For the 2018 Summer/Fall Season

The Shirley-Eustis House (SEH), a 1747 Royal Governor’s Mansion located in Boston, Massachusetts, seeks to hire Docents to assist with seasonal programming (June through Columbus Day). In addition to the
mansion, the site comprises the Gardner Carriage House Learning Center, heritage gardens/orchards, and a charming tea folly. Docents will be responsible for interpreting the collections, architecture, and family stories of a diverse group of intriguing residents, who called SEH home from 1747 through circa 1910.

JOB DESCRIPTION: In addition to providing engaging Tours, applicants will meet and greet visitors; collect fees; open/close museum (including light housekeeping duties); and facilitate Education Programs, some with hands-on components (making butter, ‘teaching’ school; carding wool, etc.). Participants may include youth from Boys and Girls Clubs, Summer Camp Programs, or other students across all grade levels, including college peers. Duties may also include assisting the Program Coordinator with organizing/running. Events such as weddings and family gatherings. Moreover, work opportunities assisting with Tours and Events beyond the season—such as the SEH Christmas Celebration—also exist; some set-up and ‘meet-and- greet’ duties would be included.
Seasonal Shifts run from 12:30-4:30 Thursday to Sunday through Labor Day, then Saturday and Sunday through Columbus Day; weekend flexibility required. Season starts Saturday, June 2nd; a mandatory Training Session will be held prior to opening day. (Training is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, May 19th)
QUALIFICATIONS: Knowledge of /passion for American history; comfortable speaking to and connecting with diverse audiences, a willingness to undertake both on-the- job training as well as research to expand your interest in the house, its history, and its occupants. Basic computer skills required, as is the ability to work independently and as a member of a team. Advanced undergrads, graduate students, and educators encouraged to submit a résumé, as are employees in the historical, archaeological, art-history, or related fields. Also open to applicants with archival, exhibit, and/or public-speaking skills/experience.

Docents will be encouraged to complete a research project on some aspect of the house, collections, landscape/heritage gardens, residents, or folly as a form of Professional Development experience to add to their résumé.
Kindly forward a Résumé/CV, Cover Letter, and a List of Three (3) References to:
mtcProgCoordSEH@gmail.com, noting DOCENT POSITION in the subject line.
Docents will be paid $12-$15/hour.
Please respond by Friday, May 4th .