What will my child learn?
Public Speaking Techniques
This program is designed to build participants’ confidence in addressing live audiences and help them develop verbal communication skills that will benefit them their entire lives. These include enunciation, projection, eye contact, organization of thought/content, and memorization.
19th Century Living and Life Skills
The lessons and workshops will include activities like children’s pastimes, education, fiber arts, penmanship, fine arts, domestic chores as well dressing in period clothing.
History Interpretation Techniques
Participants will become part of the Shrine’s history interpreters, learning alongside seasoned Shrine Interpreters. As the year progresses, participants will learn to portray 19th century St. Joseph’s Academy students as first-person interpreters or “living historians”.
In-depth history of Mother Seton and Her Legacy
By learning the history and legacy of Mother Seton as well as the details of daily life in her time, we hope participants will develop an affinity for Elizabeth Ann Seton and connect her life and legacy to their own life.
Basic Professional Hospitality Skills
Participants will learn to work as part of a team in a museum and historic site, and learn to show respect, courtesy, and hospitality to visitors.
What does it mean to “interpret” history?
Living history is an interpretive tool used at the Seton Shrine to tell the history and story of Mother Seton and the early Sisters of Charity.
Participants will have interchangeable opportunities to employ the two styles of interpretation:
First-person interpretation is role-playing a person from the past by authentically dressing and speaking as if she is now that person of the past, ignoring present day indicators. Participants will learn to employ a combination of techniques to interact with the visitors without breaking character.
Third-person interpretation speaks informatively and demonstratively about the past; yet, from a present-day perspective. A third-person interpreter can be in modern clothing or in period clothing.
Who are the mentors?
The Seton Shrine’s team of interpreters will serve as mentors in the Junior History Interpreter Program. Each of the Adult History Interpreter (AHI) has a background in historical interpretation, education, museum studies and/or other related fields, and have achieved certification in VIRTUS Safe Environment Training.
What commitment is required?
Dates: September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026
Time: 39 instructional & practicum hours in the fall season and 51 instructional & practicum hours in the spring season
Fee*: $380
Discounted Fee Structure for additional JHIs who enter the training year, ½ price for 2nd child in household, ¼ price for 3rd child in household, free for any additional children in household.
This training program is a 12-month commitment that begins in September and concludes August 31st the following year. There is a summer break in the months of June, July & August with optional activities for Junior History Interpreters. Junior History Interpreters who invest themselves in their training have the greatest enjoyment of the program and achieve the highest degree of success.
Capstone Experience:
How does one sign up?
Enrollment to the training program is limited. To apply, click “Download Application”, complete the attached form and essay, and submit it to Ms. Erica Delp, Education Programs Coordinator, at erica.delp@setonshrine.org. Applicants and their parents will be invited to an informal interview with Ms. Delp after which a decision regarding acceptance will be made.
Enrollment will reopen in June 2025.
