LEXINGTON ó The Davidson County Historical Museum is looking for people who can give tours to afternoon visitors. Volunteers can play an important role in assisting visitors while learning about the Old Courthouse as a historic gathering space in the community. During four special training sessions, volunteers will learn how to share the story of Davidson County with visitors of all ages ó from its development from backcountry frontier into an agricultural and manufacturing center in the 19th and 20th centuries. As a small museum in a historic National Register site, staff and volunteers are able to enjoy sharing local history with Davidson County residents as well as an ever-increasing number of visitors from all over the U.S.
Requirements for volunteering include:
– Ability to complete one 4-hour shift per week;
– Sincere interest and/or background in history or social sciences;
– Interest in serving the general public;
– Ability to be courteous, respectful, and patient with visitors;
– Desire to learn as well as teach;
– Good oral communication skills;
– Cooperative nature, including the ability to accept instruction;
– Ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances;
– Diplomatic, with grace under pressure;
– Professional manner and neat appearance;
– Ability to accommodate the physical demands of a non-traditional building ó the Old Courthouse is completely handicapped accessible and has an elevator, but is also a historic building with many unusual features.
Volunteers will receive training and study materials during four 90-minute sessions. Those interested can call the museum at 336-242-2036 for more information and to learn dates for training. Volunteer application forms are available at the courthouse, 2 S. Main St., and at the museum’s Web site, http://www.co.davidson.nc.us/museum/.