Volunteer
Job Descriptions
A committed interest in
Martha's Vineyard, past and present, and a willingness to work with the public
in various capacities, are the only necessary qualifications for volunteering
at the Martha's Vineyard Museum. Volunteers may be of any age, background, or
level of physical ability. Each volunteer will be provided with the information
and training needed to maximize their experience with us.
The Museum is able
to accommodate a wide variety of volunteer commitments, including those who can
assist with one event per season, and those who can staff one of our stations
regularly throughout the summer season or in the fall "shoulder season."
Additionally, there are some volunteer opportunities that allow the volunteer
to work year round on special projects.
For additional information, Call
Betsey Mayhew at 508-627-4441, ext. 112, or email her at
If you are interested in volunteering, please download the MVM Volunteer Form and fill it out. Indicate your specific interests and available times and mail the form directly to the museum.
Volunteer
Form. 
Gatehouse Visitor Center:
The Gatehouse is the Museum's entry point during the summer season. Gatehouse
volunteers are asked to greet visitors, sell tickets, and provide introductory
information about the Museum and its exhibits. It is a great opportunity to meet
a wide range of people and the perfect vantage point to watch the bustle of Edgartown.
Volunteer shifts in the Gatehouse are either in the morning (9:45 -1 pm) or in
the afternoon (1:00-5:00 pm) during the summer season. Cooke
House:
The Cooke House (c. 1740) is a wonderful colonial home on the Museum
campus. The building's rooms contain a wide assortment of exhibits on Island life,
art, and history. Volunteers here will be asked to provide security for the House's
artifacts as well as introduce visitors to the House and its contents. If interested,
volunteers may offer tours of the different exhibit rooms. Volunteer shifts in
the Cooke House are either in the morning (9:45 -1 pm) or in the afternoon (1:00-5:00
pm) during the summer season.
Pease House Reception
and Shop:
The Captain Pease House contains five exhibit galleries, the
Shop, and staff offices. A reception volunteer will be asked to answer the main
telephone and direct incoming calls to MVM staff, greet visitors, and sell Shop
merchandise. The volunteer may also be asked to assist the Director's office with
mailings and special event ticket sales. Volunteer shifts in the Pease House are
either in the morning (9:45 -1 pm) or in the afternoon (1:00-5:00 pm) during the
summer. Individuals can also volunteer during the spring, fall, and winter.
Gale Huntington Library:
Volunteers may assist in special projects
ranging from historical and photo research, to the design of web based exhibits,
to the processing of archival collections, to the answering of reference questions,
to the preserving of paper documents, and to the scanning of photo images. This
wonderful collection allows volunteers the opportunity to conduct research and
learn more about the Island's rich and complex history. The Library is currently
embarking on the rehousing and cataloging of its entire archival collection. In
addition, volunteers who are interested in genealogy may assist the MVM in genealogical
research.
Oral History Center:
Work for the
Oral History Center includes transcribing tapes of oral history interviews, preparing
summaries, indexing interviews, or entering information into the Center's data
base. Some of this work may be done at home. Volunteers may also be asked to assist
with preparation of exhibits.
Buildings and Grounds:
The Museum's one acre campus in Edgartown need constant attention. Volunteers
are needed to help paint and/or make minor repairs to buildings, both outside
and inside, and to fencing around the grounds. Help is also needed in constructing
various display cases and signage. Volunteers are also needed to help in the maintenance
of the MVM's lawn and plantings as well as its interpretative "historic"
colonial garden.
Mailings:
Museum mailings,
sent to our membership and other Island constituencies, include the quarterly
journal The Intelligencer, The Messenger (newsletter), invitations to special
events, and periodic membership information. The need for several people to come
to the Museum to label and separate mailings will fluctuate according to the Museum's
event calendar. Volunteers will be asked to report for 2-3 hours of mailing preparation.
Refreshments are served. This is a wonderful opportunity for volunteers to meet
old friends and make new friends.
Special Events:
Volunteers who prefer to make a one-time commitment can choose to assist in our
seasonal special events. Tasks may include welcoming guests, setting up tables
and chairs, serving food or drinks, and processing items for an auction. Our major
fund-raiser of the season, held in late July, requires a volunteer staff of between
20 and 30, all working together toward a great cause. Other events (i.e., lectures,
member parties) during the summer will also require the special attention of staff
and volunteers.
If you are interested in any of these volunteer positions,
please download and complete the Volunteer Form
and
mail to Betsey Mayhew at Martha's Vineyard Historical Society, PO Box 1310, Edgartown,
MA 02539 or call 508.627.4441 ext. 112 or email
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