La Gente (“The People” in Spanish) portray civilian life at the Presidio. These men and women exhibit life skills of the Spanish Colonial people. They demonstrate the simplicity of life and the challenges of survival at a frontier fort and conduct the following demonstrations during special events or even on their own for visitors to enjoy on any given day:
· Tortilla making and bread baking
· Butter churning
· Soap making
· Blacksmithing
· Spinning
· Weaving
· Storytelling
· Fire building in the adobe horno
· Demonstrating foods of the time
· Demonstrating money and commercial items of the time (as a merchant)
If you enjoy the history and culture of Tucson and have an interest in learning any of these skills consider being a volunteer at the Presidio Museum.
Duties
Volunteers will work with the programs and volunteer manager to be trained for different tasks. Volunteers are encouraged to do the activities they most enjoy and become experts themselves.
Making the Commitment
Living history volunteers commit a minimum of five hours per month. The majority of Living History demonstrations are presented at stations that are outdoors. Tasks are performed in a variety of weather conditions. Much like our ancestors, volunteers experience beautiful Sonoran desert days, along with a few hot ones and the occasional monsoon!Occasionally volunteers support other organization functions and City of Tucson functions by attending and assisting with different events.
Although costumes may be available to Living History volunteers for a limited time, Garrison volunteers are responsible for obtaining their own costumes either by purchasing or creating them. The Presidio Museum can provide direction on where to purchase appropriate costumes. Click here for ourVolunteer Interpreter’s Guide to Spanish Colonial Costumes.
Street parking is free on weekends. During the week the Presidio Museum validates parking in the El Presidio Parking Garage at 165 W. Alameda St. and the Pima County Public Works Garage at 101 N. Stone.
New volunteers are welcome any time!
Contact Kate Avalos, Programs & Volunteer Manager, KateA@TucsonPresidio.com, for more information and to begin your exciting volunteer journey with the Presidio Museum!
