The Jason Russell House was the site of the bloodiest fighting during the first day of America’s Revolutionary War, April 19, 1775 (following the smaller skirmishes in Lexington and Concord). Musket ball holes from the fight that day still mark the house’s interior walls! The house is now a museum open to the public on weekends from June through October. Volunteer tour guides staff the house, and guide visitors through its historic rooms. Guides tell stories about the events of the day Paul Revere rode through Arlington, and British soldiers fought American Patriots along today’s Massachusetts Avenue, as well as inside and outside the house. Tour guides also show off the implements of colonial life, and talk about Arlington’s early days as a farming village.

As a tour guide, you will learn about the history of the house and its contents, as well as the history of Arlington. You will meet visitors from all over the world, and teach them about the role played by Arlington in the early moments of the Revolution. Guides work in pairs, so you will have a mentor to support you. This is a great opportunity to develop your public speaking skills, make friends, and learn new facts about Arlington!

You will be guiding between 1 – 4 pm on selected Saturdays and Sundays between April – October. You choose your guiding days. No prior knowledge or experience is necessary — you will receive training before giving tours.