Museum Volunteer
Insider Info
The Museum of Science in Boston once had an exhibit called the Human Body
Connection. The exhibit was designed to teach visitors about the workings
of the human body.
It took an army of volunteers to make that exhibit possible. Volunteers
assisted visitors in learning about the exhibit.
To be a museum volunteer, all you need is an interest in the museum's subject
matter. However, some museums require volunteers to be at least 14 or 16 years
old.
Volunteers perform a variety of jobs. They do everything from running cash
registers to cataloging specimens and doing scientific research. They may
teach visitors about the exhibits or guide them on tours of the museum. They
may also write articles or grant proposals or help with exhibit design and
set-up.
One of the benefits of volunteering at a museum is that the hours are flexible.
Volunteer time can be worked into existing schedules, and shifts may be as
short as one or two hours per week.
"I work in a great setting with a great bunch of people," says museum volunteer
Nigel Pieloth. "I get to meet interesting people, and my input is valued and
valuable. I provide support and service for the museum, which might not otherwise
do so well without volunteers."
The duties of volunteers are as varied as the volunteers themselves. Training
is typically provided by the museum for the different positions.
In most museums, there are no costs involved with volunteering. In some
cases, a uniform may be required, or volunteers may have to attend a paid
training camp.
"In our gift shop, volunteers must have the appropriate clothing," says
Gail Miller. She's the director of volunteer services at a major museum. "Otherwise,
there is no charge to the student."
The number of volunteers varies from one museum to the next, depending
on the size of the museum and the number of paid staff employed by the museum.
Wayne Roberts is assistant curator of vertebrates at a museum of zoology.
He says he fell into volunteering for the museum, which led him to his current
position.
"When I came [here], a curator of the museum saw me reading a help wanted
poster, and asked if I knew anything about Pacific coast fish," he says. "I
told him I had some experience with them and went into the museum, where I
proceeded to name portions of an uncataloged accession of them -- in Latin.
I was hired immediately."
Anna Lynch volunteers at a museum of archeology. "One of my favorite parts
of volunteering is seeing all of the kids come in, and helping them in the
hands-on area of the museum," she says.
"When we don't have any tours or classes scheduled, I work with restoring
and cataloging some of the artifacts that are brought to the museum. I also
do some research as a volunteer."
Lynch is a retired archeologist. She says the help provided by the museum's
student volunteers is invaluable. "We have a limited number of staff people
at this museum, so the volunteers are worth their weight in gold. We have
students who help with the hands-on tours, and even a few who work cataloging
artifacts."
"Of course, our volunteers require extensive training," she adds. "They
must first attend a summer camp. Then, upon successful completion of that,
they can volunteer in the museum. We try to match the style and interest of
the student with the activity that needs to be done."
Deborah Higgins-Tully volunteers at a large museum. She says her interests
were well matched to her volunteer activities when she started. "There is
a great feeling of community at the museum, and I have gained a lot of education,"
she says. "I also think the museum values the contribution I make."
How to Get Involved
Contact your local museum, and ask about volunteer opportunities.
"It takes a strong commitment to get involved," says Higgins-Tully. She
had a strong interest in the subject matter of the museum before she began
volunteering.
"And it doesn't hurt if you have references," she adds. "You can apply
through your school, if they offer a volunteer program, or go to the museum
of your choice.
"I enjoy the world-class exhibits I get to view as part of being a volunteer.
That, and I have learned so much. My person-to-person skills have improved,
and I really enjoy it."
Associations
American Association of Museums
Internet
:
http://www.aam-us.org/
Federal, State and Regional Museum Associations
Internet
:
http://www.museummarket.com/AssocList.htm
Association of Children's Museums
Internet
:
http://www.childrensmuseums.org/
Links
Museum of Science
Check out this Boston museum's current exhibits online
Volunteer Match
Find volunteer opportunities in your area
Idealist.org
Search for volunteer opportunities across the United States
Do Something -- Young People Changing the World
Find volunteer jobs specifically for youth
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