Press Releases

NEW BEDFORD WHALING MUSEUM CALLS FOR VOLUNTEERS SEEKING RICH LEARNING, TEACHING EXPERIENCE
10-week training course begins on Monday, February 23, 2009

NEW BEDFORD, MA (1-12-09) - - One of the New Bedford Whaling Museum's most valuable assets is its dedicated corps of volunteers who help the Museum maintain and expand its role in preserving and telling the story of the nation's whaling past and its continuing impact on our lives today.

Many volunteers choose to become docents like Louisa Medeiros of Rochester, a docent for one year. Describing her role at the Whaling Museum, Louisa says, "One of the most rewarding experiences I have had since retiring from teaching has been volunteering for the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Being new to the area, this opportunity has given me a wonderful perspective on the SouthCoast and the rich history of this part of the state. The volunteer work is not just rewarding but is also a learning experience. Each time I am in, I learn something new or interesting from the other docents/volunteers, staff and the wonderful visitors to our museum. I have also made some great new friends. I would highly recommend volunteering for the museum."

Volunteers are not required to know about whales, the whaling industry or the history of New Bedford. All volunteers must take a 10-week training program at the museum in which they will receive material covering all pertinent information. The course begins on Monday, February 23rd, at and follows a Monday schedule thereafter. While a lot of reading is involved, the docents agree that it is interesting and worthwhile. Prior to taking the course, volunteers need to fill out an application, available at the museum or by calling 508-997-0046, and come in for an interview. Most volunteers give an average of three hours a week; the museum staff works with the volunteers to create a flexible schedule.

While many volunteers are retired like Louisa Medeiros, others simply want to give something back to the museum and the people of the area. "The Museum has a wonderful story to tell," says John Brindisi of Dartmouth, a docent for six years. "A lot of visitors don't even know why there was whaling. One of the reasons why I enjoy it here is because it's always changing. It's a living organization, and it's an important part of the cultural scene of New Bedford."

Mary Crothers of New Bedford, a docent for 12 years, echoes the sentiment among her fellow docents that volunteering gives them a chance to take as much from the experience as they put in. "I volunteer at the museum because I am a people person. Volunteering here is a great way to meet new and interesting people and to be introduced to different cultures and experiences."

Joyce Reynolds of Acushnet, a veteran docent of 17 years, sums up her feelings this way. "I enjoy the subject matter and talking to visitors. I also love the people I work with."