Volunteer
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Volunteer Training Program
Whaling Museum volunteers positively impact the lives of thousands of people every year, while helping the Museum ignite learning and advance the understanding of the whaling industry, marine science and the unique history of New Bedford. And they have fun doing it!
Volunteer Museum Gallery Guide
The New Bedford Whaling Museum seeks motivated and engaging community members who share a love of the South Coast region, teaching, and learning to join its Gallery Guide program. Museum Gallery Guides are educators who carry out the Museum’s mission to ignite learning through art, history, science and culture. Our education programs are geared towards K-12 students with a goal to teach local history and today's science through hands-on learning and discussion-based discovery. Gallery Guides help connect and teach a wide variety of audiences using museum galleries, exhibitions, and artifacts.
As a Volunteer you will:
- Become a part of our Volunteer & Museum Community
- Meet new and interesting people
- Promote and share the history of New Bedford
- Welcome and engage visitors from near and far
- Connect and ignite learning within a diverse audience
- Receive lifelong professional learning opportunities
The Museum will:
- Provide a 8 week professional training course
- Provide ongoing professional development
- Ask you to establish a regular schedule
- Welcome you into our Community
Anyone interested in sharing their time, knowledge, and enthusiasm is encouraged to apply for an 8-part, once-weekly Volunteer Training Program.
Applications are currently being accepted for the volunteer training program scheduled to start in April 2024. Staff will review new and previously-submitted applications and contact candidates for interviews in March.
We appreciate your interest in the Museum and would love to invite you to visit or become a member today!
Why do you enjoy being a Volunteer at the Whaling Museum?
Testimonials from our Volunteers
Susan G.
“I love working at the Whaling Museum and appreciate the opportunities and experiences that have been afforded me over the past 14 years of serving as a docent. Not only have I gotten to meet and interact with fascinating people from all over the world, but have formed close friendships with other volunteers whose interests and mine are both similar and widely diverse. The museum training we get in science, art, and local history is thorough and comprehensive and helps to keep one’s mind sharp and active. In addition, the perks are many, including special invitations to gallery openings, lectures and art exhibits.” – Susan G.
David B.
“Volunteering at the Museum is all I hoped it would be… I love working in a well-run, dynamic organization with interesting and friendly colleagues. The Museum challenges me to learn, and allows me to indulge my love for teaching and acting.” – David B.
Maureen M.
“Watching the faces of the young children as they see the whale skeletons for the first time and to see their eyes widen in amazement is such a joy! And to be able to give them information that they can relate to and understand is so very rewarding.” – Maureen M.
Louisa M.
“It is one of the most rewarding experiences I have had since retiring from teaching. Being new to the area, this opportunity has given me a wonderful perspective on the South Coast and the rich history of this part of the state. The volunteer work is very rewarding and it’s also a learning experience. Each time I volunteer, 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.” – Louisa M.
Sylvia M.
“When I signed up to be a volunteer, little did I know how it was going to broaden my lifestyle. The museum has been an extended family for me. Not only have I learned so much about our history, but found that giving tours, especially to the children, has been so gratifying. It really has been one of the best decisions I have made.” – Sylvia M.
