Living History Apprentice Program

Living History Apprentices, or LHAs, assist in many ways throughout each year. LHAs are an important asset to our Summer Adventures program in June and July each summer, as they are the instructor’s helpers, assisting with everything from foodways to crafting and much more. LHAs may also volunteer as a Living Historian on a daily basis during the summer, where they will interpret life in the 1890s to visitors in Railroad Town. We also host several events and programs throughout the year where LHAs play essential roles, such as during our Independence Day celebration, Back to School, Agricultural Fair, All Hallows’ Eve, and Christmas Past & Present. LHAs may also have some behind-the-scenes opportunities, assisting with class preparations or some light office work.

LHAs only have to volunteer for 10 hours each year in order to remain active within the program, however we do have a couple of special celebrations for those who have volunteered 40+ or 65+ hours in a year. Each LHA is responsible for recording their hours with us in order to be included in these events. LHAs are welcome to submit their hours for school volunteer requirements as well, and we refer to this record when signing paperwork.

1. Fill out an LHA application. Applications may be completed online, mailed, e-mailed or dropped off in person. The application period for 2025 opens on January 1 and closes on March 15. Your application also needs to be accompanied by two reference forms filled out by two adults who are not related to you. Teachers, coaches, 4-H leaders, Scout leaders, etc. are all good choices for this part!
2. After the application period has ended, each applicant will be contacted with their interview date and time. The interview is not meant to be intimidating, as it’s simply a way for us to get to know you. Interviews for 2025 will be held on April 3rd and 4th after school hours. 
3. After all interviews have been completed, each applicant will be notified of their acceptance status. We typically are able to accept between 12 and 15 applicants each year. Applicants accepted into the program will need to pay a $75 training fee to cover training costs, a t-shirt, and a haversack. If you are unable to pay this fee but wish to apply to become an LHA, click here to learn more about the Youth Luminary Scholarship to pay for your training fee. 
4. Applicants who are selected to become LHAs will need to complete a mandatory training program on May 23-24, 2025. Training will be held from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm both days. (After the first year, LHAs simply need to fill out a commitment form each year to indicate if they would like to continue volunteering as an LHA.) Additional optional training sessions may be offered during the year for both first-year and returning LHAs. 
5. After completing training, new LHAs are able to sign up to help with classes, volunteer in Railroad Town, and assist during events. LHAs do not need to reapply in subsequent years, and many volunteer with us for a few years before becoming old enough for a paid job. Some LHAs even find their first job as a historical interpreter right here at Stuhr Museum!

Please note, the LHA program is competitive and not all applicants will be selected. For any questions concerning the LHA application process, please contact Alyssa or Alexandra at lha@stuhrmuseum.org or call (308) 385-5316. 

Part of the fun of being an LHA is dressing up in historic clothing! Historic clothing must be approved by our LHA program coordinators to ensure a level of historical accuracy is maintained. But where to find it? These are the three ways that LHAs can obtain a historical outfit:

1. Make it (or have a seamstress you know make it for you!) – we’ll help you select a pattern and period-appropriate fabric, as well as answer any sewing questions along the way. Keep in mind that your pattern and fabric should be pre-approved prior to making any purchases!
2. Rent it – our costume closet holds a number of historically appropriate clothing items that can be rented by staff and volunteers.
3. Purchase it – we’ll provide you with a list of pre-approved clothing items that are appropriate for our time period.

First-year LHAs will be provided with a t-shirt they can wear for modern volunteer assignments. Additional t-shirts will be available for purchase to both first-year and returning LHAs.