Statehouse soliciting volunteers

An attempt to revitalize the support group for the Vandalia Statehouse will begin with an open house next Tuesday evening.
That support group, formerly known as the Friends of the Old State Capitol Vandalia Inc., will now be known as the Friends of the Vandalia Statehouse.
And while the name of the organization is being changed, it’s purpose will remain the same – providing needed volunteer support for the building that served as the state capitol from 1836-39.
And as the state’s funding for the building and its special events declines, that volunteer support is becoming increasingly important, according to Site Superintendent Steve Riddle.
Riddle is essentially the only state employee staffing the Statehouse, meaning that for periods of time, the state historic site has to be closed.
That’s where local volunteers come in, he said.
The duties of volunteers vary, depending on their interests and availability.
The Friends of the Vandalia Statehouse are seeking local individuals who are willing to volunteer their time to serve as greeters and tour guides.
Local residents may also volunteer for “behind-the-scenes stuff,” Riddle said. “If someone wants to help with maintenance work, including general cleaning or outdoor duties, that would be great.
“We’re looking for volunteers to help on a daily basis,” he said.
The ultimate goal, he said, is to have volunteers helping out in four-hour shifts five days a week. In that scenario, volunteers would be working either from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. or 1-5 p.m.
“We are flexible on the time (that volunteers can help out),” Riddle said. “They can work one shift once a week, one shift every other week or even one shift once a month.
“I’m willing to work with them on when they can help out,” he said.
Next Tuesday’s open house, which will include refreshments, is “just to check the interest” of local people willing to volunteer at the Statehouse, he said.
The open house will also include tours of the Statehouse, which will allow potential tour guides learn more about the building.
Riddle said he is in the process of developing documents that will help those volunteers who want to help him with teaching visitors about the Statehouse.
He is developing a guide for interpreters, one that provides information and guidance for both brief tours and longer, more-detailed ones.