Chances are that if you have visited any of our nation’s National Parks, then you have had contact with a volunteer.

Volunteers are an integral part of the National Park Service, and Natchez National Historical Park is no exception. In fact, we are currently seeking volunteers to help in the upcoming year. Our primary need is for people to help give tours of the antebellum mansion Melrose, and staff the information desks at Melrose, the Natchez Visitor Reception Center, and the William Johnson House. Natchez National Historical Park also has approximately 80 acres and several historic buildings, so we are also interested in volunteers who are skilled in carpentry, landscaping or painting.

Volunteers have also assisted park staff in presenting education programs in local schools, helping at our Junior Ranger Summer Camp, assisting in our annual Christmas program, and giving guided tours of the Melrose formal gardens.

The impact of volunteers is enormous. Having volunteers gives park staff more time to do things around the community including visiting schools and nursing homes. Volunteers also allow staff more time to develop downtown walking tours, special exhibits and our annual Christmas program. Without volunteers, many of the things that we do for the community would not have happened.

Now you may be asking yourself, “Why would I want to give up my free time and volunteer at the National Park?” The reasons to volunteer are countless. My first experience working at a National Park was as a volunteer. In 2002, I volunteered at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park in West Virginia. As a volunteer, I gained valuable experience that helped me get a full time position with the Park Service. Therefore, in my case, volunteering helped open the door to employment. National Park Service jobs are extremely competitive, so if you can add volunteer experience to your resume, that helps tremendously.

Even if you are retired and have no interest in working full time at a National Park, you are also encouraged to volunteer. Maybe you are a retired history teacher who would still like to have an outlet to share your love of history with the public, if that sounds like you or someone you know then you should contact us.

Don’t feel like you need a degree in history to volunteer at the park. We will provide you with the training and resources that will enable you to succeed.

I spoke with longtime Natchez resident and former Park Service employee Fred Page about what he likes about volunteering. Fred said, “You get to meet a lot of nice people.” Fred volunteers with us two or three days a week at the Natchez Visitor Reception center. Volunteering allows Fred to get out of the house and share his vast knowledge about the community with the many visitors who come to the reception center.

If you chose to volunteer, you will find that we are extremely flexible. You are welcome to volunteer a couple hours each week or you could even volunteer up to 40 hours a week.

So if you are interested in volunteering or if have any questions about volunteering please call Natchez National Historical Park at 601 446-5790, and ask to speak to me or Melissa Tynes.

Nathan Hatfield works at the Natchez National Historical Park.