Are you interested in history? Do you like working with the public? Old Economy Village needs you! Help to preserve the past by telling the story of the Harmonists who lived in Economy over 100 years ago. Retirees, stay-at-home parents, students (14 years or older) and those wishing to lend a helping hand any weekday or weekend are invited to a Volunteer Open House, Wednesday, March 11th from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Learn what positions await you as an Old Economy Village Volunteer. No prior experience or special skills are necessary to become a volunteer: training is provided for all positions. Volunteers help Old Economy Village offer exciting hands-on experiences to visitors. Pre-registration is required to attend the March 11th Open House. Please register by contacting (724) 266-4500 ext. 115 or ra-oldeconomy@state.pa.us.
Old Economy Village offers lectures, workshops and special events, tours for all age groups and exhibits which tell the story of the 19th century Harmony Society of Oekonomie. Old Economy is recruiting volunteers for all positions in preparation for the next new volunteer training class. There are many interesting volunteer positions which need your expertise. Those who enjoy teaching children can become a School or Tour Guide. School Guides conduct school tours for children, grades preschool through college, from September through June. During the summer, guides conduct historic tours and assist with special events. Tour guides lead first-floor tours of 19th-century Harmonists’ homes and businesses, throughout the year, to visitors. Extensive training is provided. Programs are also offered at stations with the guide being responsible for one designated location and/or activity.
Traditional tradesmen interpret the industrial role the Harmonists played in the 19th century. Historically garbed interpreters portray Harmony Society residents; show the various crafts and trades including Bread Baker, School Teacher, Printer, Cooper, Blacksmith and Caregiver of the Household. We also need Weavers, Spinners, Potters, Tanners, Leather Workers and many other vocations.
As a demonstrator, you will help visitors pump water at a 19th century pump, wash clothes on a wash board or carry water using a yoke and wooden bucket. Explain the function of potato sacks and barrel rolling in the Harmonists’ 19th century daily life. Then, initiate barrel rolling and potato sack race contests with interested guests. Make bread the old-fashioned way at the bake oven, then serve a tasty treat of butter on warm bread to the Site’s hungry visitors. Interact with guests and do hands-on activities for children and adults. Help pique imaginations while working with wood in the Cooper's Shop or while sitting in the Baker House sewing a new hat.
There is also the position of Special Events Assistant. Volunteers in this position greet museum guests, distribute programs and fliers, work crowd control, help in the preparation and cleanup of the event and conduct educational activities as assigned.
Other volunteer positions include assisting visitors in the museum store, grounds keeping (with particular focus given to the historic gardens), maintenance work and sewing. Clerical aides are also needed for special projects, membership services and for more permanent departmental placement for on-going work.
Volunteering at Old Economy Village offers an opportunity to meet people with similar interests and to be of service to the community. Additional benefits enjoyed by Old Economy Volunteers: free museum membership with 100 hours of service and discounts on Museum Store purchases. Volunteers also receive free admission to museum exhibits and the historic site, invitations to attend special events and adult educational programs, free parking and service recognition at the annual Volunteer Recognition awards dinner. Flexible scheduling (open 7 days a week) makes this the perfect volunteer opportunity to fit with your busy life style. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at Old Economy Village, completion of volunteer training is required. Potential volunteers must fill out an application and interview with the Volunteer Coordinator prior to attending a training class.
Interviews will be held at the Volunteer Open House or can be arranged by contacting (724) 266-4500 ext. 108 or ra-oldeconomy@state.pa.us. The training includes information about Old Economy Village, the Harmonists, society in the 19th century and also specific job requirements. Completion of the training program encompasses all aspects of the museum’s collections and history and will prepare individuals for volunteer positions with the museum.
Current volunteers include the 2007 Dominion Volunteer in the Arts (VITA) award winner and 2007 Community Champion. According to the 2007 Dominion Volunteers in the Arts Award winner Ruth Hahn, “No matter what field you are in you can find an area of interest to volunteer in.” “I hope my seventeen years of service with Old Economy Village will serve as an incentive to other volunteers to continue their efforts and it will invite more people to volunteer at historic and cultural sites like Old Economy Village.”
Old Economy Village has 17 restored structures furnished with collections of the Harmony Society, a German religious communal group known for its industrial prosperity in textiles and manufacturing, railroad investments and winemaking. The Visitor Center offers guests an orientation film, exhibits and the Museum Store. Old Economy Village is one of 25 historic sites and museums on the Pennsylvania Trail of History®, administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. For more information or to request a free 24-page visitor guide, visit www.phmc.state.pa.us or phone toll free 1-866-PA TRAIL. For more information on Old Economy Village visit www.oldeconomyvillage.org.