Historic Lovers Wanted - Historic House Museum Docents and Volunteers

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Do you have a passion for early American history, the decorative arts, architecture, or museums in general? Dumbarton House, a Federal period historic house museum in Georgetown, Washington, DC, is currently recruiting dedicated volunteers to "bring history to life" through a variety of opportunities. Dumbarton House, headquarters of The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America, offers volunteers and visitors an opportunity to enhance their appreciation of early American history and strives to inform and educate the public about life in Washington during the early days of the Republic (circa 1800) and about Federal period decorative arts and architecture. Be a part of a growing and active historic house museum! Interested? Attend our volunteer informational meeting on September 20th at 6pm to learn more about Dumbarton House and our volunteer program.

New Volunteer and Docent Training, Fall 2012: October 6, 9:30am-2:30pm; October 10, 6-8pm; October 17, 6-8pm; and October 27, 9:30am-2:30pm.

Questions? Contact Kanani Hoopai at education@dumbartonhouse.org

BENEFITS

• complimentary individual museum membership (includes 10% discount on Gift Shop purchases, invitations to private Museum events and programs, discounts on admission to public programs, monthly e-news and bi-annual Events Calendar, and two guest passes for public tours);
• ongoing monthly enrichment programs featuring expert lectures or field visits to other sites of interest;
• free parking in Georgetown,
• annual social events, including the annual Appreciation Dinner;
• monthly newsletter for museum volunteers and staff, What's New on Q?; and
• access to the Dumbarton House research library.

DOCENTS: Dumbarton House recruits volunteers who enjoy working with the public and assisting visitors, to share the Museum's history and collection with the general public. Docents greet visitors to the Museum and provide tours of the house and its collection of Federal period decorative arts. Trained in the social history and decorative arts of the early 19th century, Docents provide a vital link between the history of the house and its visitors. Docents are expected to expected to commit a minimum of 1 shift per month (Tuesday-Sunday, hours may vary between 10:45am-3:15pm based on seasonal museum hours). More shifts are encouraged and welcome! Extensive training and ongoing enrichment is provided for all Docents. Docents may also choose to volunteer for Group Tours and public programs. Training for new Docents is scheduled for the fall 2012.

VISITOR SERVICE VOLUNTEERS [VSVs] provide a vital link between the history of Dumbarton House and its visitors. VSVs greet visitors to the Museum and introduce them to the Federal period while awaiting a tour. VSVs answer visitor questions about the neighborhood and Dumbarton House, and may assist with self-guided tours. VSV's also collect admission fees and sells gift shop items. Visitor Service Volunteers are expected to commit a minimum of 1 shift per month (Tuesday-Sunday, hours may vary between 10:45am-3:15pm based on seasonal museum hours). Training and ongoing enrichment is provided for all VSVs. Training for new VSVs is scheduled for the fall 2012.