by Steven Dugan
As we ring in the New Year, we’d like to introduce you to Homestead volunteer, Victor Torres. He joined the volunteer staff earlier this year and soon started learning about giving tours for our fourth-grade program, A Journey Through Time, as well as our other children’s tours, including Home Sweet Home and Ain’t We Got Fun. He recently shadowed a tour full of first graders and had them at the edge of their seats as he read “The Three Little Pigs” to them. We asked Victor to share a little about himself, his future plans, and his overall impression of the museum. We are very grateful that he found us and shares his talents and interests with the museum and our visitors.
Tell us about your first visit to the Homestead. What do you remember?
My first visit to the Homestead was almost about a year ago, at the beginning of January, 2019. I remember I was there specifically to inquire about volunteering. I spoke with Steven and Jennifer for more information.
What made you decide to volunteer at the museum?
My mother is an English teacher at Workman High School. She chaperoned an event that the Dance team put on at the Homestead, and came back to me with a glowing recommendation. I was on winter break from school and was looking for something to get involved with, so I was very happy that the opportunity opened up.
Where do you attend school and what are your future plans?
I currently attend community college in Fullerton, aptly named Fullerton College. It is down the street from Cal State Fullerton, which is where I am planning to transfer and achieve a degree in History. Hopefully, I’ll also be able to earn a teaching credential there, with my goal being to teach high school-level history.
You have been assisting with the museum’s fourth grade program, A Journey Through Time. What have you enjoyed the most learning about this tour?
What I’ve been most enamored by during the Journey Through Time program is learning about the lives of the Workman and Temple families. They (William Workman and Walter P. Temple) are interesting men with interesting situations they found themselves in.
What has been your favorite event at the museum so far?
I loved working the Ticket to the Twenties event. I loved seeing all the people really getting into it.
Do you enjoy visiting other museums or historic sites? What are some of your favorite sites to visit?
I like going to museums whenever the chance comes up. Some places I’ve regularly visited are the Natural History Museum in L.A. and the Air Museum in Palm Springs.
When you’re not giving your time at the Homestead, what are some of your other hobbies?
When not at the Homestead, I enjoy going to the gym, jogging, reading, and playing video games.
How would you describe the Homestead Museum to friends and family?
I definitely would describe the Homestead as a different experience. Not quite like a “traditional” museum of course, but I think an experience that I, as well as a lot of people, can appreciate about this place.