This month, we shine the light on volunteer Kate Grist, one of our bright young docents. Kate joins us as the "second round" of youth docents since Hearthside began. The first round students are now in college, or will soon be. It has always been our hope to make a lasting impact on our young visitors and volunteers. From what Kate has to say, it seems we're doing so.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I'm 16 and have one brother who is older than me. We live in North Smithfield, and I'm a sophmore at North Smithfield High School. I participate in two sports: cross country and the track team.
How long have you been volunteering at Hearthside, and what got you interested in volunteering at such a young age?
I started volunteering at Hearthside about a year and a half ago. But, I first became interested w
hen I was eight years old and went on a tour of the house and fell in love with it. When I saw that there were kids helping out on the tours, I thought that was amazing and wanted to try it. But, because of my age, my Mom wanted me to wait a few years and make sure I was serious about it before volunteering.
What do you do as a volunteer at Hearthside?
Since I started in November 2015, I have taken part in setting up for exhibits and events, serving at teas, and being a trained docent in many different rooms. I enjoy learning about the history of the house and of the various themes of the events we do. I always look forward to the upcoming events, and I love working with all the different people who volunteer.
What is it about history that you find interesting?
I'm fascinated with how different everyday life was and enjoy learning about it. I love the fashions from all the different time periods.
What is your favorite part about volunteering at Hearthside?
One of my favorite things is meeting a variety of people who come to visit on tours. It's always wonderful to see visitors appreciate the house and exhibits. Hearthside gives a really unique opportunity for volunteers. There are very few places that allow people to become so involved with history in such a personal way.
How do you think your experience at Hearthside has helped you?
What I do at Hearthside I cannot do as an extracurricular activity after school, or learn in a classroom. In a classroom, you do not get to help put together exhibits, or try on the clothes that people wore in different eras. Hearthside lets me and other students become involved in history and get to experience in a way that you can't in school. That's probably why I am a part of Hearthside, to get to take part in something so unique that I can't do anywhere else.
What do you find most interesting about Hearthside?
It's got so much history and we get to tell all kinds of stories because of that. Hearthside provides guests with a unique and interesting experience that really isn't offered in other historic places.
What do your friends think about what you doing?
I've brought friends to come help with different projects at the house so they could earn community service hours and to see where I get to volunteer. We've put away Christmas decorations and cleaned out the attic for the new weaving display. Most of my friends aren't into history like I am, but some of my friends do think it's pretty neat to be able to volunteer here.
Why should young people care about Hearthside?
It is important for younger generations to come visit Hearthside to learn about its historical significance. They can also learn about a time period completely different from their own that has helped shape the modern world they know.
What do you hope to see for the future of Hearthside?
It is very important that Hearthside continues to grow and become bigger and better in the years to come. Hearthside provides a place for school groups to visit that gets students out of a classroom and up close and hands on with history. It brings together people with the interest and love of history. Hearthside also educates people on the importance on history and why it is important that we preserve history.
What are your ambitions for the future?
I want to travel and work with kids. As far as my career, I am still undecided. I hope to stay involved with Hearthside and would like to continue volunteering here once I go to college.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I have to say how strongly I feel that preserving history is one of the most important things a person can do.
Artifacts, monuments, and historical landmarks, no matter how big or small, can have an impact on people and need to be preserved to educate those of the future.
|