Volunteers
Are you looking for a way to give back to the community? Consider volunteering at Historic Johnson Farm!
Anyone who is interested in supporting the farm is welcome to volunteer whenever they are able. Some come every week; some come once a month. If you see something that interests you, please email us at jfarm@hcpsnc.org or call us at 828-891-6585.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Tour Guides:
Guides lead tours of the historic farmhouse. Tours take 45-60 minutes and are offered Monday-Friday at 10:30 AM.
Guide Kathie Doole states, “[I enjoy] the history of the farm as well as talking with visitors and teaching them about the history as well as the type of people who lived there.”
A volunteer leads a tour.
Field Trips:
Field trip volunteers help when classes of students come to the farm. They lead programs in the farmhouse, school house, and barn. Field trips usually take about 2 hours and typically take place on Wednesday and Friday mornings.
Volunteer Nan Croft says, “It’s inspiring to see both children and adults with their reactions to all the history that the farm has to offer.  Insight into bygone times including lifestyle and farm maintenance is eye opening to us all!”
Volunteers lead a program for students.
Grounds Crew:Â
Every Monday morning, a group of volunteers meets to maintain the grounds and provide simple maintenance. Mowing, weed-eating, cutting small trees, changing light bulbs, and minor repairs are just some of the things the group works on.
Volunteer Craig Long says, “I enjoy the fellowship with the other volunteers, and helping to preserve a historic landmark for the public; also, I grew up on a farm and working at Johnson Farm feels ‘natural’.”
Volunteers work on repairing a fence.
Gardening Crew:Â
Every Monday spring-fall, a group meets to maintain the gardens and flower beds. Planting, weeding, clipping, and more help make the grounds as beautiful as they can be.
Volunteer Shirley McGee states, “The farm is a beautiful place to come and enjoy the outdoors. In addition, the folks associated with the farm are interesting and enjoy developing and preserving this resource. [I] knew Mr. Leander and Vernon, and it is a way to feel close to them and what they so generously endowed for the students and residents of Henderson County.”
A volunteer weeds a flower bed.
Event Help:
Historic Johnson Farm holds several special events and festivals throughout the year. Volunteers help with all aspects, including set-up, clean-up, selling tickets, making food, leading activities, and more.
Board of Directors Chair and volunteer Robin Ertzberger says, “I love to interact with the children and their families, whether we are making a craft, reading a book or enjoying a snack. All generations can learn and see new things each visit. The grounds are so beautifully manicured which makes the experience extra special.”
A volunteer helps with arts and crafts.
House Cleaning:
Twice a year, volunteers deep clean the historic farmhouse in order to protect the building and the artifacts.