Heritage/Community Development Positions
positions are full time 1 year positions unless otherwise noted
Beverly Heritage Center - Beverly, WV
Programs Coordinator
Supervisor: Eleanor Renshaw
1 Full Time 11 1/2 Month Position
Join the team at the Beverly Heritage Center, a full service heritage museum and visitor center in the original county seat of Randolph County, WV, and home to a nationally significant Civil War Battlefield. Help with preserving our historic town and nearby Rich Mountain Battlefield, tell our important stories, and encourage heritage tourism to benefit community development. BHC members will work together on the BHC team to help with visitor services, events, and volunteer management.
Support events and programming across multiple themes at the Beverly Heritage Center. Help develop educational programs and exhibits, especially related to diverse under-represented stories. Experience the full range of activities of a small museum, including visitor services, event planning, museum development, collections management, promotion and outreach for Randolph County’s premier heritage site.
WV Railroad Museum - Elkins, WV
Museum Associate
Supervisor: Rachel Hayes
1 Full Time (11&1/2 Month) Position
The WV Railroad Museum has been in existence for 20+ years but has recently undergone complete changes in management and direction. The Board of Directors is made up of volunteers who have full time jobs elsewhere. There is one paid employee, the Executive Director, tasked with all operational duties. The purpose of the AmeriCorps position is to support the Executive Director with day-to-day tasks as well as implementing larger strategic plans. We have a small volunteer base that should be utilized and if possible, expanded.
The WV Railroad Museum is looking for someone to assist our Executive Director with event planning, museum display creation, archival work on our collection, volunteer recruitment and management, and/or working as a museum docent. We can be flexible in hours and will do our best to match your skill set to work you will enjoy. We can use your outgoing, creative energy or your quiet, work-focused drive to get things done.
FILLED POSITIONS
FILLED - Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area - Elkins, WV
Supervisor - Maria Bray
Serve directly for the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area at the historic Darden Mill in downtown Elkins, WV. Learn what it means to contribute to the preservation and interpretation of the history and culture of Appalachian forest highlands with the region’s largest National Heritage Area.
AFNHA Discovery Center Associate
Tell the story of forest heritage in the AFNHA by developing your own exhibit in the Appalachian Forest Discovery Center. Located in the Darden Mill in Elkins, this museum first opened in May 2014, featuring a permanent exhibit about AFHA themes, and a different rotating exhibit each year. This member will develop the 2024 seasonal exhibit, starting with selecting the actual topic, likely environmental related, within our themes. Develop the exhibit through research, writing, finding images and display materials, designing, and constructing the exhibit. Graphic design skills are strongly recommended, but if that is not your strong suit we can bring in design help. The important part is telling the story in an interesting, interpretive, and compelling way.
In conjunction with developing the seasonal exhibit, help coordinate and be part of the team revising the primary AF Discovery Center exhibit to more fully represent AFNHA themes. Work alongside museum professionals to assist with this multi-year effort.
The member will also be responsible for museum visitor services duties through the tourist season, as well as other AFNHA interpretation or programming projects.
Applicants should have interpretation and/or museum studies background, with graphic design (In Design) skill a plus. Content area background related to exhibit topic will be helpful. Will include substantial weekend days during the tourist season. We are looking for an enthusiastic member who wants to take on the challenge creating museum exhibits to tell AFNHA stories.
AFNHA - Storytelling & Outreach Associate
Explore the cultural and heritage stories of AFNHA as you experience the exciting diversity of AFNHA tourism sites. You will help develop and implement the America250 in the Appalachian Forest program, telling untold and little known stories of the diversity of America in this mountain area. Activities will including helping develop the program, working with partner sites to share their stories, and telling stories yourself through research, writing, and potentially other interpretive products. This position will continue work on AFNHA networked online thematic tours, and support cultural heritage tourism development and networking across our area. See www.appalachianforestnha.org/history-maps for some examples. You will develop content, research, collect photos, and write stories of sites around our region that are connected to similar themes, then implement them as on-line tour products. Both of these projects will coordinate with each site to gather their information and engage them as partners with AFNHA, including travel to visit and experience the attractions.
The member will also support Highlands Creative Economy tourism initiative, and work with partners to build and develop heritage tourism attractions. Work alongside AFNHA Muesum Associate member, and as part of the AFNHA team on a variety of projects. Excellent writing skills are essential for this, along with ability to do research and to work with members of diverse communities. Tech skills or experience with audio / visual / digital platforms, and/or ARC GIS story map familiarity, are a plus but not required. We are looking for an enthusiastic member who is familiar with -- or interested in learning about -- our region, including talking with people and seasonal travel for site visits around our area.
FILLED - Augusta Collection Preservation Coordinator
Are you a recent graduate seeking a fulfilling opportunity that combines hands-on experience with a chance to contribute to your community's cultural legacy? Dive into the realm of archival preservation with Americorps at the Augusta Heritage Center!
As our Archival Preservation Coordinator, you'll step into a role where the skills needed for preservation can be learned on the job. We're on the lookout for driven, passionate individuals with a keen eye for detail and a thirst for knowledge.
Your primary task will be safeguarding Augusta's rich cultural history and that of its surrounding region by organizing, digitizing, and preserving a diverse array of historical artifacts. From captivating photographs to fascinating manuscripts and culture-bearing audio recordings, you'll play a vital role in ensuring these treasures endure for generations to come.
You'll also have the opportunity to collaborate closely with community members and enthusiastic volunteers, crafting engaging educational programs and dynamic exhibits that celebrate the area's unique cultural heritage. Along the way, you'll develop leadership and project management skills, all while gaining a deeper appreciation for the importance of cultural preservation.
FILLED - Augusta Programs Coordinator
As a Programs Coordinator, you'll take center stage in organizing and executing our vibrant cultural heritage programs, spanning music, dance, crafts, and folklore. Partnering closely with our Chief Creative Officer, you'll be at the helm of event planning, artist bookings, logistical management, and ensuring seamless operations. Your contributions will be instrumental in both preserving and celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of Appalachia, fostering cultural exchange, and facilitating immersive learning experiences.
In addition to making a tangible difference in your community, this role offers invaluable professional growth opportunities. Dive into the intricacies of event planning, hone your program coordination skills, and deepen your understanding of cultural preservation under the guidance of our seasoned staff. Plus, connect with fellow AmeriCorps members and industry professionals, expanding your network and knowledge base.
We're on the lookout for individuals brimming with motivation, a passion for cultural heritage, and stellar organizational and communication prowess. If you're a self-starter hungry for learning and ready to make waves, we want to hear from you!
Seize the opportunity to shape the cultural landscape of Appalachia and propel your career forward. Apply now to become a program coordinator with AmeriCorps at the Augusta Heritage Center!
FILLED - Beverly Heritage Center Preservation Associate - Beverly, WV
The Preservation Associate member will focus on preservation of our historic buildings, collections, and stories. This member will learn to understand and monitor preservation and needs of our multiple historic buildings, and implement some of the hands-on type of work that goes into keeping historic buildings and landscapes preserved, maintained, and welcoming visitors. This position will also assist with collection care and management of our growing collection of artifacts and documents, and will complete at least one storytelling or exhibit project for the Beverly Heritage Center. Interest in preservation of historic buildings and stories is important, relevant training or experience is a plus. Should be comfortable with hand tools and common equipment, will have the opportunity to learn some preservation trade skills.
Filled - Beverly Heritage Center Rich Mountain Battlefield Coordinator - Beverly, WV
The Rich Mountain Coordinator member will focus on preservation of the Rich Mountain Battlefield and the history related to it. This member will assist in nominating this nationally significant Civil War Site to National Historic Landmark status. Projects will also include updating interpretation of the battle site, including potentially improved signage and online interpretation. Learn to understand and monitor preservation and needs of historic landscape and help ensure that it is preserved, maintained, and welcoming visitors. This position will also assist with care of related Civil War properties, and with interpreting and telling stories related to West Virginia in the Civil War. Interest and background in preservation of historic landscapes and stories, with emphasis on the Civil War, is important. GIS mapping skill is a plus. Should be comfortable both in the field and with research and interpretation. Must have own vehicle for travel to the battlefield.
FILLED - Elkins Depot Welcome Center - Elkins, WV
Heritage Tourism Liaison
Supervisor: Anne Beardslee
1 Full time (11 & 1/2 month) Position
The Elkins Depot Welcome Center CVB promotes heritage tourism by educating visitors and community members in regards to cultural heritage and community events through use of heritage tourism, offering hospitality and promoting local businesses and attractions. Opened in 2006 and located in the restored historic Western Maryland Railway Depot, the Welcome Center serves over 30,000 visitors to the Elkins area each year by providing local and regional information. Position will improve heritage interpretation and tourism, build a stronger organization through recruitment and coordination of volunteers and enhance community development through tourism activities. Through social media, events and web presence the goal is to increase the number of people that learn about and visit the Welcome Center and Randolph County throughout the year and enhance the service visitors receive. Member will become an integral part of the Center, will make suggestions for changes and participate in all major Center activities and day-to-day operation of the facility.
Member duties will include: Comprehensive tourism services and cultural heritage tourism development, Expanded distribution of heritage tourism information, including greeting and assisting visitors, Marketing development and promotion, Training and management of volunteers with expansion of volunteer program, Assisting with events including annual Ramps and Rail Festival.
FILLED - Camp Pioneer & Randolph County Historical Society - Beverly, WV
4-H Camp Pioneer & Randolph County Museum
Supervisor: Sarah Cunningham & Carolyn Channel
1 Full time (11 & 1/2 month) position split between 2 sites
Camp Pioneer
With a mixture of community and heritage development activities, spend your days at scenic 4-H Camp Pioneer in Beverly, WV, where we strive to “Make the Best Better.” This position will work to create a museum exhibit area on the grounds of 4-H Camp Pioneer. 4-H camping has a rich history in Randolph County, as the first 4-H camp in the world was held here in 1915. The AmeriCorps member will preserve historical documents related to 4-H camping, 4-H club work, and other programs related to the 4-H program. This will include collecting and archiving memorabilia, videoing oral histories as well as planning heritage exhibits for display. The AmeriCorps member will also oversee the community park, walking trail and recreation area located at camp. The member will coordinate with community organizations that support improvements, grants and volunteer work for the park area.
Randolph County Historical Society
For Randolph County Museum, collections management will be the primary focus. The Randolph County Museum is an artifact-rich county museum located in a historic building in Beverly, and operated by the Randolph County Historical Society. The museum has a wealth of artifacts, and the Society needs help in updating the registration and care of items, as well as with exhibit updates. The Society also is working to increase membership and programming and member will help with capacity building, communications including newsletters and website, and will assist with summer visitors at the museum, including substantial weekend hours during the season. Museum studies or collection experience needed, familiarity with or interested in learning Past Perfect for collections.
Withdrawn - Hampshire County Convention & Visitors Bureau - Romney, WV
Cultural Heritage and Marketing Coordinator
Supervisor: Tina Ladd
1 Full time (11 & 1/2 month) Position
Join our team in Hampshire County as an AmeriCorps Cultural Heritage and Marketing Coordinator! Immerse yourself in enriching community events and pivotal historical research to celebrate and promote our rich heritage. You'll play a key role in marketing our flagship events, the Potomac Highlands Sportsman & Outdoor Show and the Hampshire County Farm Crawl, through innovative social media strategies and engaging content creation. Additionally, you'll contribute to groundbreaking research on African American heritage as we develop a new interpretive sign for the Civil War Trails. This position offers a unique blend of marketing, community engagement, and historical research, providing a comprehensive AmeriCorps service experience in the heart of West Virginia's scenic beauty.
Withdrawn - Kump Education Center - Elkins, WV
Heritage Education Coordinator
Supervisor Heather Biola
1 Full time (11 & 1/2 month) Position
Imagine working at an historic property as it celebrates its Centennial and exploring ways to make it exciting and relevant in the 21st century. This AmeriCorps position allows a member to work on interpretive materials, support educational programming, research wetlands environmental outreach, provide public tours on a regular basis, inspire volunteers, and work on marketing campaigns to increase the visibility of this gem at the crossroads of Elkins. The Kump House and Education Center is ready to explore its future! The position requires strong communication skills, including familiarity with media technology, and a willingness to work with volunteers and visitors of all ages.
The Kump House honors the legacy of the 19th Governor of West Virginia (1933-1937) during the New Deal era, one of the most challenging times for the state. The Kump House has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1983 and is one of the city's historic gems. The non- profit Kump Education Center (KEC) will begin celebrating the home's 100th anniversary in 2024 with a full calendar of events.
Filled - Mon Forest Towns - Elkins, WV
Mon Forest Towns Partnership AmeriCorps Member
Supervisor Josh Nease
1 Full Time 11 1/2 Month Position
The nearly one-million acre Monongahela National Forest (the Mon) is the single largest recreation and tourism asset in West Virginia. The Mon Forest Towns Partnership works collaboratively with 12 towns in the Mon to collaboratively develop a strong, sustainable outdoor recreation economy and advance these communities as "gateway towns" to the Forest. This AmeriCorps position will work to support the Mon Forest Towns Partnership and the Monongahela National Forest. This AmeriCorps position will aim to:
• increase the capacity of the Mon Forest Towns Partnership, the organization and the towns
• connect towns to the organization, the National Forest and other recreation assets, and to each other
• improve communication between towns and between the Mon Forest Towns and the public
• collaborate with the USFS to support their conservation, education, outreach, and community engagement efforts
• participate in regional training and professional development opportunities as available
Withdrawn - Monongahela National Forest Heritage Program - Elkins, WV
Historic Preservation Specialist
Supervisor: Gavin Hale
1 Full time (11 & 1/2 month) Position
The Monongahela National Forest has a complex and multi-faceted Heritage Program that is responsible for: directing, planning, and administering all activities related to cultural resource management within the Forest. We provide professional and technical guidance to the Forest Supervisor; maintaining curation facilities and implementing a collection management plan; coordinating consultation with partnering agencies, organizations, and the public in the effort of planning and developing the heritage resource inventory, evaluation, and enhancement programs; working with special interest groups to develop interpretive programs and information for interested publics; reviewing and analyzing heritage resource laws, regulations, and policies for effects on forest management programs and consistency with regional and national objectives; and facilitating the unique government-to-government relationship between the Forest Service and sovereign tribal nations. The AmeriCorps member will have opportunities to participate with all facets of the program obligations while assisting the Heritage Program Manager and team.
FILLED - Upshur County Historical Society - Buckhannon, WV
Collections Manager and Research Assistant
Supervisor: Noel Tenney
1 Full time (11 & 1/2 month) Position
The Upshur County Historical Society was organized in 1926 and has been very active since 1983 perpetuating local and county history. They have three facilities, The History Center Museum, Document Repository, and the historic Former French Creek Presbyterian Church Building and fulfill their mission through preserving, publishing, programming, and providing a county research center and museum. They care for an artifact collection of approximately forty thousand items (over 27,000 cataloged and others waiting to be processed) including documents, photographs, and three dimensional artifacts, which are used continuously for research, exhibits, publications, and information sourcing for various projects or other organizations, along with members and the general public research needs.
The AmeriCorps member's major projects will be to work with established digital/electronic systems for collections management/cataloging/ and processing artifacts into PastPerfect software. Member will also work with UCHS research files and original sources to compile content for the Upshur County Digital Encyclopedia project, and will assist with gathering other data to be included in this digital system. Members will be responsible for targeted posting of data and resources from the society's projects onto social media avenues (Facebook, organization's webpage, and others), public outreach, annual UCHS Journal research and writing, assisting with exhibit research and development, and assisting researchers who wish to access the archives. The AmeriCorps member for this position will need outstanding computer skills [preferably PastPerfect, social media, and data processing skills], a general history knowledge background, excellent research and writing skills, and good "people'' skills for working with volunteers and the general public. The AmeriCorps member will be completely trained in all aspects of archival, exhibit development and construction, preparation of materials for publications, and public presentations.
FILLED - Webster County Convention and Visitors Bureau - Webster Springs, WV
Museum Organizer
Supervisor: Alexandria Fliegel
1 Full time (11 & 1/2 month) Position
An exciting opportunity in the heart of Webster County at the brand new Woodchopping and Timber Heritage Museum. This AmeriCorps position will work directly with the Convention and Visitors Bureau Director to help run the museum. Some responsibilities would include delving into research of the rich history of the timber industry in the county, designing and implementing permanent, rotating and window displays, greeting visitors, organizing activities for all ages.
