Washington Heritage Museums
VOLUNTEER & EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Washington Heritage Museums does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
Volunteer Opportunities
WHM is extremely grateful for its dedicated volunteers.
To volunteer for these or other interesting opportunities, please let us know your interest(s) by submitting an interest survey via the button below, or call 540-373-5630.
Mary Washington House Museum Store
The Mary Washington House seeks volunteers throughout the year. The store, staffed entirely by volunteers, provides supplemental funding for WHM’s preservation and interpretive programs. Volunteers receive training on the Square Point of Sale register and all procedures. While prior retail experience is helpful, it is not required. Volunteers engage with visitors, provide information on merchandise, and assist them with their purchases. Scheduling is flexible, based on availability, from a few hours a week to a few hours a month. In appreciation, volunteers receive a discount on most merchandise.
Mary Washington House Garden
The Mary Washington House seeks volunteers to help in the gardens on an ongoing basis. The garden was lovingly restored by the Garden Club of Virginia in 1968-1969 and remains a Garden Club of Virginia site.
Volunteer gardeners assist the Washington Heritage Museums’ staff gardener with routine tasks such as weeding, deadheading, raking, etc. The volunteer garden team generally meets on selected mornings during the gardening season, weather permitting.
Other volunteer opportunities
Washington Heritage Museums seeks occasional assistance from volunteers for special events, event set up, photography, event marketing, research, and more. Please contact us if you have a talent to share.
Washington Heritage Museums is happy to partner with local civic and service groups to accomplish projects at our sites. If you are interested in such a project for NHS, Scouts,
or a civic group, please let us know!
Undergraduate Internships
To apply for any of these opportunities, please call 540-373-5630 or
Washington Heritage Museums has opportunities for undergraduates to receive college credit for hands-on experience. Internships are unpaid and must be coordinated by students through their university or college. While currently seeking the positions listed below, if a student has a proposal for a different internship, it will be given consideration based on the needs of the organization.
Washington Heritage Museums provides experience in a small nonprofit environment.
Marketing and Social Media Intern
This is an ongoing opportunity assisting with promoting the museums on social media and creating print marketing pieces. Coursework/Experience in: Historic Preservation, Museum Studies, Marketing, or Art
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Elementary Education Curriculum Support Intern
An intern is needed to develop activities for elementary students and teachers. These activities may include handouts, games, reading lists, vocabulary lists, etc. Coursework/Experience in: Museum Studies, Museum Education, Education
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Educational Video Intern
Washington Heritage Museums is seeking a qualified intern to assist with creating online educational videos.
The intern will work in a small nonprofit environment, and gain experience in various aspects of videography as well as museum education. The online video content will interpret WHM collections, buildings, and gardens.
Employment Opportunities
Executive Director, Washington Heritage Museums
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Founded in 2012, Washington Heritage Museums (WHM) manages four 18th-century historic properties in downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia: Mary Washington House, Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, Rising Sun Tavern, and St. James’ House. In 2023, the organization expanded its portfolio to include the Mary Washington Monument and the Caretaker’s Lodge, a site currently undergoing renovation and landscape redesign to improve accessibility and enhance its educational value. More information about WHM can be found at https://www.washingtonheritagemuseums.org/.
Supported by a growing local, regional, and national community of members, WHM is dedicated to the preservation of its historic properties as well as their interpretation through inclusive narratives that inspire an engaging and enduring understanding of the Washington family.
As the leader of one of Fredericksburg’s most vital cultural institutions, the next WHM Executive Director (ED) will define and lead a strategic path to protect and advance the organization’s mission while ensuring long-term sustainability and stability. Working closely with a 15-member Board of Directors and its committees, the ED will serve as the WHM’s chief strategist, fundraiser, and manager. The ED will set and implement the organization’s strategic ideas for WHM moving forward; drive financial and fundraising initiatives that support key priorities; safeguard historic properties and collections as well as uphold educational programs; oversee staff and coordinate volunteers; and foster community partnerships that expand WHM’s reach and membership. This full-time, on-site position is located in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Historic Site Interpreters Positions -
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
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Washington Heritage Museums is actively accepting applications for Historic Site Interpreters to join our team as positions become available at the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, Mary Washington House, and Rising Sun Tavern. These interpreters, dressed in period attire, lead engaging tours for the general public, school groups, and organized tours. A passion for history and a commitment to exceptional visitor service are essential. Our museums operate year-round, offering a dynamic and enriching environment for both staff and guests.
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​Positions are part-time and do not include benefits. Training is provided. After completion of a paid training period, Site Interpreters are paid $14.25 per hour.