< Back to Volunteer

Young Interpreter Program

Started in 1993, the Young Interpreter Program is a highly competitive apprenticeship program, in which young people work side-by-side with museum staff members to learn about America’s past, develop skills, and share their newfound knowledge with museum visitors.

The Young Interpreter program is reserved for 10 hard-working, self-motivated boys and girls who are between the ages of 12 and 14 as of May 1st. Boys and girls must be available for the summer.

The program takes place at The Farmers’ Museum, a living history museum established in 1943 with the mission of presenting the objects and practices common to ordinary people of rural 19th century New York State. Young Interpreters will have the opportunity to work in various selected sites including: Peleg Field’s Blacksmith Shop, Bump Tavern, Lippitt Farmhouse, Middlefield Printing Office, Filer’s Corners Schoolhouse, Thrall’s Pharmacy, and Todd’s General store,

Young Interpreters will be expected to work one day a week for a period of eight weeks, starting the last week in June and ending the last week in August.

If you would like to participate in the Young Interpreter program this summer, please summit a one or two page letter expressing your interest and reasons for wanting to be a Young Interpreter, as well as an explanation of where you would like to work and why to:

Young Interpreter program
The Farmers’ Museum
PO Box 30
Cooperstown, NY 13326

Letters must be received by May 1st. Letters of reference are not necessary. Applications will be reviewed by a committee of museum staff. Candidates may be asked for an interview. Young people will be chosen based on their commitment and interest, maturity, willingness to learn, and ease with the public. Applicants must have their parent’s permission and transportation to the museum.

*******

New York State Historical Association and The Farmers Museum
PO Box 800
Cooperstown NY 13326