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Historical Site Manager
Friday, Aug 01, 2008 - 12:00 AM Updated: 11:24 AM
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By: Joan Tupponce, Joan Tupponce & Associates Inc.
Historical sites were always on the agenda when Amanda Glass and her family went on vacation during her childhood. Those yearly pilgrimages sparked her interest in history. During college she interned at Ash Lawn-Highland, the home of James Monroe, helping the museum registrar with her duties.
"That cemented the fact that I love historical sites," Glass says.
As historical site manager for Hanover Tavern, Glass runs the day-to-day operation of the building. The job is multi-faceted. "I interact with guests. I also schedule and give historical tours and I coordinate facility rentals," she explains. "I am also a liaison with our catering partner so I work with brides."
In addition, Glass coordinates all volunteer activities and works with programming schedules.
"We try to do some family fun nights during the summer," she says. "We have an open house during the holidays as well as a concert."
Because the Tavern has a small staff, Glass also works with development and the support staff. She works Monday through Friday and as needed for projects.
"I act as secretary at board meetings, which are after hours," she explains. "We also hold programs on evenings and weekends." Glass started out in a support-staff role before moving into the position of site manager.
"We have molded the roles to fit the needs of the Tavern," she explains. "I went from behind-the-scenes to the forefront." The job requires someone who is flexible and has a true passion for history.
"You have to be able to think quickly and enjoy customer service," Glass says. "You need to be detail oriented. You have to make sure things get done in the timeframe that they need to get done."
A college background is preferred.
"It’s also good to enroll in continuing study programs where you can learn more about museums and historical sites," Glass says. "The best training, however, is on the job. You want to immerse yourself."
The field is oriented toward networking.
"People are always willing to lend a helping hand," Glass says. "If I don’t have the right answer to a question, I can call another historic site [and get their input]."
One of the biggest challenges is working with a small staff.
"There are never enough hours to get things done," Glass says. "It can be a hectic job at times. Sometimes it can be overwhelming."
Glass enjoys being involved in history.
"This building is over 200 years old and I am part of its continuing history," she says. "I enjoy working with our volunteers. They are warm, caring people. It’s rewarding to be a steward of a historical site. It means the work we are doing will be preserved for future generations.
Historical sites were always on the agenda when Amanda Glass and her family went on vacation during her childhood. Those yearly pilgrimages sparked her interest in history. During college she interned at Ash Lawn-Highland, the home of James Monroe, helping the museum registrar with her duties.
"That cemented the fact that I love historical sites," Glass says.
As historical site manager for Hanover Tavern, Glass runs the day-to-day operation of the building. The job is multi-faceted. "I interact with guests. I also schedule and give historical tours and I coordinate facility rentals," she explains. "I am also a liaison with our catering partner so I work with brides."
In addition, Glass coordinates all volunteer activities and works with programming schedules.
"We try to do some family fun nights during the summer," she says. "We have an open house during the holidays as well as a concert."
Because the Tavern has a small staff, Glass also works with development and the support staff. She works Monday through Friday and as needed for projects.
"I act as secretary at board meetings, which are after hours," she explains. "We also hold programs on evenings and weekends." Glass started out in a support-staff role before moving into the position of site manager.
"We have molded the roles to fit the needs of the Tavern," she explains. "I went from behind-the-scenes to the forefront." The job requires someone who is flexible and has a true passion for history.
"You have to be able to think quickly and enjoy customer service," Glass says. "You need to be detail oriented. You have to make sure things get done in the timeframe that they need to get done."
A college background is preferred.
"It’s also good to enroll in continuing study programs where you can learn more about museums and historical sites," Glass says. "The best training, however, is on the job. You want to immerse yourself."
The field is oriented toward networking.
"People are always willing to lend a helping hand," Glass says. "If I don’t have the right answer to a question, I can call another historic site [and get their input]."
One of the biggest challenges is working with a small staff.
"There are never enough hours to get things done," Glass says. "It can be a hectic job at times. Sometimes it can be overwhelming."
Glass enjoys being involved in history.
"This building is over 200 years old and I am part of its continuing history," she says. "I enjoy working with our volunteers. They are warm, caring people. It’s rewarding to be a steward of a historical site. It means the work we are doing will be preserved for future generations.
