Description

Position Summary

This position is a part time volunteer position in the Costume Shop that reports to the Director of Learning in Place. This position is responsible for assisting with the mending, construction, and care of Old Salem’s historic costumes. The volunteer should be proficient in sewing skills and have an interest in historic clothing.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Complete mending and alterations by hand or machine as directed.
• Make smaller costume pieces such as kerchiefs, caps, bags, collars, and bonnets.
• Make and apply covered buttons and common buttons; make handsewn buttonholes.
• Hand sew finished edges on garments.
• Sort remnants and supplies as needed.
• Iron costume pieces.
• Assist in maintaining inventory.
• Maintain a professional and positive demeanor with staff members and assist with fittings.
• Assist with shop set-up and clean-up.
• Assist with research on the accuracy of historical costuming.

Qualifications

WHAT YOU NEED:

• Must be age 16 or older.
• Must have prior experience with clothing construction, mending, and researching.
• Excellent team player and a friendly, approachable disposition.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to bend, stoop, squat, kneel, push, pull, crawl, and sit on low chairs.
• Must be able to climb stairs.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to sit and work with hands for long periods of time.