Volunteer Opportunities

Gold Rush Days Volunteer Positions

There are many ways that you can help make this event a success. If you like to dress up, the descriptions below of costumed positions would be best for you. If you would rather work behind the scenes or in guest services all we ask is that you wear the provided Gold Rush Days shirt. Descriptions for both costumed and non-costumed positions are listed below. Please choose at least two positions in order to give us more scheduling flexibility.

How to Apply

To apply, download the Volunteer Application Form(PDF) and submit it via email to jwest@cityofsacramento.org

Completed Application Forms can also be mailed to:
Historic Old Sacramento Foundation
ATTN: Gold Rush Days Volunteer
101 I Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

Forms and Downloads

Position Descriptions

Costumed Positions

These positions require a 19th century costume from 1849-1870. If you do not have a costume, we may be able to provide one for you.

Bowling- Located outside this is a very hands-on activity that takes place on the boardwalk. This position requires help re-setting the pins, and keeping the line moving swiftly.

Gold Panning- Located outside and underneath the trees this is a hustle and bustle of activity. Children and adults line up to seek their fortune. This position involves handing out and collecting gold pans and salting the troughs.

Adams Bank- Located outside this venue works in tandem with the Gold Panning. Miners bring their findings to the bank and exchange their gold for a certificate to be used throughout town. This position requires the weighing of the gold, signing and handing out of the certificate.

Crafts and Games- Located both inside and outside this area encourage children to learn and experience the pastimes of children from the 19th century. This position involves working hands-on with period toys, games, and crafts.

Venues

The following descriptions are for established venues. In most cases these venues already have people from previous Gold Rush Days signed up. However, these venues have grown and we need to more hands!

Mrs. Frink’s Kitchen- Located outside, this activity requires the skill of cooking 19th Century style using an open fire and cast iron pots and pans. A separate training workshop will be available for those interested in this activity.

Dentist/Doctor/Undertaker- Located outside, this is an interpretive activity about the medical and dental practices available in the 19th Century. This position requires working with other interpreters to create a re-enactment activity.

Californio- Located outside, this is an interpretive activity to celebrate the diversity of California. This position includes working with other interpreters to create a re-enactment activity.

Hand crafts- tatting, lace making, millenary, sewing- Located inside or outside, this is a demonstrative activity to portray the handicrafts of the 19th Century.

Gambler- Located inside either the Sibley or the Stinking Tent Saloon this is a very hands-on activity. Gamblers deal period games to the public and enjoy banter with other dealers. Training for games is provided. Suggested Games: Faro, Chuck a Luck, Monte, Rouge et Noir, Shut the Box, Hyronemous, High Low.

Stroller- Located outside, the position involves a lot of walking and stopping. Part of the thrill of the event is meeting people from around the world. We are looking for costumed characters to stroll the town and engage in conversation with other costumed strollers about day to day life in Sacramento City 1850s.

Non Costumed Positions

Not everyone enjoys dressing up and we need non-costumed people to help explain why people are costumed and why we are traveling back to the 19th Century.

Greeters- Located outside and near the entrances to Old Sacramento, this position is the frontline of the event. Greeters welcome people to the event and offer them a rack card and point the way to the information booths for additional help.

Information- Located outside this position requires answering the basic questions about the event and giving directions to people looking for the bathroom, visitor’s center, or various stages or activities.

Hospitality- Located inside and outside the position requires working with other volunteers to keep everyone fed and watered! Hospitality volunteers can help to prepare lunch or breakfast, set or clear tables, or collect the check in tickets.

Ice & Water- Located outside, this position helps to deliver and transport ice and water to the various venues in Old Sacramento such as the sarsaparilla saloons.

Security & First Aid- Located inside the position helps with minor first aid injuries and can call 911 for any major injuries. This position will also serve as the lost and found and the security office.

Exhibit Guides- Located inside, this position greets visitors as they enter the exhibition and makes sure that the exhibit is never left unattended.

Parking- Located outside this position requires monitoring the parking lot and making sure that only those with the correct pass are parking the staff and volunteer lots.