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 participate in some behind-the-scenes opportunities, such as assisting with class preparations or research library tasks.

LHAs only have to volunteer for 10 hours each year in order to remain active within the program, however we do have special celebrations for those who have volunteered 40+, 65+, and 80+ hours each 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. 1. Fill out an LHA application. Applications may be completed online. The application period for 2026 opens on January 1 and closes on March 1st. 
   2. After the application period has ended, each applicant will be contacted with their interview time slot. Interviews for 2026 will be held on March 13th. 
   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 $85 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 attend the New LHA parent/student meeting and complete a mandatory training program. The New LHAs parent/student meeting will take place March 20th, 2026, beginning at 5:30 pm. New LHA Training will take place May 28th, 2026 from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.
   5. After completing training, new LHAs are able to sign up to help with classes, volunteer in Railroad Town, and assist during events. After the first year, LHAs simply need to volunteer a minimum of 10 hours and fill out a commitment yearly to indicate if they would like to continue volunteering as an LHA.

   Please note, the LHA program is competitive and not all applicants will be selected. For any questions concerning the LHA application process, please contact Emily at ebyerly@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.