The Iles House has a wide variety of opportunities for volunteers.  In fact, the Iles House operates entirely on volunteer labor. Here are some ways you can help keep this historic site going strong:

Docents/Tour Guides: If you like people and feel comfortable speaking to small groups, please consider becoming a docent.  Shifts are four hours long on Wednesdays and Saturdays from April through October. Before each season, usually in March, we conduct a Saturday training session to prepare you, and also provide extensive background material so that you can become an expert on the house, its architecture and history, and the people who lived here.

Greeters: We like our visitors to be with a docent, but on occasions a greeter is necessary in order to keep the house open.  You will greet visitors as they enter the house and let them know when a docent has a tour in progress. Shifts are the same as the docents'.

Kitchen/Servers/Cooks: We occasionally hold functions which require cooking or simple food preparation (such as making coffee, tea, cocoa, lemonade, sandwiches, etc.) You will serve and keep food trays filled, followed by clean-up.  If you are knowledgeable of the public health codes regarding food handling, we especially need you.

Housekeepers: Clean, dust, and vacuum upstairs at various times throughout the year in preparation for important events.  Clean kitchen and restrooms as needed. Mop and polishes floors once or twice yearly. Wash windows each spring. Usually done as a team of 6+ workers.Gardeners: Plant flowers and shrubs, pull weeds, trim hedges, put down mulch, apply fertilizes, clean beds, etc. (Lawn mowing and snow removal are performed by contractors, so you won’t be asked to do any of this.)

Minor maintenance: Make small repairs, touch-up paints, replace light bulbs, and similar small projects, conducted 3-4 times a year or as needed.

Special activities: The Iles House is available for rent to individuals and organizations for lectures, receptions, dinners, weddings, and similar functions. You will be responsible for unlocking the house, collecting rental checks (usually due at the beginning of the event), making sure the house is cleaned up according to the rental agreement (you are not personally expected to clean), and locking up afterwards. The hours and days vary, but normally last four to four and a half hours.

Party Planners: The Iles House puts on two fundraising events each year.  Party planners develop a theme, plan decorations, and decide on food and beverages, entertainment and any other activities to create an entertaining evening designed to put the guests in a generous mood.

Contact the Elijah Iles House
628 S. 7th Street, Springfield, IL 62703
 ileshouse1998@gmail.com