Anyone who has toured Ashland, the historic Henry Clay Estate, or visited the museum store there, likely has met one of the skilled volunteers who lead tours or manage ticket and souvenir sales. Volunteers make it possible for Ashland to educate the public about Henry Clay’s role as Kentucky’s notable statesman who repeatedly saved the Union through strategic compromises. Volunteers also share warm Kentucky hospitality with visitors from all 50 states and guests from around the world.
Ashland trains volunteers each year to be experts in their various roles. This month, Ashland will offer a training class for new volunteers on July 21 from 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (lunch provided). Additional training will be offered the following weekend for those who are interested in learning how to conduct tours of the grounds, trees, and garden on the historic 17-acre estate. Anyone who enjoys history and beautiful surroundings is invited to participate in the training. Volunteers are only required three hours of service in each of the ten months the estate is open, or 30 hours per year. Those interested in volunteering as a tour guide, store attendant, special events helper, or office assistant, can register for the free training by calling or emailing Avery Malone, Director of Tour Operations at (859)266-8581 ext. 201, or amalone@henryclay.org.
It takes many dedicated volunteers to help the 12,000 visitors who experience Ashland each year. Visitors include young school groups, college students, history buffs, as well as casual guests just passing by who wonder who Henry Clay was. Volunteers also help at Ashland’s special events, like the annual Lawn Party and the upcoming Civil War sesquicentennial commemorative events.