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Position	Historic (Costumed) Interpreter Mount Rainier National Park Partner Opportunity Site Link	Opportunity Partner	State Natural Resources Links Washington Home Page Washington Tourism Site Washington State Parks Volunteers
Address	55210 238th Ave E Ashford, WA 98304
Contact	Kevin Bacher kevin_bacher@nps.gov 360-569-2211
Dates	6/1/2010--9/6/2010	Activities • Conservation Education • Research Library • Tour Guide/Interpretation • Visitor Information
Record Date	11/20/2009
Suitable For	Adults,Seniors
Difficulty Level	Average

Opportunity Description:
Mount Rainier National Park is seeking outgoing local individuals with an interest in history to provide costumed interpretation in the park's Historic Landmark District, especially Longmire.

History is one of the most underappreciated stories at Mount Rainier. "Mount Takhoma" was home to tribal people for thousands of years. The mountain has been an icon for settles since it was named Rainier by Captain George Vancouver in 1792. Climbers have tackled it since 1857, with increasingly sophisticated equipment. The Longmire family settled here in 1884, and many of the people attracted to their resort were the ones who campaigned to establish a national park in 1899. In the 20s and 30s, the new park became the nation's best example of landscape design in harmony with nature, establishing a style of architecture that still defines the classic national park "look" today.

History has been interpreted in the past with guided walks and talks. About once a year, seasonal rangers present the popular "Shadows of the Past" program, leading visitors by lanternlight around the Trail of the Shadows to meet James Longmire, Fay Fuller, John Muir, and other characters from the park's history. Yet so much more could be done!

As a costumed historical interpreter, Mount Rainier's collection of historic costumes would be at your disposal, along with our library of historic reference material for developing either an actual historical character or a hypothetical character out of the park's history. As John Muir or "Aunt Eleanor," you would stroll among visitors to the Longmire Museum or National Park Inn, or gathered at the shuttle bus stop, speaking with them informally about the history of the park and its significance. You would also have the option of developing formal guided walks and talks, and would be encouraged to participate in presentations of the Shadows of the Past program, either as costumed historical characters or as trail guides and lantern-bearers.

Due to limited numbers of costume items, we will ask you to schedule your volunteer visits in avance, but otherwise your schedule is at your own discretion. We will provide training in May or June. Housing is not available, but you will be invited to use our newly restored Longmire Campground for overnight visits, complete with camper showers and platform tents.

For further information, contact Volunteer Program Manager Kevin Bacher at 360-569-2211 ext. 3385 or Kevin_Bacher@nps.gov.

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