Martha Washington Character Interpreter
Martha Washington Character Interpreter
Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Background:
The Education and Guest Services Division provides meaningful learning opportunities for Mount Vernon’s one million annual visitors and students in classrooms around the country. Through a diverse portfolio of interpretive experiences, engaging public programs, and online resources, we expand each learner’s understanding of, and appreciation for, our nation’s Founding Father and the world in which he lived.
The Department of Character Interpretation provides special educational engagement by authentically portraying people from Washington’s world.
Division-wide Principles:
Exceed guest learning expectations and ensure a level of access in which everyone is welcome.– be friendly, respectful, engaging, and flexible. Always remember that this visit may be their first and only.
- Encourage a meaningful appreciation of George Washington and the world in which he lived.
- Ensure that his legacy connects to the world our guests live in today.
- Engage yourself in the mission of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association – take responsibility for your continued development and commit to collaboration. Care for your colleagues and be proud of what we accomplish together.
About the Role:
The Mission of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association (MVLA) is to educate visitors and people throughout the world about the life and legacies of George Washington, so that his example of character and leadership will continue to inform and inspire future generations. The MVLA is seeking a dynamic individual to portray Martha Washington. As our Martha Washington, you'll educate and inspire audiences at various events, from school programs to living history portrayals. You'll bring Martha to life, showcasing her intelligence, grace, and unwavering support for the young nation.
Compensation:
$18/hour
Expected Hours:
40 hours/week. Expect to work weekends, holidays, and occasional evening events to meet staffing demands.
Position-specific Responsibilities:
- Create a positive learning environment for guests of all ages and backgrounds by being hospitable, approachable, and engaging. Encourage participation in impromptu and planned interactions.
- Provide guests with accurate, interesting, and pertinent historical information about Martha Washington, George Washington and Mount Vernon. Follow departmental interpretive strategies in order to effectively integrate interpretation into the total guest learning experience.
- Accurately portray Martha Washington in order to provide an immersive, thoughtful, and entertaining experience. Maintain an appearance that is appropriate for Martha Washington in the time period being portrayed and closely follow 18th-century standards for etiquette/deportment. Remain in character where practical. Special circumstances, be it educational, crowd control, or other, may require breaking character.
- Thoroughly research Martha Washington and all relevant persons in order to establish a comprehensive understanding of the character’s life and times. Identify and prepare for frequently asked guest questions.
- Assist the Manager of Character Interpretation with developing new characters, programs, and other special projects as needed.
- Write, practice, and perform dramatic presentations as requested for special public programs, private events, and outreach initiatives, which may be on or off site.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Must be able to convincingly and realistically portray Martha Washington, including her physicality. Preferred age range, late 40's-50's, with the ability to portray Washington in her 60s. Height between 5'0" and 5'5". Strong resemblance to historical depictions is a plus.
- A seasoned performer: Experience in public speaking, acting, and improvisation is essential. You can hold an audience's attention with your stage presence and delivery. Individual must engage with complex and challenging history.
- A history enthusiast (preferred): Deep knowledge of American history, particularly the 18th Century and Martha Washington's life, is a major advantage.
- A lifelong learner: We'll provide access to historical resources, but a willingness to research and learn independently is key.
- A team player: You'll be working with content experts and directors. The ability to take direction and collaborate effectively is crucial.
- Previous interpretive experience with a proven talent for performing formally and informally in a variety of settings and conditions is a prerequisite.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required.
- Must work well with a diverse audience and have a sincere interest in history.
- Must be responsible, flexible, punctual, and able to work well under pressure.
- Ability to work creatively and effectively as a member of a team is mandatory.
Special Requirements:
- Must be able to perform outside for long periods and move across large portions of the estate on varying surfaces, inside and outside, and in a variety of weather conditions.
- Must comply with division-wide managerial standards.
- Must comply with position dress code (period dress and office attire).
- Must work some weekends, evenings, and holidays.
Benefits:
- 403(b) Retirement plan with employer matching
- Employee recognition at 5 years of service
- Monthly employee events
- Employee referral program
- On-site Library
- Discount on Public Event Tickets
- Discount in the Mount Vernon Shops
- Discount at the Mount Vernon Inn and Food Court Pavilion
- Free parking
- Health, Vision, and Dental insurance
- Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance
- Paid leave for Sick Time, Vacation and Holidays
- Flexible spending account for medical care
Mount Vernon is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to building and retaining a team that represents a variety of skills, experiences and perspectives. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, performance, and qualifications without regard to race, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, gender/sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, veteran and military status, family or parental status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. Mount Vernon will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.