Rose Hill Volunteers
By Mel Oles, Visitor Services and Programs Manager at Rose Hill and Johnston House
Do you like to learn and want to be active in the community? Rose Hill Mansion is looking for volunteers to help with the 2022 season. The Mansion may look grand and beautiful, but it takes a village to support our activities and we are looking for individuals who would like to be involved in a variety of capacities. There is no maximum or minimal hours or days required to be a volunteer. We also provide training and materials.
One of the volunteer positions is “Room Guides.” At certain special events or programs visitors can enter the Mansion and walk around on their own. The Room Guides help orient visitors and answer questions about the site. If you are interested in volunteering occasionally during the season and enjoy speaking to the public this would be a good fit for you.
Next, we have special events, like our annual Community Day and summer concert series. Volunteers can help with event set-up and clean-up and publicity. We also need help with welcoming visitors and parking. These are fun events are held throughout the season.
For group tours we often need help in the Carriage House Gift Shop. The groups visit for an average of two hours touring the Mansion, viewing the exhibit, shopping, and walking the grounds. The Gift Shop Manager MJ Benda would like assistance wrapping purchases, answering questions and processing payments. Group tours come from all around the United States, and you get to meet a lot of interesting people.
During Community Day we are also looking for individuals and groups to present programs. If you are part of a Civil War Reenactment group, history club or another educational organization this would be a great fit for you to share your knowledge with the public.
Many of the projects require working with the public, however, this may not be for everyone. Do you like working outside and gardening? We always need help watering the plants, weeding the flower beds, and maintaining the gardens. There are many projects in the planning stages for Rose Hill that will need help if you are interest in gardening.
The volunteer program is both beneficial for the volunteer and Rose Hill. It is a “win-win” for all. If you are interested in learning more, please email contact me at rosehill@historicgeneva.org.