John Lewis Society

The John Lewis Society is a junior interpretive volunteer program at the Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia. The program is primarily suited for teens with an enthusiastic interest in history. Although there are no academic criteria for the participants, we do require a commitment to learning the material, the willingness to communicate and interact with Museum visitors. Our goal of the society is to provide a collaborative learning and working experience between the student and the Museum staff. Through interpretive tasks on the museum’s historic farms, members will demonstrate the lifestyle, culture, day to day operations of the Museum, and accurately present historically relevant information.

The John Lewis Society (JLS) program generally lasts from April through December. We begin the season with a training session followed by one-on-one mentoring with Museum staff.

We will be holding an informational session on Friday, November 15th at 5:00 PM and Saturday, November 16th at 4:00 PM in our Lecture Hall to answer questions about the John Lewis Society.

A JLS application can be obtained from the bottom of this webpage or the informational session. After receiving the application, an interview will be held in January, date to be determined.

If there are any questions, please contact us at johnlewissociety@fcmv.virginia.gov.

Expectations for the John Lewis Society Participants

  • Members are between the ages of 13 and 16.
  • JLS members are expected to work at least two days per month for four-hour shifts.
  • The JLS participant will receive a museum t-shirt from the Museum gift shop. The students will also be required to wear khaki or navy shorts down to the knee, khaki or navy pants or a knee length or longer skirt. Students and their families will be responsible for supplying the appropriate black closed toe shoes.
  • There are two charges for the program, including a $25 administration cost as well as the cost for an active annual pass for the member’s family. Annual passes can vary in price, but it is $45 for a family of up to four members. By purchasing this pass, families can observe their student while interpreting.