​​Historic Interpreter A, MPHR​

Who We Are

Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is “that the future may learn from the past” through preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation.  

Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 89 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, The Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute, and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library.

Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world class accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Griffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels and Suites and the unique Colonial Houses in the Historical Area. Visitors may also indulge in food and drink at our many on site restaurants and taverns that blend a historically inspired dining experience with today’s evolved tastes. Each year over 5 million people visit Williamsburg and another 20 million engage with us digitally.

About the Position

Historic Interpreters – A MPHR work primarily as interpreters in different sites and assignments across the Historic Area to explain 1) the processes used to investigate, document, understand, preserve, and furnish historic sites and 2) the complex history of Williamsburg and Virginia at sites undergoing preservation or investigation as assigned. 

 Main Duties:  

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:  

• Enhance the guest experience by orienting guests to the town and preparing them for a variety of experiences; checking admission tickets; arranging orderly entry to sites; assisting with the use of mobile ticketing and other digital resources; and recommending opportunities that fit guests' interests.  

• Use modern interpretive techniques to explain the processes used to research, document, understand, preserve, and furnish our sites and the complex history of 18th-20th century Williamsburg and Virginia through formal interpretation, tours, and casual conversation. Interpreters present a complete, inclusive, accurate and sophisticated story that will inspire guests to learn more.  

• Understand operational procedures, tour mechanics, and the preservation of collections, artifacts, buildings, and objects.  

• Cultivate a deeper understanding of the past and modern investigative processes and techniques by participating in content training, skills development, and conducting research on topics relevant to the history of Williamsburg.  
• When researching and developing interpretations, Historic Interpreters - A MPHR use credible research and resources to ensure an inclusive approach their work, and that all scholarship, interpretations, and other materials produced consider multiple perspectives. 
• Historic Interpreters MPHR employ digital technology by maintaining personal time sheets, tracking schedule and assignment changes, and staying current with work related email and policy/procedure updates. Additionally, they assist guests with navigating our digital resources. 
• Historic Interpreters MPHR support their colleagues across the Foundation to foster a positive workplace community, create the best guest experiences, and act as good stewards of the Foundation’s resources. 
• Historic Interpreters MPHR observe all safety and security procedures to ensure the safety of colleagues and guests. 

 This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This position may be subjec