NPS What is your role?Interpretation VolunteersPeirce Mill interpretation volunteers will assist with greeting visitors and answering questions about the mill and Rock Creek Park. You may also assist in giving interpretive tours of the mill to visitors as well as helping with family programs and special events. And if you’re comfortable, you may have the opportunity to assist the miller with the safe operation of the mill.No milling experience required! Bring a positive attitude and a learning mindset. Training will be provided and will cover the history and operations of the mill, interpretation skills, and safety procedures surrounding the mill. Milling VolunteersPeirce Mill milling volunteers will assist the miller in running and maintaining the mill. You may be asked to lift bags of corn; these bags may weigh up to 50 pounds. You may also be asked to assist with greasing gears in the gear pit, which involves frequent climbing up and down ladders, climbing in and around gears in cramped and awkward spaces, and you may be up to 4 feet above the floor. After milling demonstrations, milling volunteers help move the wooden vat that covers the millstones, and sweep and vacuum corn and cornmeal on the first floor and basement. Volunteers may also be asked to help with other maintenance tasks, such as draining the tailrace, applying log oil to the waterwheel, and cleaning the mill after flooding. Milling volunteers who elect to help with maintenance projects at the mill will be trained in safety procedures and provided with appropriate personal protective equipment. As part of this maintenance work, volunteers may use tools such as hoses, vacuums, brooms, mops, and buckets. No milling experience is required but milling volunteers must be at least 18 years old and able to learn new skills. Milling volunteers must follow all safety procedures carefully and not be afraid to ask questions, as this can be a more physical volunteer position. Remember, know your own limitations, and communicate your needs with your volunteer supervisor. Do not put yourself into situations that you do not feel completely prepared for.Orchard VolunteersIf you like learning about fruit trees and working outdoors in different weather conditions, you may enjoy volunteering in the Peirce Mill orchard! In the 19th century, there was a large orchard on the hill west of the mill. Today, an orchardist works with volunteers to care for 27 apple and pear trees. Volunteer duties in the orchard include weeding, mulching, and planting cover crops. Orchard volunteers work closely with the orchardist, and are provided with tools, including shovels, rakes, mattocks, and pitchforks. Because orchard volunteers work outside, they are asked to be mindful of weather conditions, and to wear appropriate clothing and other gear. Especially in warm conditions, it is important for volunteers to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks. |
Last updated: October 25, 2023