The History Center Seeks Volunteers
Volunteers are essential to the Oneida County History Center. They staff the bookstore and research library assisting with a wide range of activities from answering phones to digitizing collections. The History Center is looking to recruit a few new individuals to the organization’s volunteer pool and would like to fill the roles below. All ages and backgrounds are encouraged to inquire. If you love history and are willing to share your time, then we’ll find an opportunity to match your interests and skill set. Contact Rebecca McLain at rmclain@oneidacountyhistory.org with questions or to set up a meeting.
Digital Collections Assistant- The History Center seeks a detail-oriented volunteer to assist with digital collections management. The volunteer will primarily assist our Digital Archivist with digital file organization and renaming. Computer proficiency required.
Library Assistant- The History Center needs volunteers to staff our research library on Tuesday afternoons, Friday mornings, and Saturdays. The primary responsibility of the volunteer is to answer the phone, greet visitors, and assist visitors wishing to research. Basic computer skills or a willingness to learn preferred. Those with an interest and the capability are welcome to help with collections management. Volunteer for one day a week or all three.
Photo Assistant- The History Center is home to over 30,000 images and we need help identifying many of our photos. Join us as a photo detective and help us solve our history mysteries. Those with a knowledge of the local area are strongly encouraged to inquire! Basic computer skills preferred, but not required.
Research Assistant- The History Center receives genealogical and historic research requests from across the country. We need a detail-oriented volunteer to help us answer these requests. The volunteer should be comfortable with email, computer-based searches, and archival research. Training will be provided to individuals with the appropriate background and/or skills.
Haudenosaunee Folklore & Indigenous Tales
Storytelling is an important component of Haudenosaunee culture. Oral traditions and legends have been passed from generation to generation, teaching communities how to live, act, and care for one another, as well as how to manage during the unpredictable seasons. Join Jessica Farmer to hear her version of a few of these ageless stories. This program takes place in the History Center’s main gallery on Saturday, November 2 starting at 1:00 PM, and is free and open to all.
Jessica Farmer (Father is of the Onondaga Turtle Clan) is the Cultural Programs Coordinator at the Shako:wi Cultural Center. She also teaches several how-to classes that includes beadwork, cornhusk dolls, regalia, painting, and working with quills.
The Oneida County History Center is a private 501(c) (3) not-for-profit educational institution dedicated to preserving and promoting the history, heritage, and culture of the Greater Mohawk Valley. Please contact the History Center at 315-735-3642 or visit the OCHC website (www.oneidacountyhistory.org) or Facebook.com page for additional information.
