WELCOME TO THE LITTLE LOOMHOUSE

Thank you for your interest in The Little Loomhouse, a non-profit organization owned and operated by The Lou Tate Foundation, Inc. This Foundation was formed in July of 1979 according to the will of Lou Tate (Louise Tate Bousman), Master Weaver and owner of the cabins. It was her final wish that The Little Loomhouse continue her work in weaving.

MISSION STATEMENT

To promote the Lou Tate landmark home and center for textile art and education as a cultural destination through preservation of the three historic cabins and education of textile folk art for all ages.

GOAL

Our goal is to provide positive learning experiences for children and adults. This is achieved by giving tours of the cabins and offering opportunities for hands-on participation in weaving on the Lou Tate Looms.

THE LITTLE LOOMHOUSE CABINS

The three cabins are listed on the Louisville, Kentucky and National Historic Registers. Each has a specific purpose:

Tophouse is a working weaving studio and contains looms and supplies. Lessons are taught and some items for the Gift Shop are produced there.

Wisteria Cabin is the location of the Gift Shop as well as the Foundation Office.

Esta, the home of Lou Tate, operates as a Historic Home and contains many items relevant to weaving and spinning as well as facts of interest about the history of the cabins. The kitchen area often serves as a classroom or a lunch area. The top floor is the Archives Department and the Lou Tate Library.

All three cabins are collectively known as “The Little Loomhouse”.

The History of the Little Loomhouse is a publication written by Alice Davidson. This is available to all volunteers and gives insight and detail as to the history of the cabins and Lou Tate.

DAILY OPERATIONS

Our hours of operation are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM and the third Saturday of each month, 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

Access to the premises is restricted to hours of operation unless special permission is granted by the board of directors. This applies to volunteers and visitors.

Visitors are welcome during regular hours of operation or by appointment. Groups of 6 or more are by appointment only.

Fees: Tour of the three cabins: $3.50 per person

AAA Discount rate: $3.00 per person

Children under 5 years: Free

Weaving experience $10.00

Group fee (6 or more) $7.50

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

There are many areas from which to choose depending on your interest:

Tours Teaching Office Work

Housekeeping Grounds Maintenance

Computers Newsletter Publicity

Gift Shop Studio Work Demonstrations

Art Fairs Archives Library

We encourage everyone to consider trying their hand at basic weaving.

LITTLE LOOMHOUSE EMERGENCY PLAN

TORNADO

• Tune the radio to emergency channel (WHAS 84 AM)

• If there is sufficient time, evacuate to local SAFE PLACE

• If immediate action is necessary, take cover in lowest level of the cabin you are in or seek a low place.

• Use a table for cover/kneel and place hands over head. Stay away from windows.

FIRE

• Remain calm, help visitors exit building, notify Director

• Small fires may be smothered with the fire extinguishers found near the main entrance in every cabin.

• Call 911 for any other fire

• Feel any door before opening. If it is hot, find another way out.

• If the smoke detector goes off- EXIT IMMEDIATELY

• NEVER GO BACK INTO A BURNING BUILDING

STORM EMERGENCIES OR DISASTERS

• Turn on television or radio and assess intensity

• Make an informed decision as to remaining on the property

• If there is reason to believe that there are high winds or other situations of danger, the Loomhouse will close.

EARTHQUAKE

When inside the building:

• Get under a table, desk or other available furniture

• Drop to knees w/their back to the windows and knees together

• Clasp both hands firmly behind the neck

• Bury face in arms, to protect the head and close the eyes

• Stay in position until quake is over

When outside the building:

• Get clear of the building

• Remain there until further instructions are received

BOMB Threat:

In the event of a bomb threat, evacuate the building and call 911.

The Little Loomhouse

Volunteer Policies and Procedures

Background Check-

A background check is required on all volunteers before they attend the volunteer orientation and training session. All information given and obtained for the purpose of the background check will be kept secured and confidential.

Training-

Orientation will be provided to all new volunteers. Basic information will include:

• History

• Education Programs

• Weaving Instruction

• Gift Shop

• Day to Day Operations

Volunteers will complete a volunteer information worksheet and sign off on policies and procedures prior to the start of any volunteer work.

From time to time, meetings will be scheduled in order to update and inform volunteers. At this time, volunteers are given information about upcoming events, maintenance that may affect daily routine, lessons scheduled and other pertinent matters.

If you utilize supplies or materials, put them back where you obtained them so others can find for future use.

Schedules-

Please be considerate of the following protocol when you are scheduled to volunteer:

• Plan to be on time or a few minutes early

• Sign in daily in the kitchen area of the Esta Cabin

• Be ready to greet and receive visitors, providing direction for their visit

• Notify the appropriate person if you are unable to arrive at the scheduled time

Volunteer Ethics-

• Plan to contribute time and service without expectation of compensation or employment. Without unpaid volunteers, the Little Loomhouse would not be able to survive. All donated time and effort is greatly appreciated.

• Since the volunteers are so diverse, it is necessary for everyone to be considerate, courteous and kind to each other as well as to visitors.

• Volunteers shall maintain a well groomed but comfortable appearance. Sturdy shoes should be worn for walking the hill and climbing steps.

• Volunteer badges may be provided for identification and should be worn when representing the Loomhouse on or off site.

• Volunteers should inform the Loomhouse of any physical or emotional limitations that may impact the performance of duties.

• In extreme cases, the Little Loomhouse reserves the right to ask a volunteer to leave should they exhibit poor performance or inappropriate conduct.

• Other Pertinent Information for Little Loomhouse Volunteers-

• Parking is generally at the bottom of the hill; however, we do permit parking further up the hill for loading and unloading or for health reasons.

• Smoking is not permitted on Loomhouse grounds or in any of the cabins.

• When engaging in activities that involve sound (listening to music, talking on the phone, etc) please be considerate of others that are around.

• Label your personal items and respect the personal property of others.

Harassment Policy-

A key value of the Little Loomhouse is to ensure a workplace for our volunteers that is free of harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or marital status. This policy clearly states our commitment and no nonsense approach to providing a positive and productive volunteer experience.

The Little Loomhouse does not tolerate any type of harassment of its volunteers, including harassment based on factors protected by federal, state or local law. These factors include race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or marital status. This specifically includes but is not limited to sexual harassment. The harassment in question may not be considered a violation of the law but may still constitute a violation of Little Loomhouse policy. Any volunteer who violates this policy is subject to loss of volunteer status.

Since harassment is absolutely prohibited, the Little Loomhouse will not tolerate any situation where a volunteer submission to harassment is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of volunteering; is used as a basis for volunteering or where harassment has the effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES BY CABIN

Tophouse Weaving Studio-

• Housekeeping/sorting

• Teaching with children and adults

• Warping looms

• Assist in Art Outreach

• Items woven to be donated

  • Designs to be discussed with Director using Little Loomhouse materials

Wisteria-

• Working Gift Shop

• Sales

• Displays

• Housekeeping

Esta-

• Spinning

• Tours

• Housekeeping

• Archives/library

Grounds-

• Gardening

• General maintenance

• Special projects

THE LITTLE LOOMHOUSE CHAIN OF COMMAND

Lou Tate Foundation, Inc.
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Board of Directors
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Volunteers
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