There will be a special addition to Fort Sewall this summer — a park ranger who will lead tours inside the historic fort, which recently underwent a $1.8 million renovation.
“We estimate that more than 50,000 people a year visit the fort,” said Larry Sands, chair of the Fort Sewall Oversight Committee. “I think that’s a pretty conservative number. But I think publicizing this will help encourage people to come in. Giving them something additional to do and adding to knowledge of the history of the fort is certainly a goal as well.”
Established in 1643, Fort Sewall is a rare, so-called earthwork fort. “Which means the way it protected itself was dirt was mounted up around the perimeter of the fort,” said Sands, “and that dirt provided protection from enemy ordnance (mounted guns) that was shot at the fort.”
Fort Sewall protected the town and Marblehead Harbor during the War of 1812, the Civil War and the Spanish-American War. Its most notable moment in history was its protection of the USS Constitution — which sailed into Marblehead Harbor in 1814 to escape British frigates.
The fort ranger position has been part of the oversight committee’s plan since it started fundraising for Fort Sewall’s renovation five years ago.
During tours, visitors will walk through the officers’ quarters, bunk room and storeroom with 18th-century-style furnishings built by Glover’s Marblehead Regiment. There will also be a six-pound cannon that is fired on ceremonial occasions.
This will be the first time Fort Sewall has had a ranger giving tours.
“I think the first year will be a learning experience for all of us,” Sands said, “We’re still trying to figure out what will work best.”
The seasonal fort ranger position will pay between $659 and $742. The Recreation and Parks Department will hire the fort ranger. The job description is at https://tinyurl.com/4n6vd83d.
According to the job description, the ideal candidate for the Fort Ranger position should enjoy working with the public and have an interest in history. They will be provided with a script detailing the history of Fort Sewall and will receive training on how to conduct tours.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
— Greet all guests promptly when they visit Fort Sewall.
— Outline the tour and timeline before beginning.
— Determine if any guests have physical restrictions that should be considered.
— Clearly and articulately provide information to guests in an engaging manner.
— Answer any questions that the guests have.
— Demonstrate extensive knowledge of Fort Sewall and related topics.
— Remain calm, friendly and enthusiastic at all times.
— Escort guests through the tour, taking breaks as needed.
Max Arbo is a Marblehead High Senior on his senior project with the Marblehead Current.
