Volunteer
Preserve History, Enrich Community, and Discover Purpose
Nestled amidst the rolling hills and quiet fields near Winchester, VA, the Kernstown Battlefield stands as a living testament to courage, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of a community united by history. The Kernstown Battlefield Association (KBA) is a not-for-profit organization without paid staff, and volunteers are the heartbeat of our important work. If you are searching for a meaningful way to give back, deepen your sense of place, and meet kindred spirits, consider joining the volunteer community at Kernstown Battlefield!
Why Volunteer at Kernstown Battlefield?
Preserve History for Future Generations: By volunteering, you become a steward of a significant chapter in American history. The Kernstown Battlefield witnessed pivotal moments during the Civil War and has been a working farm for nearly 300 years. Your efforts help protect original landscapes and historic buildings, and ensure the battlefield remains an open-air classroom for all.
Connect with Community: Volunteering brings people together. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a recent arrival, serving at Kernstown fosters friendships and forges bonds with individuals who share your interests in history, education, and community engagement.
Develop New Skills: From guiding tours to maintaining landscapes, the opportunities for personal growth are endless. Hone your public speaking, learn historical interpretation techniques, master preservation skills, or simply gain confidence in working with diverse groups of people.
Volunteer Opportunities
Kernstown Battlefield welcomes volunteers of all backgrounds, ages, and interests. Whether you have a passion for history or simply want to lend a helping hand, there’s a role for you. Here are some of the ways you can get involved:
Historical Interpretation and Tours: Volunteer docents lead tours of the battlefield and 1854 Pritchard House, helping visitors imagine life here in the past. With the KBA’s docent training, you’ll learn how to craft engaging narratives, answer questions, and share the significance of the site with audiences of all ages.
Visitor Center: This is the starting point for visitors to the battlefield. Visitor Center volunteers help to open/close the facilities, welcome and orient visitors and operate the KBA gift shop. KBA offers a training program and manual for all volunteers.
Property and Grounds Maintenance: Love the outdoors? Volunteers help to maintain the pristine landscapes of the battlefield, from mowing and trimming to tending to our gardens and arboretum. We also have opportunities to maintain and make repairs to our historic buildings, including cleaning and painting.
Special Events Assistance: The KBA hosts a variety of events during our open season, from author-led tours to living history weekends. Volunteers are needed to help with logistics, set-up, registration, and more – ensuring every event runs smoothly and creates memorable experiences for attendees.
Administrative and Fundraising Support: Behind every successful non-profit is a dedicated team of organizers. Volunteers can assist with office tasks, marketing, grant writing, donor relations, and other crucial functions that keep the Kernstown Battlefield Association thriving.
How to Get Started
Reach Out: Complete and return to us the KBA volunteer application below and we will follow up with you. If you have any questions, please email us or call (540) 450-7835.
Choose Your Role: Whether you’re comfortable with public speaking, prefer hands-on work, or have administrative talents, there’s a place for you.
Set Your Schedule: Volunteers are needed year-round, and you can tailor your service to fit your availability—whether it’s a few hours a month or a weekly commitment.
Dive In: After training and orientation, you’ll join the Kernstown volunteer family, making a tangible difference right away!
Volunteer Application
If you are inspired to join our community of volunteers, please complete the application below. We welcome individuals of all backgrounds and interests to help us preserve history and foster learning for future generations.