Where History Just Doesn't Live in Books

by Jennifer Senner
Sep 29, 2008 | Filed in Archive
If you visit Mission Mill Museum in Salem, Oregon on a hot July day, you might hear the sound of a young man playing a somber hymn on a violin. A few feet away a young woman may be gathering herbs in a garden. Approach them and these two young people might tell you about their trials and tribulations as Methodist missionaries to the Oregon Country in the 1830s. These students are part of the Teen Interpretive Program (TIP) at the museum. This volunteer program is designed specifically for teenagers who have an interest in history, education, or drama. These teens learn how to conduct historical research, develop living history characters and interact with visitors; the museum benefits by having a team of living history volunteers available during our summer tourism season. A unique part of the program is how the museum integrates the students' creativity and personal skill set into the program. Each teen has a lot of room to design the program to fit their interests. Students interests include everything from blacksmithing to baking. They are encouraged to pursue those interests and share what they've learned with visitors through the voice of a living history character. Through a partnership with the local school district, students are eligible to receive half an elective credit for participating in this program. In recent years, home schooled students have been a large part of the program, spreading the information about the program by word of mouth to their friends. TIP has continues to evolve each year with each new set of students. One student, who participated in the TIP program in its early days volunteered at the museum through high school, interned here in college, and eventually became an employee. She has recently left the museum to earn her master's degree in museum studies. Teens are smart, enthusiastic and capable – often all they need is a little guidance and direction to get them started. Jennifer Senner is the Volunteer and Events Coordinator at Mission Mill Museum. She is a recent graduate from Oregon State University with a bachelor's degree in history. This year was her first year as the TIP program supervisor.

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