dress code (previous chapter).
If a volunteer is traveling to other Museum’s around the state and country, the Volunteer
Coordinator can prepare a letter on Museum letterhead identifying the volunteer and requesting
complimentary or reduced admission if offered. The Museum does not have control over what
“perks” other museums may offer but this may be available. You should let the Volunteer
Coordinator know several days in advance of when you need such a letter.
Volunteer Benefits
Being a Museum volunteer is not only enjoyable, challenging and educational, but offers several
“perks”. Regular Museum volunteers receive free admission to the Museum during regular
business days (a few special events may restrict free admission or complimentary passes and
require special ticketing), and may receive up to 12 complimentary passes a year to bring family
and guests to the Museum. Museum volunteers also receive a 20% discount on Museum Store
merchandise (some consignment pieces may be exempt) and advance notice of special sales.
The Museum hosts several volunteer appreciation social events throughout the year including a
Volunteer Appreciation cookout in the late summer, a staff and volunteer Holiday breakfast in
December, a luncheon on Spring “Cleanup Day” and occasional other events. Volunteers are
regularly featured in the American Frontier Culture Foundation’s newsletter and other
recognition programs throughout the year.
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Museum Departments and Volunteer Needs
Buildings and Grounds
The Buildings and Grounds “B&G” team is charged with the care and maintenance of a 300
acre site, with an ever-expanding roster of buildings and exhibits. While the care of the actual
exhibits falls to the Historic Buildings, Interpretive and Collections staff, the modern buildings,
walkways, flower beds, lawns and all other spaces, plus general maintenance, event prep and
troubleshooting must be covered by the B&G team. They need volunteers to mow and weed-eat
during the warm season, helpers to maintain decorative flower and shrub beds, assistants for
setup of tents and tables and other items for special events, golf cart cleaning and care,
occasional light cleaning and general maintenance “fixit” work, and special projects which arise
throughout the year. Interested volunteers should submit an application to the volunteer
coordinator to begin the process. * A note about maintenance volunteers; while the Museum
appreciates well-experienced help in this department, we do not have the staff or time available
to serve as mentors or as a “learning experience” for those with a low skill level . For safety
reasons volunteers in this department must be able to demonstrate competence with any tools
or machines to be used.
Collections
The Curator of Collections oversees all the material objects owned by the Museum. This
includes original historic objects, furnishings, archives and textiles, as well as reproduction items
produced or purchased for use on the site. The Curator often needs assistance with cataloging,
recording, cleaning or labeling items, caring for items on the historic farmsites, and occasional
data entry and special projects. Qualifications for work with the Curator include being over the
age of 18, steady hands, ability to follow directions, strong computer skills, and for some
projects, mobility to walk throughout the Museum site to care for various objects. The need for
volunteers in this area is sporadic, and depends upon the Curators schedule and current project
list. Interested volunteers should submit an application to the volunteer coordinator to begin the
process.
Costumes
The Historic Costume department makes, acquires and cares for/repairs period clothing and
accessories for nearly 30 interpretive staff as well as nearly fifty junior volunteers. Clothing is
designed according to a detailed costume policy and must be approved by the Costume
Supervisor, Director of Interpretation and occasionally the Deputy Director before use on the
site. The department seeks volunteers with strong hand-sewing and “fixit” skills, knowledge of or
ability to learn historic sewing techniques, and the ability to complete work on a specific timeline.
Other important skills are a good understanding of modern sewing techniques as well as the
use of a sewing machine. Often during the year, special costumes are needed for special
events and occasionally a costume assistant is needed to be present at the Museum to assist
large numbers of staff and volunteers to get dressed/ready for a program, such as Holiday
Lantern Tours. Sometimes a volunteer may be able to take work home for completion,
depending upon their skill and availability. Interested volunteers should submit an application to
the volunteer coordinator to begin the process.
Interpretation and Education
The Interpretation Department consists of the costumed historic site staff who deliver the
Museum’s programs to the visiting public and schoolchildren, conduct living history activities at
the farm exhibits and assist in the care of the exhibit sites. Volunteers are needed as farmsite
“greeters” (non-costumed interpreters in Museum logo garments who welcome visitors and
share basic information) and costumed interpreters who participate in all living history activities,
just as the staff do. Generally volunteers begin as non-costumed greeters and may advance, if
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they wish, to more involved costumed interpretation work based on their performance and on
careful study of the farm. Museum staff and volunteers convey information that has been
developed over a number of years by our research historians from approved sources. The
interpretive content of the site is overseen by the Deputy Director, who makes all decision as to
what information is shared with visitors; volunteers must adhere to the same information and
standards as staff.
The Education Department concentrates on developing and overseeing interpretive staff
delivery of educational programs based on the Virginia Standards of Learning. There is a need
for volunteers to assist on busy school days to accompany school groups to their assigned
locations, and for special events such as Home School Days. Volunteers in these departments
should be personable and enjoy speaking and interacting with others, be able to study and learn
information about the farmsites and educational programs, be able to walk up to one mile and
be on their feet for up to two hours while working on the site, and be able to participate in light
farm tasks such as lifting, bending, cleaning, and gardening as needed. Handcraft or historic
music skills are a plus. Interested volunteers should submit an application to the volunteer
coordinator to begin the process.
Library
The Museum’s library consists of over 6,000 volumes and archives relating to the historic sites
and time periods depicted at the Museum. It is located in Dairy Barn I upstairs, across the
breezeway from the Lecture Hall, Museum staff and volunteers use the library, and some public
access is available with prior appointment on business days. There is a need for an occasional
volunteer to re-shelve books and materials and for any special project which may arise.
Volunteers must have a good working knowledge of library practice and be able to work
independently after instruction. The library is managed by the Museum’s Deputy Director.
Interested volunteers should submit an application to the volunteer coordinator to begin the
process.
American Frontier Culture Foundation
The Foundation is a private non-profit (501C3) organization which supports the Museum via
fundraising and special events. The FDN occasionally has a need for volunteer help with clerical
and mailing projects, inventory and other projects in the Museum Store and for special event
assistance. In particular, volunteers interested in clerical jobs with the Foundation should have a
professional background, be able to appropriately handle confidential information, have
excellent people skills and be detail oriented. Interested volunteers should submit an application
to the volunteer coordinator to begin the process.
Historic Buildings, Trades and Restoration
The Historic Buildings department restores and maintains the authentic historic structures at the
Museum as well as the reproduction buildings and structures. Prospective volunteers should
have excellent hand tool skills, particularly in non-mechanized historic methods as well as
strong skills in the use of modern equipment and power tools. A background in construction or
historic preservation is a plus. Volunteers should also be able to work outdoors in all weather if
needed, be capable of lifting, bending, walking and conducting work which is often physically
challenging, follow directions, learn specialized information about particular projects and be able
to converse with the visiting public about the projects they are working on should the need arise.
Interested volunteers should submit an application to the volunteer coordinator to begin the
process.
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Special Events
The Museum hosts a variety of special events on weekends and evenings throughout the year –
from May Day to Holiday Lantern Tours. There is always a need for volunteers to help drive
trams to transport guests, work in a Coke or beer booth, sell raffle tickets, check ID’s, pick up
trash, staff a checkpoint or info booth, lead a tour, help with a meal for visiting performers and
many other tasks. The Volunteer Coordinator sends a program or operations plan a month or so
ahead of each event via email and interested volunteers sign up for available spaces. If you
wish to help with special events, be sure the volunteer coordinator has your email and will send
you updates as events occur.
Other Volunteer Opportunities
Trams - The Museum has a group of volunteers who drive the trams/golf carts carrying guests
around the site. The trams run daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (10-4 during winter hours) from
March – December. The Volunteer Coordinator sends a weekly tram schedule via email, and
interested volunteers sign up for available spaces. Some volunteers choose to work a set
schedule of a certain day or time each week, while some prefer to select from available spaces
as they are able. Interested volunteers should submit an application to the volunteer coordinator
to begin the process.
Special Projects – Occasionally the Museum needs help with a project that arises suddenly. A
recent example was the gift to the Museum of 150 small trees by a local organization – teams of
volunteers were summoned to the Museum to plant the trees along with staff over a several
week period. Prospective volunteers who would like to learn about sudden projects should
ensure that the Volunteer Coordinator includes their email in the large volunteer list.
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FRONTIER CULTURE MUSEUM
VOLUNTEER TIMESHEET
Volunteer Name:
Month (s) Listed:_______________________
Department:__________________________________________________________
Day of
week &
Date
#Hours
Worked:
Notes:
Date&
Day of
Week
#Hours
Worked:
Notes:
Date &
Day of
Week
#Hours
Worked:
Notes:
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Volunteer Emergency Contact Form/Personal Contact Form
Name:_______________________________Date:__________________
Mailing Address:_____________________________________________
Telephone Land:_____________________________________________
Telephone Cell:______________________________________________
Email:______________________________________________________
Please check one of the following:
___Yes, my contact information may be shared with volunteers and Museum staff (if asked)
___No, my contact information may not be shared with volunteers or Museum staff
Emergency Contact Information:
Name of Contact:_____________________________________________
Mailing address:______________________________________________
Telephone Land:______________________________________________
Telephone Cell:_______________________________________________
Email:_______________________________________________________
As you know, the Museum is a large open-air living history Museum, and
while some volunteers may work inside buildings, many work outdoors or in
close proximity to plants, animals, water, tools, and other potential health
hazards. Do you have any allergies or health concerns it would be useful
for us to be aware of of as you volunteer on our beautiful Museum site?
____________________________________________________________
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Frontier Culture Museum Volunteer Application
Name:_______________________________________________________________
Address:_____________________________State:_____________Zip:____________
Home phone:_______________________Work Phone:________________________
Cell Phone:___________________________________________________________
*Email:_______________________________________________________________
How did you hear about the Frontier Culture Museum?
Have you volunteered with us before? When and for what activity?
What skills or interests would you like to share with the Museum?
What dates and times are you generally available?
Check any activities below you may be interested in:
o Visitor Relations/Greeter
o Historic trades or restoration (requires at least moderate handcraft skills, ability to
work out-of-doors, lifting, standing and manual tasks)
o Gardening and Landscaping (Farmsite or general)
o General Maintenance Assistant
o Collections Management:
o Special Events (assorted tasks):
o Educational Programs
o Reception
o Costumed Interpreter
o General Group Tour guide
o Tram Driver
o Fudge making
o Costuming/Seamstress
o Short-Term Assignment (occasionally help needed for a specific task, such as
Xeroxing, delivering posters around town, a special event or party, telephone
reception etc…)
o Agriculture and Livestock
Send to : Frontier Culture Museum PO Box 810 Staunton, VA 24402-0810 Attn: Lydia
Volskis or call Lydia at 540-332-7850 x 165 or by email at:
Lydia.Volskis@frontiermuseum.org
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