The Andover Historical Society is looking for new volunteers to join us as part of our annual school program, Andover at Work in the 1820s.  Each year over 600 third and fifth grade students visit the Andover Historical Society throughout May and June to participate in a 2 hour engaging and interactive tour.  This program requires a large crew of volunteers to lead fun and engaging activities based on life in the 1820s.

Andover at Work in the 1820s immerses students in the atmosphere of early nineteenth century Andover, giving them an opportunity to become historical Andover citizens and engage in actions and occupations of the past through hands-on activities.  After assuming the identity of a historic Andover residents, dressing for their roles, and reviewing a historic map of Andover, students visit several stations throughout the Historical Society that tell the story of how a community worked together in the 1820s.

While visiting the Andover Historical Society, students view life like it would have been in the 1820s at the home of Amos Blanchard, the cashier at the Andover Bank, whose home was also open to boarders from Phillips Academy.  Students are lead by education volunteers wearing reproduction period costumes as they journey into the past and see how our community has changed.  Students stop to grind spices for the midday meal in the kitchen and practice their best manners in the parlor.  After visiting the barn to collect eggs and see what work was done throughout the seasons, students learn to barter and trade at the general store.  At the print shop, students lend a hand and use a historic printing press.  As an example of a community working together, students join a bucket brigade to help save a neighbor’s home from fire, and they see one of the first fire engines, an 1829 Hunneman Hand Tub.  During Andover at Work in the 1820s students, learn about how their town worked as a community and how each individual played an integral role in ensuring that the community thrived.

Without children, Andover at Work in the 1820s would not be possible, but without a crew of dedicated education volunteers, Andover at Work in the 1820s would not be a cornerstone program of the Andover Historical Society and a significant educational resource in Andover.

The Andover Historical Society is hosting two open house tours for people interested in learning more about volunteering for the annual school program Andover at Work in the 1820s.   To learn more about this opportunity, staff at the Historical Society will be hosting tours on March 26^th and April 3^rd at 10:00 a.m11:00 a.m.  During the open house tours, interested individuals will learn about the volunteer schedule and what takes place during the school program.

Andover at Work in the 1820s runs almost daily May 1^st – June 15^th from 9:30-11:30 a.m.  Andover at Work in the 1820s is a flexible volunteer opportunity for people who enjoy working with children and have an interest in local history.  Volunteers for Andover at Work in the 1820s will receive thorough training and opportunities for continued learning.  For questions regarding becoming a volunteer for the school program Andover at Work in the 1820s, contact Museum Educator, Debbie DeSmet at 978-475-2236.