Employment Opportunities
Historic Germantown Guide/Educator
Do you love History as well as working with children and the public? Historic Germantown, a partnership of 19 museums in Northwest Philadelphia, is currently seeking Educators for the hands-on learning program History Hunters, as well guiding tours at several of the museums.
The History Hunters Youth Reporter Program, a national award-winning educational program, takes place at five historic sites in Historic Germantown: Cliveden of the National Trust, the Johnson House, Stenton, La Salle University Art Museum, and Wyck. The program uses individual histories of the sites to teach students a larger American narrative, covering United States’ history that spans from colonial times through the Civil War, focusing on the diverse perspectives of history, and making connections to the past with a diverse population of students. The program will serve approximately 3,500 students during the 2024-2025 school year, in Grades 4 and 5.
All Educators will receive complete training and support for all five of the History Hunters locations and will also work with the general public at several Historic Germantown sites throughout the year, which may include Stenton, Cliveden, Wyck, Concord School House, Germantown Mennonite Historic Trust, Historic Fair Hill, ACES, Lest We Forget Slavery Museum, Historic Rittenhouse Town, and Historic Germantown Museum.
An ideal candidate for this position might have a background in American history or education, will have experience working with children and the public, is comfortable presenting information to a group, is enthusiastic, friendly, and personable. Some college or equivalent experience desired. We aim to have our team reflect and respect the experience and background of all the children they will be working with. Bilingual candidates and those who have experience and ability working with children from Philadelphia public schools are strongly encouraged to apply.
Historic Germantown is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and believes that an inclusive and respectful environment enriches our community and our educational and employment experiences. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Historic Germantown is committed to building a culturally diverse team and strongly encourages applications from minority candidates.
This position is part-time. It requires some flexibility, and hours will vary depending on when tours are scheduled. Weekday availability is required; weekend availability is strongly desired. Compensation is $17.00 per hour.
For information about the program, visit www.historyhunters.org.
For information about the sites in Historic Germantown, visit www.historicgermantownpa.org.
Please send resume, references, and cover letter to both contacts below:
- Rachel Corma - History Hunters Program Coordinator | (215)-329-7312 | [email protected]
- Carolyn Wallace - Cliveden Education Director | (215)-848-1777 | [email protected]
Interpreter
Cliveden, a historic site located in Northwest Philadelphia, seeks Interpreters for the 2024 season. As front-line staff for Cliveden, Interpreters are responsible for sharing diverse narratives with the public in an accurate and engaging way.
Responsibilities include:
- Provide guided tours and occasional self-guided experiences during events for visitors, maintaining a level of knowledge in order to substantively inform the public and respond accurately to their questions
- Facilitate positive experiences for visitors, group tours, and other audiences in a confident, professional and inclusive manner
- Ensure alignment of tours with the site's interpretation priorities, especially in telling the full story and centering the tour on all inhabitants, conveying underrepresented stories of enslaved, Free Black, and service staff members
- Understand and implement on-site guide-related opening and closing procedures
- Participate in mandatory trainings and group discussions to understand tour content and updates, interpretive guidelines and context
- Act as ambassador to visitors while on site
- Tabulate visitor metrics
- Administrative support as assigned
- Research projects as interest and time allows
- Participation in training and professional development opportunities, including intensive training in April and mandatory monthly meetings May through November
Candidates should be able to comfortably and naturally speak in front of a group, including handling difficult discussions and situations, and have a passion for learning about Cliveden's history, and the desire to communicate this knowledge and enthusiasm to others. Punctuality and reliability imperative. A background in history, African American history, art, architecture, or preservation desired.
The schedule is 15-20 hours every two weeks during Cliveden's open hours and occasionally at other times. Cliveden is open:
May to November, Thursday-Sunday, 12-4pm.
Compensation: $15/hour
Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to: Carolyn Wallace, Education Director | [email protected].
No calls please.