Washington-On-The-Brazos State Historic Site: Barrington Living History Farm

From RPTSWiki

Sheri Finke '08

Interpretation and Clerk Intern Spring 2008

Organization Overview:

Barrington Living History Farm is a recreation of Dr. Anson Jones' home. Dr. Anson Jones was the last president of the Republic of Texas. He and his family lived there from 1844 until his death in 1858. He served the Republic of Texas as a congressman, Minister to the United States, Senator, and Secretary of State. Dr. Jones named his farm "Barrington" after his birthplace, Great Barrington, Massachusetts. The actual farm site is about 4-5 miles from its current location. The house is an original structure built in 1844. It was moved to the park as part of the Texas Centennial Celebration in 1936. The outbuildings were recreated based on mid-19th centruy architecture. The information was found in Dr. Jones' diaries and account books. Barrington Living History Farm opened in March of 2000. The farm represents the lifestyle of the Jones family and the slaves who lived and worked the farm.

Mission Statement:

In accordance with the mission of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Barrington Farm will inform and educate the public about the agricultural heritage of the Central Brazos Valley, and especially of Washington County, through the development of an operating farm of the antebellum period. It will highlight the significant contributions of Anson Jones, last President of the Republic of Texas. It will interpret the rural lifeways during the late Republic and Early Statehood periods of Texas through the lives of the Jones family at Barrington (1844 to 1857).

Job Description:

- Works under the general supervision of the office manager

- Responsibilities include: customer service, providing information to the public in person, on the phone, and in writing, revenue collection, accounting for daily revenue, clerical duties, preperation of reports, general cleaning of office and front gallery, and interpretation of the farm site when needed.

- Operates credit card machine, cash register (Texas Retail Solutions system), fax machine, and computers.

- Works with computer applications such as windows, IFS (Integrated Financial System), Quicken, Microsoft Office, Print Shop, and internet explorer.

Qualifications:

Education - completion of high school

Experience - some experience in interpretation

No certifications required

Must have legal drivers license to drive state vehicles

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

- Knowledge of general office skills and basic math

- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

- Ability to provide quality customer service in a courteous and professional manner

- Ability to perform assigned duties without continual supervision and make sound independent decisions

- Ability to use personal computers for word processing and spreadsheet software

- Ability to work effectively with fellow employees and volunteers

- Ability to handle multiple tasks effectively

- Ability to present interpretive programs when needed

Benefits and Opportunities:

- Pay: $8.78 an hour

- Hours: 8:30am to 5:00pm (will be given 2 days off weekly; supervisor's decision)

- Benefits: 20% discount in Gift Shop at the park

- Room and board is not provided. I live in Washington so I commuted from my house.

- Will have the opportunity to attend complex staff meetings and farm staff meetings

Achievements:

- Ability to present interpretive programs for specific events and scheduled school groups such as making cornhusk dolls at Barrington's Christmas event and developing a character for Barrington's True Texas Women event.

- Ability to learn new programs such as changing cash register systems from an old cash register to TRS (Texas Retail Solutions) on a computer