As an Amherst Museum volunteer you will share in the rich history of Amherst and, in turn, help share that history with our visitors. Becoming an Amherst Museum volunteer is easy. You  fill out a form that asks for information about your interests and the times you are available. Depending on what you would like to do, we provide the appropriate training for research, cataloging, school tours, etc. You can take on as little or as much as you like. Everyone’s help is greatly appreciated.

Click here for a printable Volunteer Sign-Up Form, or call the Museum at 689-1440 for more information. You can also contact Education Curator and Volunteer Coordinator Jean Neff via email.

SPECIAL EVENTS
Volunteer activities include being a historical interpreter, giving tours of buildings and exhibits, working the admission gates, directing parking lot traffic, assisting customers in the Museum Shop, demonstrating a craft, greeting visitors, serving refreshments, decorating, answering telephones, assisting in the information booth and with children’s activities and giving exit surveys.

HISTORICAL INTERPRETERS
Learn to teach others about local history through our historic buildings and exhibits. Give tours to adults and/or school children. Training is offered throughout the year.

COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS
Learn to prepare 19th century dishes on the wood-burning stove in the Elliott House or demonstrate recipes in the Pioneer Kitchen.

CLERICAL SUPPORT
Copy, fold, stuff and mail the museum’s flyers, press releases and newsletters.

SEWING
In our Textiles Department, help make replica clothing, sew accession number labels on historic garments, and make padded hangers and coverings to protect items. Help mend historic textiles. Projects can be assigned for work at home or at Amherst Museum.

GARDENING
Plant and maintain our herb garden and wildflower garden. And/or talk to our visitors and explain the importance of gardening in the 1800s.

MUSEUM SHOP
Serve visitors, organize displays, inventory and stock merchandise.

CRAFTSMEN
We welcome blacksmiths, potters, woodworkers, quilters, weavers, etc. Demonstrate and explain your craft at our special events.

MAINTENANCE
Help with a variety of projects such as building walkways, painting buildings, landscaping our grounds, and restoring our structures.

GUILD MEMBERS
Through our guilds, members donate their time and talents to demonstrate to the public and work on projects for the Museum. These projects include making replicas of antique quilts, maintaining our gardens, and enhancing the Museum’s hands-on displays.

BENEFITS
·Training for docents and historical interpreters
·Library privileges
·Museum mailings
·10% discount in Museum Shop
·Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon
·Opportunity to meet people with similar interests
·Free admission to special events when volunteering the same day.