Museum Educator and Volunteer Coordinator - Seasonal

About the Surratt Historic Site & Museum
Since 2021, the Surratt Historic Site and Museum has shifted its interpretive approach from a narrative centered on pro-Confederate and white supremacist perspectives regarding the Lincoln Assassination conspiracy to one that prioritizes diversity, accuracy, and transparency in historical interpretation. In 2023, the museum standardized the primary offering—the guided tour of the historic house—and expanded educational initiatives beyond this single experience.

Guided by the Natural and Historic Resources Division (NHRD), staff at the Surratt Historic Site and Museum (SHSM) interpret the experiences of all who lived at this 1852 farm. The site’s history includes its use as a tavern, post office, and the home of the first woman executed by the federal government. Staff place particular emphasis on African American history and culture, highlighting the effects of emancipation, Reconstruction, and the ongoing struggle for social justice on those formerly enslaved at the site. Themes such as resistance and civics are central to these interpretations.

These efforts have resulted in the development of new programs and partnerships with local organizations.

Mission
To ensure a most just future, the Surratt Historic Site and Museum serves as a catalyst for civic dialogue and for deeper perceptions of the U.S. Civil War, Reconstruction era, and evolving fight for social justice.

Description:
SHSM seeks an enthusiastic and creative individual with experience or a strong interest in museum interpretation, classroom education, civic learning, and/or U.S. history to facilitate visitor experiences, tours, programming, and special events. This is a contractual position that will directly support the museum’s education/interpretation, volunteers, operations, exhibits, and collections initiatives by exploring the legacies of the American Civil War and Reconstruction and the roles that these events have played in shaping the democracy of the United States, the fight for social justice, and ideas of equality and equity.

For more information about the Seasonal Hiring process and application status for Prince George’s County Parks and Recreation, please contact Joelle Edmond,Joelle.Edmond@pgparks.comor Brenda MillerBrenda.Miller@Pgparks.com.
Chief Objectives of the Position:
Museum Interpreters will help guide visitors through the museum experience, unpacking the narratives and stories that bind us all together through engaging, intentional, and impactful interactions that further the museum’s commitment to the M-NCPPC Natural and Historic Resources Department’s core pillars of:

• Enhancing the Visitor Experience: Quality and Quantity
• Leaving a Legacy: Transforming Education into Advocacy
• Strengthening Inclusivity, Diversity, and Belonging
• Acting with Integrity, Respect, and Trust
  

Responsibilities:
Lead engaging, thought-provoking museum tours during operation hours (Thu–Sun, 11:00 AM–4:00 PM).

• Facilitate and co-design interpretive, recreational, and school-based programs with museum staff that engage general and specialty audiences through discussion and hands-on activities
• Support program development through research grounded in both primary and secondary sources, with a focus on MSDE K-12 Social Studies standards.
• Lead the volunteer recruitment initiatives, draft volunteer opportunity descriptions, and ensure their successful submission into Samaritan while collaborating with the Volunteer Department.
• Serve as a museum ambassador at outreach events, conducting brief, high-impact tabling activities and follow-up discussions.
• Support facility operations, including opening/closing the gift shop, visitor center, and museum; submitting programs in ParksDirect; opening EAM tickets for maintenance issues; and performing housekeeping tasks in accordance with the best practices of collections stewardship.
• Assist the Museum Director and Assistant Director and perform other duties as assigned.
  
  
  

Ideal Candidates Should Be:

• Pursuing or possess a Bachelor of Arts in Museum Studies, African American History, Women Studies, Queer History, Public History, History, Social Work, or a related field.
• Self-starters, strong communicators, team players, and have an interest and experience in museum education, history, public history, or education either in formal or informal settings.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and be able to drive.
• Enthusiastic about creating interactive experiences for visitors that are relevant to their lives, connect with them emotionally, are thought-provoking and include multiple perspectives.
• Experienced in working with the public and speaking to visitors of all ages, including school and adult groups.
• Willing to learn about American history, lifeways, regional plants and animals, and cultures different than their own.
• Able to walk, bend, and/or stand for extended periods of time.
• Proficient in the use of Social Media platforms including Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, etc.
• Proficient in the use of MS Office Suite.

Candidates Should Specify if they Possess:

• The ability to speak Spanish
• Knowledge of K-12 School Curriculum
• Experience working with children from ages 5-17
  

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.

Work Schedule:

• Must be willing to work at least 15 hours a week, including weekends and some holidays, up to a maximum of 30 hours a week.
• Flexibility for college students.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.

Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of applications at or 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1)

M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.