Parks and Recreation Aide 2 - Historic Interpreter

Duties Description

The New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site is where the Continental Army under General George Washington spent the last winter and spring of the Revolutionary War. In October 1782, General Washington moved his northern army to New Windsor to establish winter quarters. Some 7,500 soldiers and 500 women and children civilian refugees encamped here. By late December 1782, they had erected nearly 600 log huts into a "cantonment," a military enclave. It was here that the cease fire orders were issued by Washington ending the eight-year War of Independence on April 19, 1783.

On several occasions during the Revolutionary War, Major General Henry Knox, Commander of the America artillery, established his military headquarters (Knox’s Headquarters) at John Ellison's 1754 Georgian-style house in Vails Gate. From October 1782 until the spring of 1783, as 7,000 soldiers and 500 "camp followers" were establishing winter quarters at the New Windsor Cantonment, and General Washington was lodged at Jonathan Hasbrouck's house in Newburgh, New York, Major General Horatio Gates occupied the elegant home from which he commanded the cantonment.

Under the supervision of the Interpretive Programs Assistant, the Historic Site Interpreter will conduct interpretive programs and demonstrations for the public, providing educational programs to schools and other organizations. A major component of this position involves conducting third person interpretation while wearing reproduction 18th century clothing. This often includes various demonstrations of 18th century period tasks including musket firings, blacksmithing, medicine, cooking, and laundry. Additional duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Assist staff with coordinating special events.
• Complete special projects; conduct research.
• Assist with historic house cleaning tasks at Knox’s Headquarters.
• Perform semi-skilled maintenance tasks.
• Aid in the general operations of the historic sites.
• Demonstrate friendly and effective public presentation skills, an interest in local and regional history, and the ability to represent the Historic Site in a professional manner.
• Manage multiple tasks; work effectively with the public and the interpretive team.

Minimum Qualifications

No Minimum Qualifications

per Civil Service.

See Additional Comments

for operating needs and preferred experience.

Additional Comments

OPERATIONAL NEEDS:
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license that allows the candidate to legally operate a motor vehicle in New York State as a term and condition of employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION:
• A current college student or graduate with some coursework in history, museum studies, or related fields is preferred but not required.

BENEFITS:
This position has the option to join the NYS Employees’ Retirement System and may be eligible for health insurance, dental and vision coverage as well as the opportunity for paid time off in the form of vacation, sick, personal and holiday leave after time and service requirements have been met.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

Closing Date/Time: 07/25/25

• 

• New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation

• 518-474-0453

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