Blacksmith Historical Interpreter Youth Programs

Eastern States Exposition; West Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 20,664 - 34,440; Part time

Job summary

The Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield is seeking a seasonal, part-time Blacksmith & Historical Interpreter. This role focuses on supporting educational youth programming and engaging visitors through historical interpretation.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate traditional blacksmithing techniques and represent 19th century trades, providing a captivating experience for guests. The position requires strong interpersonal skills and a passion for history, with training provided in museum and village history.

Qualifications

• Prior blacksmithing experience required.
• Ability and willingness to work over a coal forge.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate traditional blacksmithing skills.
• Interpret 19th century trades and daily life.
• Provide a welcoming experience for guests.

Skills

Blacksmithing experience

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Job description

Storrowton Village Museum, a department of Eastern States Exposition, is seeking a seasonal, part-time Blacksmith & Historical Interpreter to support educational youth programming and living history interpretation at the museum.

The Blacksmith & Historical Interpreter will demonstrate traditional blacksmithing techniques and engage students and visitors through hands‑on historical interpretation in a living history environment. This position plays an important role in delivering educational programming while helping preserve and share 19th century New England history.

Schedule

Primary program hours include:

• Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (March–June)
• Tuesday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (last week of July)
• Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (October–mid-November)

Additional hours may be available during The Big E, annual museum events, and for the creation of blacksmith‑made items for sale in the museum store.

Essential Functions

• Demonstrate traditional blacksmithing skills using a coal forge
• Interpret 19th century trades, tools, and daily life for school groups and museum visitors
• Support and participate in youth educational programming
• Provide a welcoming, engaging, and educational experience for guests of all ages
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized forge and work area
• Assist with the creation of historically inspired merchandise for the museum store
• Wear period‑appropriate 19th century attire during programs and events
• Represent Storrowton Village Museum and Eastern States Exposition in a professional manner

Qualifications

• Prior blacksmithing experience required
• Ability and willingness to work over a coal forge
• Comfortable working with children, school groups, and the public
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to speak comfortably in front of groups
• Willingness to wear historical clothing and participate in living history interpretation
• Interest in history, traditional trades, and museum education preferred

Training

Training will be provided in:

• Museum and village history
• Youth program procedures and expectations
• Historical interpretation standards and costume guidelines

ESE is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability or handicap, pregnancy or pregnancy‑related condition, veterans or military status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgendered status, results of genetic testing, or any membership in any group protected by applicable laws.