“At Fort Nisqually, we found something we could all do we loved. It’s been fun to see my kids learn history and teach it to somebody else.”
Dana Repp, of Gig Harbor, who volunteers with her husband, Rich, and daughters Janelle and Jessica (pictured, right)

Travel back in time at Fort Nisqually Living History Museum

Fort Nisqually volunteers are a fun, enthusiastic, multi-generational group ranging in age from 6 months old to nearly 90 years old.

Most volunteers are dedicated historical interpreters who bring to life the people of the Puget Sound in the 1850s. It’s not simply a matter of putting on period clothing. Volunteers get to learn historic skills, such as using a blacksmith’s forge or cooking on a cast iron wood stove.

Volunteers often research mid-19th century life to deepen their own understanding of history and share it with the public. Often, volunteers’ other hobbies come to life at the Fort, since volunteers also help behind the scenes with gardening, sewing, and repair projects. There are several volunteer guilds which are open for participation:

• Sewing Guild
• Heritage Garden Guild
• Woodworking Guild
• Music Guild

Fort Nisqually volunteers also support and assist the staff in a variety of unique projects and interesting activities. Special training sessions are offered throughout the year and volunteer possibilities include:

• Historical re-enacting
• Behind-the-scenes support
• Research
• Craft/skills demonstrations
• And more!

Please email [email protected] or call 253-404-3970 for more information.

Current Volunteers

Please sign in to our volunteer management system, Better Impact to sign up for shifts and to log your hours.

Sign up for shifts  

Fort Nisqually volunteers are a part of the Friends of Point Defiance Park