Artifact Cart Host

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Interested in history and sharing one of Portland's premier attractions? Pittock Mansion is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to engage visitors in hands-on learning. Long-and-short-term volunteers are welcome to apply.

Artifact Cart Host Description: The Artifact Cart host uses historic objects to engage visitors in hands-on learning. Visitors can touch and use the objects to help learn about that life was like around the time Henry and Georgiana Pittock lived in the Mansion. At each shift, the Artifact Cart host chooses which cart they’d like to share with visitors, "Home Technology & Architecture" or "Kitchen Gadgets & Gizmos."

Training: All volunteers are required to attend a 2-hour general volunteer training and a 1-hour Artifact Cart training, complete an application, and submit a background check consent form. During the trainings, volunteers receive the Guide’s Guide, Gate Lodge Families, and the Hands-On History Guides for each cart to study and learn. The Artifact Cart training emphasizes the objects on each cart.

Commitment: Volunteer shifts are about 4-hours (10-2; 10:30-2:30; 11-3; or 11:30-3:30) Shifts are available 7-days a week, February- mid-November. There isn't a maximum or minimum number of shifts a volunteer must sign up for--schedules are flexible.

Impact: The Hands-On History hosts actively support the Mansion's mission to inspire understanding and stewardship to Portland history through Pittock Mansion, its collections, and programs.

How to apply: Please contact Kyla Foster at kfoster@pittockmansion.org or 503-823-3587.

Please note: Hosting the Artifact Carts is the least physically demanding volunteer position. Although it’s not required, volunteers are welcome to sit or stand in one place for the duration of their shift. Hosting the Artifact Carts provides an opportunity to engage with visitors at greater length than guiding tours.

History of the Mansion and Pittock Family: In 1853, Henry Pittock arrived in Portland "barefooted and without a cent." By 1860, Mr. Pittock had moved his way up from a typesetter to the owner of The Oregonian newspaper. Portland’s history is reflected in the unique lives of the Pittocks, whose work, interests, and life stories still influence Portlanders today. Henry and Georgiana Pittock were activists, community builders, and lovers of the outdoors. They helped establish the Portland Rose Festival, the Mazamas climbing club, the Oregon Riding Club, and were gifted fundraisers for the Ladies Relief Society, Portland Women’s Union, and helped found the Portland Rose Society.

Pittock Mansion was built in 1914 for one of Oregon’s most influential families and is filled with rich history and remarkable stories. The Mansion is known for its architectural and technological prowess with an original Otis elevator, central vacuum cleaning system, dumbwaiter, and thermostat-controlled central heating.