Visitor Service Volunteers
Visitor Service Volunteers serve as a friendly face for general admissions visitors. These volunteers are present for many reasons – to welcome visitors, offer guidance and wayfinding, invite exploration, answer questions as they arise, facilitate specific science activities, and conduct general tidying of the galleries – all to enhance, deepen, and personalize the visitor experience. With further training and museum familiarity, facilitators can serve as representatives on the West Winds mansion history and can direct Static Party Room demonstrations with visitors.
FAQ
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All who are interested must complete the Volunteer Application, participate in an orientation meeting with museum staff, and complete ongoing training procedures for the different levels of responsibility of the role.
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Visitor Service Volunteers can assist in many ways, depending on their experience and comfort level. Also, needs can change depending on visitor attendance. There are four main categories of engagement for this volunteer role:
Activity Inspiration – serving as a guide for visitors to engage with activities
Gallery Guidance – offering unique facts and stories related to the museum’s galleries
Front Desk Support – assisting with welcoming visitors during busy timeframes
Tidying & Wayfinding – roving to ensure exhibit condition and answer visitor questions
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These volunteers primarily assist during general admission hours (10am-4pm) on Saturdays and Sundays during the school year. During the summer and with elevated visitor attendance, these volunteer shifts can expand to include weekday hours.
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On Saturdays and Sundays, volunteer shifts are typically 2-3hrs in duration.
Volunteers are encouraged to take on either a weekly or biweekly (once every two weeks) shift, and the expectation is that these volunteers can commit to the role for three months or more.