fort davis national historic site
Henry Manson IV, Summer 2017 Internship- National Park Service Volunteer
National Park Service
Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks. With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with more than 275 million visitors every year. The National Park Service (NPS) is a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Interior. The NPS manages the 417 parks of the National Park System. The NPS employs more than 22,000 permanent, temporary, and seasonal workers. They are assisted by 440,000 Volunteers-In-Parks (VIPs), who donate about 7.9 million hours annually.
National Park Service Mission
The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.
www.nps.gov/aboutus/index.htm
The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.
www.nps.gov/aboutus/index.htm
Fort davis, frontier cavalry outpost
A key post in the defense system of western Texas, Fort Davis played a major role in the history of the Southwest. From 1854 until 1891, troops stationed at the post protected emigrants, freighters, mail coaches, and travelers on the San Antonio-El Paso Road hoping to reach the gold fields of California. Today, Fort Davis is considered one of the best remaining examples of a frontier military post in the American Southwest. It is a vivid reminder of the significant role played by the military in the settlement and development of the western frontier.
Fort Davis National Historic Site Mission:
To protect and preserve the history of the western campaign against the native tribes, and to preserve the best still standing fort in the National Park Service.
Fort Davis National Historic Site Mission:
To protect and preserve the history of the western campaign against the native tribes, and to preserve the best still standing fort in the National Park Service.
Qualifications & Responsibilities
Qualifications
Specific parks are in need of volunteers to help with interpretation, administration, and curatorial duties. As a former ranger at Fort Davis National Historic Site, I rejoined the staff as a volunteer for the 2017 Summer in order to assist with influx of visitors and other vital park functions. |
opportunities
As a volunteer you can participate in Living History where you dress in period appropriate clothing to bring history to life, even riding horses like a 1890 US Cavalryman. Networking opportunities abound with guests of the park, NPS staff, and staff from other parks, state parks included. |
Job Description
One of the main responsibilities is providing interpretative guided tours of the grounds which include the Post Hospital, Enlisted Barracks, Commanding Officer's house, and Commissary. There are also weapon demonstrations and cannon firing in which you are are expected to participate. |
achievements
As a volunteer for the Summer 2017 season, I was appointed coordinator for Equine Care while at Fort Davis. Successfully enlisted the help of the community to participate in the Fourth of July Parade which included acquiring and training more horses and volunteers for the color guard. Responsible for coordinating US Cavalry demonstrations and mounted "patrols" at Fort Davis.
Contact the parkFort Davis National Historic Site
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1379 101 Lt. Flipper Dr. #1379 Fort Davis , TX 79734 Phone: (432) 426-3224 |
Volunteering with NPS
To view NPS volunteer opportunities, go to www.nps.gov/volunteer or www.volunteer.gov/gov |
Benefits
Big Bend National Park McDonald Observatory |
