Apprentice Wigmaker

Who We Are

Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is “that the future may learn from the past” through preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation.

Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 88 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library.

About the Position

The primary function of the Wigmaker apprentice is to rediscover, learn and preserve the varied trade skills of the 18th-century Wigmaker, Barber, and Hairdresser, and interpret those skills to the public, both orally and in writing. Progression through the apprenticeship is based on demonstrated growth in three core competencies: Hand Skills, Research, and Interpretation. Apprentices advance by mastering increasingly complex techniques, conducting and applying historical research, and effectively communicating the history, significance, and practice of the trade through public interpretation, instruction, and leadership. Advancement is measured through the successful completion of progressively challenging object-based reproductions, scholarly research projects, interpretive presentations, and the demonstrated ability to mentor others while contributing to the mission of preserving, perpetuating, and presenting the historic trades of Colonial Williamsburg.

Main Duties

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Hand Skills:

• Develop proficiency in the eighteenth-century skills of the Wigmaker, Hairdresser, and Barber through completion of the apprenticeship curriculum and object-based reproductions.
• Maintain, style, fit, and care for the Foundation's collection of wigs and hairpieces for daily operations, performances, and special programs.

Collaborate with other Historic Trades and Foundation departments on production projects supporting preservation and interpretive goals.

• Follow established safety and security procedures for the shop, tools, materials, equipment, and worksite.

Research:

• Conduct historical research on the trade, its practitioners, and related topics to support craftsmanship and interpretation.
• Present research findings through written reports, oral presentations, and interpretive programming.
• Collaborate with Foundation staff and external professionals to expand knowledge and develop new interpretive initiatives.
• Participate in professional development opportunities, including travel for specialized research and training.

Interpretation:

• Provide engaging, historically accurate interpretation of the trade, its history, techniques, and significance to diverse audiences.
• Plan and lead interpretive programs, demonstrations, seminars, workshops, and special events.
• Instruct Foundation staff and apprentices in the history, skills, and interpretation of the trade, and assist in developing training curriculum.
• Demonstrate exceptional hospitality, professionalism, and customer service while interacting with guests and colleagues.

This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This position may be subject to overtime during high peak times, etc. as directed and approved by the supervisor.

This job description reflects the general responsibilities of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties and responsibilities may evolve over time based on operational needs.

Required Education and Experience: 

• High school degree/G.E.D. with a general knowledge of 18th c. colonial history.
• Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record based on The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s criteria.
  • Must be able to provide a 5-year Motor Vehicle Record prior to employment
  • Must be at least 21 years of age
  • May not have more than 1 moving violation or at fault accident within 12 months
  • May not have more than 2 moving violations or at fault accidents within 36 months
  • May not have any serious motor vehicle violations including but not limited to excessive speeding, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, suspended or revoked license, etc.

Preferred Qualifications: 

Four-year Degree in American History and/or successful completion or Certification from a Trade School with a concentration in handwork.

Key Skills / Competencies: 

• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written
• Ability to work in collaboration
• Strong knowledge of computer systems, including Microsoft 365
• Provide Excellent Customer Service to internal and external clients
• Ability to do research, learn, and teach different skills, varied hand skills usually gained through progressive work experience.
• Able to provide logical and creative solutions within a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work independently and with minimal direction, meeting deadlines and shifting priorities
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends.

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

Possible supervision of interns, Junior Interpreters, and volunteers. 

Physical and Environmental Demands:  

Stand	Occasionally
Walk	Frequently
Sit	Frequently
Use hands/fingers	Constantly
Climb or balance	Rarely
Stoop/kneel/crouch/crawl	Occasionally
Reach with hands/arms	Occasionally
Talk or hear	Constantly
Lifting up to 10 lbs.	Frequently
Lifting up to 25 lbs.	Occasionally
Lifting up to 50 lbs. (with assistance)	Occasionally
Lifting up to 100 lbs. (with assistance)	Rarely
More than 100 lbs. (with assistance)	Rarely
Wet/humid conditions:	Occasionally
Work near moving mechanical parts:	Rarely
Fumes/airborne particles:	Constantly
Extreme cold:	Occasionally
Extreme heat:	Occasionally
Risk of electrical shock	Rarely
Driving requirement:	Yes

Typical Work Schedule: 

8.5 hours/day, 40 hours/week   

Compensation Disclaimer: The compensation listed below for this position represents the anticipated hiring range and is provided in accordance with Virginia pay transparency requirements. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as the selected candidate’s skills, qualifications, experience, education, certifications, internal equity, and the specific requirements of the role. 

Range: $18.50-$19.00 per hour