Volunteers needed at Lincoln Birthplace

The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park and the Lincoln Museum are looking for dedicated volunteers.

Volunteers are being sought by the national park and local museum to assist with day-to-day operations. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer for the Lincoln Museum or Abraham Lincoln Birthplace is invited to attend an informational meeting on volunteering at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park Visitors Center.

The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace is establishing a Volunteer Corps. Park volunteers will assist Park Rangers with day-to-day operations of the park. Volunteer duties will include staffing the information desk, answering visitors’ questions, in person and via telephone as well as greeting and orienting visitors to the park and the local area. Volunteers will fill the role of being one of the first contacts a visitor makes when they enter the park.

“The establishment of our park’s Volunteer Corps is something that we have been thinking about developing for some time now,” Park Superintendent Bill Justice said. “We are looking for any individual who would like to give of their time; it can be one day a month, 4 hours every other week, or more depending on your schedule. We are really excited about establishing this essential corps of volunteers and the important role of welcoming our visitors that they will help us fill.”

Park volunteers also may staff the Memorial Building, provide tours and assist with special events. Volunteers may also be involved in park community projects and park improvement days.

Individuals also will have the option of volunteering at the Museum as part of the volunteer program. The museum tells the story of Lincoln’s life beyond his first seven years spent in Kentucky. Volunteers will relate various stories of Lincoln’s life to visitors, from his time spent as a shopkeeper, circuit lawyer, and politician as well as the years he spent as the 16th president of the United States, leading it through one of its darkest chapters.

“The Lincoln Museum was founded on the efforts of volunteers and continues to depend on their services for many activities including group tours and special events” said Iris LaRue, director of the Lincoln Museum. “Our volunteers help us meet the needs of our many visitors.”

For information call the park at (270) 358-3137 or visit www.nps.gov/abli