New Executive Director Named for Historic London Town and Gardens

The Board of Trustees of the London Town Foundation has named Rod Cofield as Executive Director of Historic London Town & Gardens. The Foundation is responsible for the operation of the 23-acre site owned by Anne Arundel County. Cofield, who has acted as interim Executive Director of the site since January, has been with London Town since 2006. He was originally hired as Director of Public Programs, and since 2011 has served as Deputy Director.

The Board’s action reflects recognition that Mr. Cofield possesses the skills needed to guide London Town through the next phase of its growth. A graduate of St. Marys College, Cofield earned a masters degree at St. Johns College and has built a solid reputation in the museum community. News of his appointment has been met with enthusiasm from London Town’s partners in Anne Arundel County, museum professionals and London Town’s key funding sources.

In learning of the selection of Mr. Cofield, Rick Anthony, Director of Recreation and Parks for Anne Arundel County, said, “I know Rod will do an excellent job and continue to build upon London Town’s legacy”.

Mary Alexander, Museum Advancement Program, Maryland Historical Trust stated that “Rod Cofield’s appointment as director of Historic London Town and Gardens is good news not only for Historic London Town and Gardens, but for the Maryland museum community as a whole. Rod’s commitment to professionalism at London Town and through training workshops for the museum field as a whole is exemplary. He places London Town in a leadership role for museums in the state (and across the region).”

Carol Benson, Executive Director of the Four Rivers Heritage Area, said "Rod is a talented professional and a great colleague and friend. His skills in developing stimulating workshops and seminars for strengthening museum interpretation and programming are unequaled in our area, and have helped to make Historic London Town and Gardens a leader among museums in Maryland."

In accepting this appointment Cofield cited the dedication of the London Town staff and volunteers as key to the past and continuing success of the historic site.

Cofield’s vision for London Town is summed up here….“as we all look forward to the next few years, I am honored that the Board entrusted me to lead Historic London Town and Gardens. My hope is that London Town will continue to be a vibrant site where community members, Marylanders, and visitors from farther away come together to learn about our shared history and our excellent botanical gardens.”

London Town Foundation : 839 Londontown Road; Edgewater, MD 21037 : 410-222-1919

www.historiclondontown.org

Historic London Town and Gardens Hiring:

Museum Educators

Summary:

Historic London Town and Gardens is looking for 2  people with experience in museum education or education to assist us with programs, tours, working with teachers and other educators, scheduling and developing education activities and programs. These are part-time positions, and takes place primarily Wednesday through Friday, 8:30am till 2:30pm, March 6, 2013 through June 14, 2013 with additional summer camp weeks and potentially weekend dates as well. These positions will also assist with our living history days, family programming, candlelight tours, and other programs as they arise. We are looking for someone who enjoys working with the public and feels comfortable speaking to groups. This position will assist with the continued development of programs and materials that are appropriate for all levels of education, from pre-K to adult groups.

Primary duties include recreating a variety of 18^th century lifestyles, tasks, and trades in a creative, educational, accurate and hands-on manner. The Museum Educator will help in coordinating and teaching museum education programs (primarily school group visits).  They will assist in developing and fabricating new education programs and activities and dealing with logistics of the program. They will also assist with creating and daily running of summer camps and specialized programming. Please see position descriptions for more information.

Salary is $10 per hour. Please send your cover letter and resume to Lisa Robbins, Director of Education at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Historic London Town and Gardens Attn: Lisa Robbins 839 Londontown Rd. Edgewater MD 21037 or fax to 410.222.1918 (email preferred).

Responsibilities:

• Interest in working with school group and special interest groups

• Willingness to learn and perform all programs

• Ability to research, prepare and present educational materials

• Conduct demonstrations of various 18th century skills and assist in active interpretation and maintenance appropriate to the site

• Support the museum's policies and work practices by maintaining a prompt attendance record, offering encouragement to new staff, openly engaging the public and displaying an inviting and enthusiastic attitude, attention to costomer service

• Assist with site maintenance using modern equipment

• Assist with general and group tours and other aspects of visitor services at the front desk

• Other duties as assigned

Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or equivalent preferred

• One year of customer service preferred

• Knowledge of colonial American history, domestic and agricultural skills preferred

• Excellent communication skills

• Demonstrated museum and/or education experience

•  

The applicant should posses the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

The following skills may be required in some or all exhibit areas. (Specific training is provided by Historic London Town and Gardens).

•            Knowledge of research practices and ability to perform critical analysis of historical studies, learn and then disseminate knowledge of colonial history to the public

•           Ability to take direction and to work efficiently either alone or with others

•      Ability to communicate effectively with people of varied ages and backgrounds in both individual and group settings

•      Ability to perform interpretive duties in 18^th century costumes in a wide variety of weather conditions, walk, bend, and/or stand for extensive periods of time.

•      Ability to learn about regional plants, animals, and geology for collecting resources

•      Ability to learn (or experience in) numerous craft skills including basic carpentry, hand sewing, hearth cooking, gardening, etc. 

Historic London Town and Gardens is looking for 3 to 4 people with experience in museum education or education to assist us with programs, tours, working with teachers and other educators, scheduling and developing education activities and programs. These are part-time positions, and takes place primarily Wednesday through Friday, 8:30am till 2:30pm, August 29, 2012 through December 7, 2012 and March 6, 2013 through June 14, 2013 with additional summer camp weeks and potentially weekend dates as well. These positions will also assist with our living history days, family programming, candlelight tours, and other programs as they arise. We are looking for someone who enjoys working with the public and feels comfortable speaking to groups. This position will assist with the continued development of programs and materials that are appropriate for all levels of education, from pre-K to adult groups.

Primary duties include recreating a variety of 18^th century lifestyles, tasks, and trades in a creative, educational, accurate and hands-on manner. The Museum Educator and Public Programs Assistant will help in coordinating and teaching museum education programs (primarily school group visits).  They will assist in developing and fabricating new education programs and activities and dealing with logistics of the program. They will also assist with creating and daily running of summer camps and specialized programming. Please see position descriptions for more information.

Salary is $10 per hour. Please send your cover letter and resume to Lisa Robbins, Director of Education at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Historic London Town and Gardens Attn: Lisa Robbins 839 Londontown Rd. Edgewater MD 21037 or fax to 410.222.1918.

Responsibilities:

·         Demonstrated museum and/or education experience

·         Interest in working with school groups and special interest groups

·         Willingness to learn and perform all programs

·         Ability to research, prepare, and present educational materials

·         Conduct demonstrations of various 18^th century skills and assist in active interpretation and maintenance appropriate to the site

·         Support the museum’s policies and work practices by maintaining a prompt attendance record, offering encouragement to new staff, openly engaging the public, and displaying an inviting and enthusiastic attitude, attention to customer service

·         Assist with site maintenance using modern equipment

·         Other duties as assigned

Education and Experience:

·         High School diploma or equivalent preferred

·         One year of customer service preferred

·         Knowledge of colonial American history, domestic and agricultural skills preferred

·         Excellent communication skills

The applicant should posses the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

The following skills may be required in some or all exhibit areas. (Specific training is provided by Historic London Town and Gardens).

·         Knowledge of research practices and ability to perform critical analysis of historical studies, learn and then disseminate knowledge of colonial history to the public

·         Ability to take direction and to work efficiently either alone or with others

·         Ability to communicate effectively with people of varied ages and backgrounds in both individual and group settings

·         Ability to perform interpretive duties in 18^th century costumes in a wide variety of weather conditions, walk, bend, and/or stand for extensive periods of time.

·         Ability to learn about regional plants, animals, and geology for collecting resources

·         Ability to learn (or experience in) numerous craft skills including basic carpentry, hand sewing, hearth cooking, gardening, etc.