Volunteer at the Museum

There are many ways you can volunteer your time and talents at the Museum. Please look through the selections below and if you have any questions or are interested in becoming a volunteer, contact the Museum at (920) 684-0218.

Restoration/Preservation

The Museum is looking for volunteers interested in helping restore its collection of vintage wooden boats and its 1911 triple-expansion steam engine. Previous experience in these fields is preferred.

Chief Wawatam Steam Engine – Cleaning, polishing, mechanical restoration

USS Cobia – Painting, deck woodwork, diesel engine restoration

Small Boats – Cleaning, polishing

Exhibits – Carpentry, new exhibit construction, preparation and moving of artifacts

Library/Archives/Collections

New projects become available regularly, so if something doesn’t catch your eye immediately, there will probably be other opportunities soon. Full training will be provided in the proper handling of historic collections.

Although prior experience is not necessary, anyone with previous library, archives or museum experience on any level is especially encouraged to volunteer. Additional projects are available for those with previous experience or special skills.

Cataloging – Data entry, create or update inventories, help organize library, archival or artifact collections.

Reference files – Find and file articles on a variety of maritime history subjects.

Card Catalog – Help convert the card catalog to a computerized database.

Education

School Program Assistant – Assist the Museum Educator with school groups by leading students through the museum galleries or assisting with hands-on activities in the Discovery Center, Children’s Waterways Room, and Little Lakefarers’ Room.

Docents – Interpret upper and lower gallery exhibits to group tours of all ages.

Office/ Clerical

Data Entry – Enter names, addresses, and phone numbers into a computer.

Filing – Organize letters, etc. into files.

Bulk Mailings – Stuff, seal, and label envelopes.

Data Collection – Organize and collate surveys and other information in readable format for employees to review.

Fundraising

Phone – Call members during fund and membership drives.

Personal – Meet with potential donors for fundraising campaigns.

General Positions

Greeter – Meet visitors at the door and direct them through the building.

Membership advisor – Alert visitors to membership benefits and sell memberships when appropriate.

Gift Shop – Clean, dust, stock merchandise and assist customers with questions.

Maintenance

Light Gallery Cleaning – Clean plexiglass display cases and glass, sweep, and other cleaning duties.
Grounds maintenance – Mow, weed, and general lawn care.

Special Events

Help with Community Days and other special events throughout the year.