Michelle Seddon

James A. Garfield National Historic Site- Mentor, Ohio 08/2023 to Present

· Pathways Student Trainee-temporary term limit contract- 6 months 40 hours per week, 6 months 24-32 hours per week: Ranger Allison Powell ( supervisor/may contact)

• Conduct accurate and thorough historical house tours, develop interpretive programs, assist with temporary museum exhibits, writing articles as well as on/off site programs, Educational program development and implementation (following the core curriculum for regional school districts-public and private)
• Historical Research, interpreting, as well as preserving the nations historical and cultural resources
• Proficient in research, conducting field research as well as outreach/educational development and programming
• Comprehensive and professional approach to historical research while utilizing current research policies and procedures in analyzing historic records and archives; documenting accordingly
• Crucial role in early education outreach programs (to North East Ohio region), academic as well as civic engagement-informing public of importance of history of the NPS and our nations cultural heritage
• Works closely with additional NPS members; museum curators and archivist, cultural and natural resource specialists NPS Rangers
• Collect and interpret historical documents, artifacts, and photographs
• Develop and implement educational and interpretive exhibits and programs; in house and remote (community)
• Assist in the planning and implementation of historical programs within the site as well as the community
• Provide support and instruction on guidance and preservation and restoration of historical structures, landscapes, and artifacts
• Assist with special events and logistics planning
• Participate in scholarly discussion and presentations to promote appreciation for our National Park sites as well as education on historical topics and events, utilizing a variety of historical lenses and multidisciplinary approaches of research
• Promotes importance of historical accuracy while incorporating the diverse nature of our nation’s past

Sky Meadows Historic State Park, DCR, State of Virginia- Delaplane, VA 03/2022 to 8/2023

· 1500 hour a year employee-21/28 hours per week: Chief Ranger Visitor Experience Erin Clark (supervisor/may contact)

• The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for the active recruitment for, onboarding and training of new volunteers to build and sustain core volunteer units.
• Works closely with core unit supervisors to support training and scheduling needs.
• Duties also include maintaining the volunteer database and records, managing the volunteer benefit program, the regular distribution of a volunteer newsletter, and program assistance.
• Actively seeks and coordinates volunteer groups such as Alternative Spring Break and Youth Conservation Corps, scout projects, and assists with the recruitment and supervision of AmeriCorps volunteers.
• The position is also responsible for the coordination of the park’s Dark Sky programming, supporting the efforts of the Friends of Sky Meadows, the Shenandoah Chapter Virginia Master Naturalists, and other support organizations, and coordination of the annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner.
• Works in conjunction with interpreters and Chief Ranger(s) to design, research, staff and implement historical, environmental, and educational programs to promote the history of the park and the importance of conservation as well as land stewardship.
• Assist in trail maintenance projects, Ranger lead hikes, historical interpretation programs and public/school education, assist in park operations and maintenance
• Aid in further historical research of park property, prior owner genealogy and regional history (as related to first settlement and surveying up to state acquisition)

Morven Park Estate and Equestrian Center – Leesburg, VA 10/2021 to 02/2023

· 20-30 Hours per month: Historical Preservation Director Jana Shafagoj (supervisor/may contact)

Morven Park, a 1,000-acre historic estate in Leesburg, VA, is home to three museums, a renowned equestrian center, 20 acres of athletic fields, formal gardens, and miles of trails. Owned and operated by the Westmoreland Davis Memorial Foundation, Inc, a 501(c)3 organization, Morven Park welcomes over 250,000 visitors each year. Morven Park’s Preservation & History department operates the three museums on site: the iconic Greek Revival Davis Mansion, the Winmill Carriage Museum, and the Museum of Hounds & Hunting in North America

• Open and close the museums during the posted hours.
• Sell tour tickets, memberships, and gift shop items.
• Lead visitors on a guided 45-minute tour through the Davis Mansion.
• Greet visitors to the Windmill Carriage Museum and make sure they have a safe and informative visit.
• Complete light cleaning as required to ensure a safe and clean environment for visitors.
• Perform light clerical duties as necessary.
• Excellent public speaking and presentation skills.
• Assist with collections care and catalog during off museum shut down/off season
• Knowledge of early 20th century Virginia history, specializing in early settlement and The American Civil War

The Winery at Bull Run– Centreville, VA

· 38 hours per week; AGM Allie Terwilliger (May contact for reference)

• Responsible for historical tour guides for Bull Run Battlefield and Winery.
• Education of customers on historical artifacts within the Winery museum as well as historical significance of the battlefield with extensive knowledge in Civil War history and the historical legacy of the surrounding vineyard.
• Education is intended but not limited to the History of The Winery, the wine making process, breakdown of the winery's own vintages and the history of the grapes involved with the production.
• Historical researcher with emphasis on the development of the accuracy of historical education and implementation of revised historical tour program.
• Research and advise program orientation of the rich history of Virginia and its prominent historical figures
• Educated customers on promotions to enhance sales.
• Recommended selective wines and memberships to customers, thoroughly explaining details.
• Maintained customer satisfaction with forward-thinking strategies focused on addressing customer needs and resolving concerns.
• Provided primary customer support to internal and external customers in fast-paced environment.
• Responded to customer requests for products, services, and company information.
• Built personal relationships with guests to promote positive experiences.
• Provided information through narratives on various sites throughout The Winery at Bull Run and adjacent Bull Run Battlefield area, relaying little-known stories to provide interest.
• Developed tour programming to enhance guest experiences.
• Guided groups of up to 25 people on tours of The Winery of Bull Run with significant detail to importance of region and Battle of Bull Run Battlefield.
• Answered questions, pointed out important features, and offered further details about special exhibits to educate visitors.
• Collected tickets and fees from everyone prior to start of tour.
• Researched and studied on topics that pertained to tour locations so that such information could be added to scripts.
• Researched information on The Battle of Bull Run and Northern Virginia to provide accurate, detailed tours.
• Trained apprentice guides to educate on information to present to tourists and travelers.
• Actively listened to customers, handled concerns quickly and escalated major issues to supervisor.
• Proved successful working within tight deadlines and fast-paced atmosphere.