Volunteer with Us
Join the volunteer community at Historic Ramsey House and help our visitors enjoy over 225 years of Tennessee history. The rewards of volunteering at Historic Ramsey House are learning about the Ramsey story and its part in Knoxville and Tennessee history; finding friends who share an interest in history; and the great satisfaction of helping visitors understand and connect with the importance of history. Join us!
We are currently accepting applications for volunteers of all interests and abilities. No prior museum experience is required. If you are interested in volunteering at Ramsey House, please call 865-546-0745 or email director@ramseyhouse.org.
Volunteer Opportunities
Guided Tour Volunteers
Docents (or tour guides) lead tours of the historic house for daily visitors, school groups (K-12), group tours, and special events. Docents engage visitors in a one-hour tour of the house and grounds, or are stationed in a single room during special events. Period correct clothing (1790-1820) are often required for special events, such as Statehood Day and Christmas Candlelight Tours. A complete docent guide is available at the Ramsey House office. The Education Committee conducts docent trainings periodically for new tour guide volunteers, and research materials are located in the John Alexander library.
Collections Development Volunteer
Ramsey House Collections: Historic Ramsey House is host to a collection of over 700 items, including Ramsey family heirlooms and a vibrant quilt and coverlet collection. In our efforts to carry on the history of preservation and education, the staff is currently undergoing a complete inventory of the collection. Volunteers are needed to help with tasks including data entry to our new cloud-based database (Omeka), relabeling items in a safe manner, and photographing items.
John Alexander Library: Started by former Senator Lamar Alexander, the John Alexander Library serves as a place for the commnity to reflect and research on various topics related to the Ramsey family. Volunteers are needed to help with ongoing reshelving, cataloguing, inventory, processing, overdue book reminders, general cleaning, and researching patron requests.
Ramsey House APTA Archives: Over the years Ramsey House has accumulated an extensive collection of material that showcases the many programs and activities undertaken by the A.P.T.A., Knoxville Chapter. These pictures, newsletters, and newspaper articles that illustrate the rich history of Ramsey House as an organization need further organization. Volunteer opportunities include scanning articles, filing, labeling, and taking inventory of artifacts.
Gardens & Grounds Volunteers
Gardens: We are seeking those with a green thumb and a love of the outdoors to assist with weeding, trimming, and mulching during the spring, summer, and fall in our flowerbeds and herb garden.
Grounds: At just over 100 acres, Historic Ramsey House offers many opportunities to help maintain the property. Spring, Summer, and Fall needs include mowing, leaf blowing, gutter cleaning, window cleaning, tree trimming, and more. We are also gearing up to build nature trails throughout our woodland areas, and are seeking enthusiastic volunteers who love nature to help us throughout the planning and implementation process.