Volunteer Opportunities
Historic Old Sacramento Foundation is Looking for Gold Rush Days Volunteers
From friendly greeters to crafty artisans and everything in between, the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation is now accepting applications for more than 200 volunteer positions during Gold Rush Days 2012. Given the sheer magnitude of the large-scale community event that transforms Old Sacramento into a scene straight out of the 1850s, a large number of volunteers are needed to help with the Gold Rush Days information booth, hospitality tent, first aid station, security booth, children’s activity areas, and much, much more. Some, but not all, positions require period appropriate attire that will be provided.
How to Apply
To apply, download the Volunteer Application Form(PDF) and submit it via email to jwest@cityofsacramento.org
Completed Application Forms can also be mailed to:
Historic Old Sacramento Foundation
ATTN: Gold Rush Days Volunteer
101 I Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Forms and Downloads
Position Descriptions
Costumed Positions:
- Gold Panning- Located outside and underneath the trees, this is a hustle and bustle of activity. Children and adults line up to seek their fortune. This position involves handing out and collecting gold pans.
- Adams Bank- Located outside, this venue works in tandem with the Gold Panning. Miners bring their findings to the bank and exchange their gold for a certificate to be used throughout town. This position requires the weighing of the gold, signing and handing out certificates.
- Bowling- Located outside, this is a very hands-on activity that takes place on the covered boardwalk. This position requires interaction with the “bowlers” plus help re-setting the pins, and keeping the line moving.
- Crafts and Games- Located both inside and outside, this area encourages children to learn and experience the pastimes of children from the 19th century. This position involves working hands-on with period toys, games, and crafts.
- Baggage Room- Located inside the Passenger Station, this is an interpretive activity about traveling via the Railroad. This position includes working with other interpreters to create a re-enactment activity.
- Mrs. Frink’s Boarding House- Located outside, this activity requires the skill of cooking 19th Century style cooking using an open fire and cast iron pots and pans. A separate training workshop will be available for those interested in this activity.
- Dentist/Doctor/Undertaker- Located outside, this is an interpretive activity about the medical and dental practices available in the 19th Century. This position requires working with other interpreters to create a re-enactment activity.
- Californio- Located outside, this is an interpretive activity to celebrate the Mexican Heritage of California. This position includes working with other interpreters to create a re-enactment activity.
- Hand crafts- Located inside or outside, this is a demonstrative activity to portray the handicrafts of the 19th Century such as tatting, lace making, millinery and sewing.
- Gambler- Located inside either the Sibley or the Stinking Tent Saloon, this is a very hands-on activity. Gamblers deal period games to the public and enjoy banter with other dealers. Training for games is provided. Suggested Games: Faro, Chuck a Luck, Monte, Rouge et Noir, Shut the Box, Hyronemous, High Low.
- Telegrapher- Located inside, this activity will include sending a coded message from one building to another. The position will involve working with another telegraph operator.
- Wandering Character- Located outside, the position involves a lot of walking and stopping. Part of the thrill of the event is meeting people from around the world. We are looking for costumed characters to stroll the town and engage in conversation with other costumed strollers about day to day life in Sacramento City 1850s. One of the big attractions to Gold Rush Days is the unique costumes and characters. This position involves posing for pictures with the public and perhaps signing an autograph.
Non Costumed Positions:
- Sales- Located outside, and in the information booth, this position includes selling tickets for wagon and carriage rides and Gold Rush Days t shirts.
- Greeters- Located outside and near the entrances to Old Sacramento, this position is the frontline of the event. Greeters welcome people to the event and offer them a rack card and point the way to the information booths for additional help.
- Information- Located outside this position requires answering the basic questions about the event and giving directions to people looking for the bathroom, visitor’s center, or various stages or activities.
- Hospitality- Located inside and outside the position requires working with other volunteers to keep everyone fed and watered! Hospitality volunteers can help to prepare lunch or breakfast, set or clear tables, or collect the check in tickets.
- Ice & Water- Located outside, this position helps to deliver and transport ice and water to the various venues in Old Sacramento such as the sarsaparilla saloons.
- Security & First Aid- Located inside, the position helps with minor first aid injuries and can call 911 for any major injuries. This position will also serve as the lost and found and the security office.
- Exhibit Guides- Located inside, this position greets visitors as they enter indoor exhibits and makes sure that the exhibit is never left unattended.
- Parking Monitor- Located outside, this position requires monitoring the parking lots and making sure that only those with the correct pass are parking in the staff and volunteer lots.
- Administration- located inside and outside, this position helps with logistics and volunteer coordination.
