Volunteer Opportunities
With four period buildings and a Museum & Library to maintain there are many volunteer opportunities available to suit both your interests and your skill level. Here are just some of the interesting and diverse openings:Open-hearth cooking program at the Covenhoven House for school groups and organizations: Guides present the history of the home and compare a modern kitchen to the 1753 kitchen. Guides can opt to learn how to cook using the open-hearth but it is not necessary to present the program.
Meet and Greet Reception: Volunteers staff our front desk at the Museum in 3-hour shifts: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday-Friday. This position includes greeting visitors upon entry, dealing with entrance money, keeping a visitation log and answering guests’ questions. A great way to meet people.
Special Event Volunteers: Designed for the volunteer who just likes to come out once or twice a year, these positions include help with events such as Wool Days, Open-hearth Cooking Open House and the Lantern Tours. Training is provided as well as period clothing if required. Great for families!
Library Volunteer/Intern: There are many opportunities to volunteer in the Library & Archives, from simple duties such as preservation photocopying and filing, to more in-depth projects such as manuscript processing. Retired librarians, certified genealogists, and M.L.I.S. students are encouraged to apply. Contact the Librarian at 732-462-1466 for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How much time do I have to commit to the organization?
That all depends upon the opportunity you select. For example, if you train as an open-hearth cook you may volunteer five or six times per year and most of it in the spring when school tours are at their busiest. If you volunteer to meet and greet guests at the Museum you may come as often as once per week for three hours per day or as little as twice per month. If you decide you only want to participate in special programming you might only volunteer twice a year. We know you have your own life to manage so we ask that you commit at least once per month. We are very flexible and are always willing to work with your schedule.
What if I don’t know anything about history? Can I still volunteer?
Yes! We are always looking for individuals with a variety of skills. A friendly warm personality is just as important as anything else. Training is provided for all programs, exhibits and positions before and during your volunteer time with us. We will also work with you to match your skills with our open positions.
What’s in it for me?
By volunteering you are giving a gift of your time, your effort and your commitment to the MCHA. Your time is invaluable to us and we know that. As part of the MCHA volunteer staff you will have the opportunity to present and educate visitors to the history of our area. With ongoing training and support you will learn about a diverse number of subjects. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to meet interesting people from all parts of the nation and other like-minded individuals. Volunteers are honored each year with a luncheon and a trip to an historical site. Volunteer hours also look very impressive on a resume for students and allow you to gain valuable experience.
Why do you need my help?
MCHA operates four historic buildings along with the Museum & Library. With such a large number of buildings and programs to maintain your help is vital to our growth. Without our volunteers much of what we do would be impossible to achieve. Your gift of time to us allows the organization to grow and expand our mission into the community that would not be possible without our volunteers.
How can I get more information?
For more information on volunteering at the museum or the historic houses, contact the Education Dept. at 732-462-1466. For more information on volunteering at the library, send a resume or brief letter stating your interests and experience to the attention of the Librarian.
