Volunteer Spotlight: Isabelle Duperval

In honor of Volunteer Appreciation month, we caught up with Visitor Services volunteer, Isabelle Duperval, for a VIP volunteer spotlight! Isabelle can usually be found working in the Museum and Third County Courthouse and Visitor Center.

• What motivated you to become a volunteer at Historic Richmond Town and how has your experience been so far?

  I was motivated to become a volunteer because of my love for history and my desire to help local organizations as part of the National Honor Society.

• Can you describe what you do as a volunteer?

  So far my experience has been great. I've gotten much better interacting with visitors and people in general and I've had plenty of opportunities to participate in a range of activities. As a volunteer, I work in the museum greeting visitors, answering questions, and helping them with scavenger hunts. I also sometimes work in the Visitor's Center where I help with various tasks like putting price tags on merchandise in the village store. I've even helped with activities like the paper marbling workshop in one of the old schoolhouse on site!

• What are some of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering at Historic Richmond Town, both personally and in terms of community impact?

  I think some of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering at Historic Richmond town are positive interactions with visitors and learning more about history. That way I can both help others and experience personal growth. I'm also able to teach people more about the history of Staten Island when explaining the different museum exhibits.

• How does volunteering at Historic Richmond Town contribute to the preservation and promotion of Staten Island's rich history and heritage?

  By showcasing various artifacts from this borough's history, I am able to help Staten Islanders today connect with Staten Islanders of the past.

• Can you share any memorable moments or experiences you've had while volunteering at Historic Richmond Town?

  A memorable moment I had in the museum was when I was able to give a tour to a grandmother and her granddaughter, explaining aspects of both Staten Island and American history while hearing stories of the past from the guests themselves. During this visit, we were able to connect the present and past in a meaningful way through shared family stories and memories.

• As a volunteer, what advice would you give to someone considering getting involved with Historic Richmond Town or similar historical sites in their community?

  As a volunteer, I'd advise anyone considering getting involved with Historic Richmond Town or other similar historic sights to stay open to new experiences. I was never one to interact with new people much until I began volunteering, and got much better at it over time. I'd also recommend working at sites like Historic Richmond Town to learn parts of history that you otherwise wouldn't. Overall, volunteering at this site has been absolutely wonderful, and I've learned more from it than I ever thought I would!