Cultural Site Interpreter

Who We Are:

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is Massachusetts’ premier conservation and preservation organization. The Trustees’ preserves, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. Our properties are open to all, and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in all that we do. We aim to protect special places for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity, and have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000+ acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public. As a non-profit conservation organization, we are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and our 100,000 Member households. We encourage you to learn more about The Trustees on our website, www.thetrustees.org. 

Posting Information:

Salary/Hourly Rate: $16.50 - $18.50

Hours per week: 18, weekend availability required 

Job Classification: Hourly, Part-Time, Limited Term  

Job Type: Onsite  

Duration: July - October

Location: Harvard, MA 

What You’ll Do: 

Your Impact: 

As a Cultural Site Interpreter, you will bring the stories of our special places to life for our visitors in meaningful, fun, and relevant ways and support the Trustees’ mission to create a sense of belonging and connection at our properties. 

The Role: 

As a Cultural Site Interpreter at Fruitlands Museum, a historic property that consists of several different galleries and historic buildings, you will lead house tours and engage with visitors.

Fruitlands Museum has a diverse collection of art and material culture on 210 acres of land, stunning views, and miles of walking trails.

In 1843, Amos Bronson Alcott and Charles Lane turned a swath of Harvard farmland into a Transcendentalist experiment in subsistence farming and Emersonian self-reliance, named Fruitlands, which ultimately disbanded after only seven months. In 1914, Clara Endicott Sears opened the grounds to the public, establishing a museum in the property’s 1820s farmhouse. Now, the 210-acre landscape encompasses five collections first established by Sears: the original Fruitlands Farmhouse; the Shaker Museum, the first such museum in the country; the Wayside Visitor Center, a classroom, education, and exhibit space; the Seasonal Gallery; and the Four Seasons Gallery.

Specifically, you’ll: 

• Lead and facilitate interactive tour experiences and participatory activities for visitors of all ages.   
• Welcome and orient visitors, acting as an ambassador for the site and The Trustees.  
• Attend trainings and regular team meetings to learn about the interpretive philosophy and techniques used at the site.   
• Follow best practices in historic site interpretation, collections management, and security.   
• Work up to 4 days per week including weekends, along with coverage during events and public programs as needed. 
• Help keep the museum buildings and grounds clean and welcoming to visitors.

This is a part-time, limited term, hourly position working at least two shifts, 18 hours per week, depending on the season, reporting directly to the Property Manager, Fruitlands Museum and The Old Manse.  

What You’ll Need: 

Training is available for candidates without cultural interpretation experience.

Skills and Experience: 

• Background in teaching, museums, customer service, and/or theater preferred. 
• Enjoy engaging with visitors using a variety of interpretive techniques including storytelling, hands-on activities, and interactive discussion.  
• Ability to share a passion for history, literature, and/or philosophy.    
• A degree in history, literature, philosophy, theatre arts, education, museum studies, or a related field preferred. 
• Intellectually curious and open to learning and sharing new things.  
• Flexible and willing to meet the needs and interests of visitors.
• Reliable and committed to their position, their site team, and the mission of the Trustees.
• Weekend availability required.

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Current authorization to work in the United States – a candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment. 

• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check. 

Don’t quite have all the skills and experience listed above? We still want to hear from you! Research shows that historically marginalized groups are less likely to apply if they do not meet every single requirement. We are committed to building a diverse team and encourage you to apply even if you are missing some of the skills and experience above.  

Questions? Contact our People team at people@thetrustees.org 

Your Benefits: 

• Sick time: 40 hours of paid sick time upfront.  

• Reciprocity: Employees have access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions.  

• Discounts: Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores and on stays at our inns.  

Equal Opportunity and Diversity: 

The Trustees is a proud equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any protected status including, but not limited to, age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual preferences, nation of origin, religion, or disability status and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with varying abilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts, who are at the core of our mission.    

The Trustees’ commitment to advancing the organization’s vision for this work may be found here: Diversity, Belonging, Inclusion and Equity. 

 It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.  

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible work environment. To request reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us at people@thetrustees.org.