Volunteer

Duke Homestead is always looking for volunteers who are interested in helping with Visitor Services which include giving our 45 minute guided tour, greeting and orienting visitors as they enter the Visitor Center, and helping to conduct our educational programming for visiting school groups. Volunteers can also help as costumed interpreters at our many special events, work with our collections, or complete historic research with the site. 

Youth and Junior Interpreters 

If you are between the ages of 9 and 12 or 13 and 17 and are interested in learning 19th century skills by attending workshops, participating in special events, and performing living history with Duke Homestead, then you can apply to become either Youth or a Junior Interpreter.

The Youth Interpreter Program is for ages 9-12. (Must be 9 by March 31,2023)

The Junior Interpreter Program is for ages 13-17. (Must be 13 by March31, 2023)

(College-age students are welcome to apply as adult volunteers!)


About the program:

We accept youngsters from the ages of 9-12 and 13-17. Both the Youth Interpreter Program and the Junior Interpreter Program have 15 spots for participants. Youth and Junior Interpreters are considered volunteers at the site.  

Youth and Junior Interpreters receive their training through workshops and participate in on-site events and Living History Days throughout the year. Workshops take place year-round, and Youth and Junior Interpreters are able to participate in as many or as few as they want.

By participating in the program, they should gain a better understanding of regional and North Carolina history, 19th century life-ways, and effective communication skills.  The workshops can include activities like butter churning, candle making, dancing, wood stove cooking, sewing, and tool making, as well as learning 19th century manners, vocabulary and about dressing in period clothing. Youth and Junior Interpreters also learn what it's like to work in a museum and historic site, and build their confidence as public speakers, critical thinkers, and historical interpreters.

Get involved today!

Volunteer with us!

For more information on how to become a volunteer at Duke Homestead, contact us:

email: duke@ncdcr.gov with "Volunteer Information" in the subject line.

OR call: (919) 627-6990. 

You can also download the volunteer application HERE.

Become a Junior Interpreter!

How to Apply: 


Download and fill out an application  today!

Email it to us with the subject line "Youth Interpreter Application" or "Junior Interpreter Application" to duke@ncdcr.gov.

OR

Mail your application to

Duke Homestead Junior Interpreter Program                                                
Duke Homestead State Historic Site      
2828 Duke Homestead Rd
Durham NC 27705

For more information contact us at duke@ncdcr.gov or call 919-627-6990.