Interpretation and Visitor Services Volunteer

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Interpretive volunteers will work closely with members of the public, sharing the life and legacy of Thomas A. Edison, his West Orange, New Jersey based Research and Development Laboratory Complex and his estate Glenmont.

Volunteers will provide NPS visitors with fact-based, historically accurate presentations highlighting Edison’s phonograph, contributions to the motion picture industry, prolific body of work completed in Building 2: The Chemistry Laboratory, along with showcasing the many facets of the laboratory complexes’ main structure - Building #5.

Volunteers will also have the opportunity to showcase the family home, "Glenmont,". At Glenmont, volunteers will need to be prepared to discuss and describe the interior of the house, family stories and Mina’s role in the Edison story to small, ticketed groups of visitors. The Glenmont garage, which houses many family vehicles, grave site, greenhouse and potting shed along with the 13-acre estate will also serve as focal points for discussion with members of the public.

Informational talks, guided tours and demonstrations will follow a prescribed outline, provided by the park. Programs will be audited by park staff.

The volunteer will utilize interpretive techniques (such as metaphors, storytelling, analogies) suggested by others to facilitate emotional and/or intellectual connections between the audiences’ interests and their surroundings.

As the volunteer gains knowledge and experience, he/she are encouraged to create a talk of their own on a chosen Edison interest. Information is acquired through volunteer training and publications which are made available to the volunteer staff from the park interpretation library.

Start Date - 2024-04-12

End Date - 2025-04-12

Activities include: General Assistance;Research/Librarian;Tour Guide/Interpretation;Visitor Information