Sandy Hook - History House Docent

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Become an integral part of sharing the rich history and natural beauty of this national park! Docents provide informal and formal programming at Sandy Hook’s History House! History House helps visitors understand life on the home front during World War II. This U.S. Army lieutenant’s quarters on Officers Row, overlooking Sandy Hook Bay was built in 1898 and used through 1974. Today the home is set up to interpret the 1940s, the busiest time in Fort Hancock’s history. Volunteers may also assist with related tours and programs around the Fort Hancock and Sandy Hook Proving Ground National Historic Landmark.

Docents enhance visitor understanding of the park resources and ensure visitor safety. They are responsible for welcoming and counting the number of visitors who enter their station or attend their program. The volunteer orients visitors using park maps and brochures. They can also articulate the full range of opportunities visitors can explore and experience at the park from self-guided to guided. Docents provide basic information about the current tour schedule, park programs, the Junior Ranger program, and other offerings based on the seasons. The volunteer stays up to date on park information through the park newsletter sent through email.

Docents provide consistent, high-quality interpretation to all visitors, using the resources and training provided by park staff. They ensure security of buildings, collections, batteries, and other resources by preventing touching, handling, or defacing of interior surfaces, artwork, furnishings, or objects. Docents may also assist with special programs and events including Coastal Defense Day, Family Fun Day, The Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey, Christmas Decorating at History House, or other special events.

Special notes about this volunteer position:

• Volunteer Shifts in History House are currently from 12:45PM-4:45PM
• For Saturday and Sunday shifts, we are looking for individuals that would like to serve in the volunteer position year-round, at least 2 times per month or more. Ideally, the volunteer would be here consistently one weekend day each week.
• During ~May through ~October we are looking for volunteers to assist on Fridays and Mondays.
• All Individuals must be able to make History House Volunteer Training on Sunday, April 27th from 1-4PM
• History House is located 5.5 miles north of the entrance to Sandy Hook. Traffic leading onto Sandy Hook during the weekend days in the summer months is a factor to consider when applying to this volunteer role

Applications for this volunteer position closes on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 11:45PM.

Start Date - 2025-04-27

End Date - 2026-04-26