Historic Weapons Interpreter

Historic Weapons Interpreters support River Raisin NBP’s visitor engagement and educational efforts by providing a welcoming, informative, and enriching presence throughout the park. Volunteers in this role serve as key points of contact for visitors and contribute to positive and memorable experiences by delivering interpretive services and fostering visitor connections to the park’s resources.

·        Interacting with the public in a courteous, helpful, and respectful manner

·        Abiding by National Park Service (NPS) directives, park rules, and regulations, including the use of safety equipment, and being directed by an assigned NPS supervisor. SAFETY FIRST with historic weapons!

·        Adhering to rules, guidelines, and laws put in place by River Raisin NBP (RIRA) and its partners, the NPS, and the federal government. These include the guidance provided within RIRA’s Historic Weapons and Sabre Program Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), as well as NPS Reference Manual 6, “Standards for Historic Weapons Firing in Areas Administered by the NPS,” (2-20-2020).

·        Presenting formal and informal interpretive programs and historic weapons demonstrations, as well as providing orientation and answering questions for park visitors.

·        Assisting with logistics for events and historic weapons demonstrations. Volunteers often multitask and may be asked to assist with setting up and taking down the firing range or acting as a range monitor.

·        Helping to secure park facilities, ensuring that visitors do not enter off-limits areas and do not misuse, disturb, or damage park resources.

·        Operating park radios according to established procedures.

·        Maintaining a safe working environment at all times and notifying park staff of any unsafe acts or conditions.

·        Wearing period dress while conducting any historic weapons program. Natural fiber period clothing is a requirement for this program and is considered to be personal protective equipment (PPE) for the wearer. General grooming and clothing need to reflect a professional, clean, and neat appearance.

·        Maintaining a log of volunteer service hours, either manually or digitally. Training and research hours must be approved in advance by park staff.

·        Maintaining a safe, inclusive, and fun environment for all volunteers.