The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center, located at 38 Bethel Street, is recruiting new volunteers and will hold a Volunteer Orientation on Saturday, March 7th. A non-profit organization, the Center is dedicated to telling the story of the commercial fishing industry past, present, and future through exhibits, programs and archives.
From 8:30 - 10:00 a.m., prospective volunteers are invited to attend an orientation session. The session will include an overview of the mission and activities of the Center as well as an introduction to the commercial fishing industry. Light refreshments will be provided.
In the coming months, volunteers will have opportunities to participate in insider tours to learn first-hand about the commercial fishing industry, along with periodic talks presented by industry experts.
Volunteer opportunities include welcoming visitors, staffing the reception area and gift shop, engaging visitors with the exhibits, assisting with educational programs, and helping with special events. Additionally, volunteers may assist the Center in doing historical research and maintaining a growing archive of photographs and documents. Training is provided.
For those with a fishing industry connection, there are opportunities to share your knowledge with visitors by leading walking tours, speaking to school groups, and demonstrating skills such as net mending, knot tying, or model boat making, etc.
Volunteers are needed during Center operating hours (Thursday-Sunday 10-4) and for occasional evening programs and special events. Volunteer hours are flexible and can be scheduled according to individual availability and particular areas of interest. The Center is located at 38 Bethel Street, in the heart of the National Park. The Center is wheelchair accessible and free off-street parking is provided to volunteers.
For more information please contact the Fishing Heritage Center at:operations@fishingheritagecenter.org or call (508) 993-8894.
