Volunteering Opportunities
Share your love of the Island by volunteering as a Lighthouse Guide or in many other capacities on our campus and beyond. Interest in the Vineyard, past and present, and enthusiasm to work with the public are the only necessary qualifications, and volunteers may be of any age, background, or level of physical ability. Training and support are provided and many schedules are flexible.
For more information, contact Brie at 508-627-4441, ext. 110 or email bbingham@mvmuseum.org.
To apply, complete our short questionnaire and send it to Brie at bbingham@mvmuseum.org or PO Box 1310, Edgartown, MA 02539.
Volunteer Job Descriptions
GATEHOUSE (mid-June through mid-October)
The Gatehouse, at the intersection of Cooke and School Streets, is the Museum's entry point during the summer season. Gatehouse volunteers will be trained to greet visitors, sell tickets, and provide
information about the museum and its exhibits.
Shifts are available 9:45 am – 1 pm (AM shift) or 1:00 pm-5:00 pm (PM shift)..
THOMAS COOKE HOUSE (mid-June through mid-October)
The Cooke House is the focal point and the most extensive exhibition area on the museum campus. Volunteers here will be trained to provide security for the House's artifacts, introduce visitors to the House and its contents, and may offer tours if they are so inclined.
Shifts are available 9:45 am – 1 pm (AM shift) or 1:00 pm-5:00 pm (PM shift).
PEASE HOUSE RECEPTION/ SHOP (Year-round)
The Pease House contains five exhibit galleries, the gift shop, and staff offices. Volunteers will be trained to greet visitors, answer phone calls, sell merchandise, and answer general questions.
Summer shifts are available 9:45 am – 1 pm (AM shift) or 1:00 pm-5:00 pm (PM shift). Hours are reduced in the off-season.
SPECIAL EVENTS (Year-round)
Volunteers will be trained to assist in organizing and implementing components of our seasonal special events. Tasks may include setting up, serving food or drinks, and procuring and processing items for raffle or auction.
Vineyard Haven House Tour, Saturday June 25th.
Shifts available 11:30am-2:30pm or 2:00-4:00pm. Call 508-627-4441 for details.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
LIGHTHOUSE Guides (Seasonal)
Volunteers will be trained to greet visitors, sell tickets, and provide information about the history of the lighthouses.
Guides' schedules for the Edgartown and Gay Head Lighthouses are flexible.
HUNTINGTON REFERENCE LIBRARY (Year-round)
Volunteers will be trained to assist staff with archival projects, organizing and describing manuscript collections and identifying materials for use in future exhibitions. Training will be provided.
ORAL HISTORY CENTER (Year-round)
Volunteers will be trained to transcribe tapes of oral history interviews, prepare summaries, index interviews, or input information into the computer database. Some work may be done from home.
HERB GARDEN ATTENDANT (Mid-May through Mid-September)
Our Demonstration Colonial Herb garden requires tending during the growing season from May through September. Work done on volunteer's schedule.
AUDIO-VISUAL VOLUNTEER (Year-round)
The volunteer is responsible for recording the exhibits, lectures, and events for archive, web, and development use. Some prior experience strongly preferred.
We appreciate your support OF the Martha's Vineyard Museum!