Heritage/Community Development Positions
AFNHA is still accepting applications for sites across our region. More positions will be available throughout the Summer. Please check back weekly for new positions as they become available.
Open Positions
Augusta Collection Preservation Coordinator - Full Time, One Year Position
ELKINS, Randolph County, WV
Seth Young - Supervisor
Looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the heart of Appalachia while gaining valuable experience in archival preservation? Look no further than Americorps at the Augusta Heritage Center!
As the Archival Preservation Coordinator, you will play a critical role in preserving the rich cultural history collected by the Augusta Heritage Center over the past 50 years. Your responsibilities will include organizing, preserving, and digitizing a variety of historical artifacts, including photographs, manuscripts, audio recordings, and more.
In addition to preserving history, you will have the opportunity to work closely with the Augusta team to create educational programming and exhibits that showcase the unique cultural heritage of the area. Through these projects, you will develop leadership and project management skills, as well as a deeper understanding of the value of cultural preservation.
At Augusta Heritage Center, we believe that everyone deserves access to their cultural history and practices. Join us as an Americorps member and help us make that vision a reality while gaining valuable skills and experiences along the way!
As the Augusta Heritage Center Augusta Collection Preservation Coordinator, an individual will have the opportunity to learn and develop a range of specialized skills necessary for managing and preserving historical collections. While organization, attention to detail, and research skills are important foundational skills for this role, here are some additional skills that the individual will learn on the job:
Skills developed:
-Collection Management: On-the-job training will provide the preservation coordinator with an in-depth understanding of collection management practices, including organization, cataloging, and maintenance of the Augusta Heritage Center's historical collections.
-Archival Principles: The individual will learn about archival principles and practices, including the handling, storage, and preservation of physical and digital materials.
-Technical Tools and Software: The preservation coordinator will become proficient in using a range of technical tools and software to manage and preserve digital collections.
-Communication and Collaboration: Working closely with other members of the Augusta Heritage Center, the individual will develop strong communication and collaboration skills, learning to effectively convey information about the collection and collaborate with others.
-Folk Art Knowledge: Through working with the collection, the preservation coordinator will develop an understanding of the historical context and cultural significance of the materials.
-Problem-Solving: The individual will gain experience in anticipating and solving problems related to the preservation of the collection.
-The Augusta Heritage Center Augusta Collection Preservation Coordinator will have the opportunity to develop a unique and specialized skill set, combining foundational skills with on-the-job training and experience. Through this role, the individual will become proficient in managing and preserving historical collections while also developing a deep appreciation for the culture of the region.
Arthurdale Heritage Center - Full Time, One Year Position
Kingwood, Preston County, WV
Kenneth Kidd - Supervisor
Subsidized Housing Available on site
Do you love history and sharing it with others? Arthurdale Heritage may be the place for you! Arthurdale was the nation’s first New Deal community, established in 1934 through President Roosevelt’s groundbreaking depression-era plan. A passion project of Eleanor Roosevelt, the community is still strong 90 years later. Today, Arthurdale Heritage is a historic site and museum whose mission is to build a resilient community inspired by the history, legacy, and folk arts of the first New Deal Community and its people. Located just 30 minutes from Morgantown, we have thousands of year-round visitors who tour the museum, attend programs and classes, or participate in our large community events.
Our AmeriCorps Heritage Coordinator will interact with the public daily, giving guided tours of the site, organizing educational programming, and planning community events. Behind the scenes activities will be expected as well, including social media promotion, archival and exhibition planning, volunteer management, and more. We are looking for someone who is passionate about history, culture, and folk arts, has strong communication and collaborative skills, and wants to help build a resilient community in rural West Virginia.
Skills Sought:
-Bachelor’s degree in English, History, Appalachian Studies, or other relevant fields.
-Strong writing and speaking skills, including serving as an articulate spokesperson
-Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive relationships with colleagues, community members, donors and visitors.
-Ability to work effectively as a part of a team and have a positive attitude and strong work ethic
-Working knowledge of programs such as WordPress, Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, and social media applications
-Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Demonstrated critical thinking skills including analysis, problem solving, decision-making, and conceptualizing
Randolph County Historical Society - Full time, One year position
Bosworth Museum Associate
Beverly, Randolph County, WV
Phyllis Baxter - Supervisor
Do you love museums? Sharing people’s stories? Digging deep into local history? The Museum Associate position with Randolph County Museum provides an outstanding opportunity to learn and experience all aspects of a small museum. Service in this position will include managing collections, caring for an historic building, upgrading and creating new exhibits, sharing programs, welcoming visitors, and supporting a dedicated all-volunteer organization. During this final year commemorating the Randolph County Historical Society Centennial, and the celebration of 250 years of America, help plan and carry out special projects and programs to preserve and share our history.
A successful member for this position will have background in history, public history, or museum studies, with collection management (Past Perfect) and interpretation skills a plus. Member will need to be self-directed and take responsibility within supervision guidelines. This position will mean working alone in the museum much of the off-season, with occasional support from board volunteers, while also being outgoing to engage with visitors and partners. Join us to share the richness of Randolph County, and help our small museum grow!
Skills Sought:
-Background in history, public history, or museum studies, or similar (degree with at least some intern experience preferred)
-Collection management (Past Perfect), interpretation, design, social media skills a plus.
-Member will need to be self-directed and take responsibility within supervision guidelines. Will be working alone in museum much of the time.
-Will need to exercise initiative to carry out assigned projects, and to reach out to supervisor when help is needed.
-Member needs to be outgoing enough to engage with visitors, and to work together with community partners.
Tucker Community Foundation - Full time, One year position
Foundation Associate
Parsons, Tucker County, WV
David Cooper, Supervisor
The Tucker Community Foundation was established in 1989 to provide scholarships and grants to local students and charitable organizations respectively. Throughout the last 35 years, the Foundation has grown to service 10 counties and expanded its philanthropic reach to various fundraising and philanthropic initiatives. We pride ourselves in being a vital resource for the movers and shakers in the Potomac Highlands region.
Skills Sought:
Effective written and verbal communication
- Self-starter and enthusiastic about spreading the Foundation's mission
- Microsoft, Canva, Adobe proficiency
- Social media and photography skills are a plus
