History First Hand Re-enactor

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Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens is the former home of early industrialist and Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company co-founder, F.A. Seiberling, and his wife, Gertrude. The 65 room Tudor Revival style mansion designed by Charles Schneider was built between 1912-1915 and today encompasses 70 acres of restored gardens originally created by noted landscape architect Warren Manning. After 40 years of occupancy, the Seiberling heirs helped create the non-profit foundation which has operated the museum since 1957. Stan Hywet is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is listed as a National Historic Landmark and an Official Project of Save America's Treasures. Tours are offered daily from 10am-4:30pm April through December along with seasonal special events.

History First Hand volunteers are part of a collective re-enacting troupe who portray characters with connections to Stan Hywet or the Seiberling family from the year 1920. These characters could be socialites, businessmen, community members/leaders, or domestic staff with fictionalized names and personal stories, but real-life roles. Characters come to life during special events at Stan Hywet including Vintage Days and during educational programming such as "Meet the Staff." Occasionally characters also make an appearance for specialty/VIP tours or at Development gatherings.

Upon first joining History First Hand, new volunteers will be provided with interpretive training and time to build their character profile from archival information and photos as well as personal experiences and family history. Once their character is created and their costuming is decided on, volunteers will be given dates of events and programs to sign-up for to represent the History First Hand group along with additional members. History First Hand members are expected to attend monthly meetings and be available to participate in special events and programming on weekdays as well as weekends for up to six hours.

Preference and admittance to the group will be given to volunteers with previous acting/theater experience, prior work in education or interpretive programs, strong public speaking skills, and who are quick learners.