Opportunities From: Volunteer SouthCoast

Museum Reception: Volunteers are stationed at the desk in Museum Store during 3-hour shift (10: a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.).  Reception volunteers are the first contact guests encounter and as such must engender a pleasant experience, welcoming visitors to tour the house and gardens. Duties include:

Take admission monies, ask guests to sign a guest book, hand out self-guided tour. Advise guests of museum procedures for touring the house, seat guests and turn on the orientation video. Handle sale of goods in the Museum Store. The ability to answer general questions about New Bedford, other attractions, restaurants, and directions. The ability to use a simple cash register, credit card machine, and keep a record of visitors using pre-printed form’ Volunteers are advised to bring reading materials, etc., because guests can be infrequent.

 

Program Staffing and Special Event Volunteers: Volunteer works in varying capacities, depending on need.  Duties include:

Staffing museum programming. Setup and breakdown for events including tables, chairs, auction equipment. Being a room guard. Working in the garden under the direction of museum staff. Taking coats, serving food, cleanup and dishes. The successful staffing volunteer will be able to think on his/her feet, will not mind handling several chores at once, and will be able to deal pleasantly with all types of people while working.