Become a Volunteer
Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum.
Volunteers are an integral part of the Museum, and we couldn’t carry out our mission without them. By joining our volunteer corps you become a member of a talented and dedicated group of people.
Currently, we utilize volunteers in the positions listed below.
Docent
Docents are specially-trained volunteers who facilitate tour experiences for visiting groups. Docents work with tour groups of all ages and backgrounds. They use inquiry, discussion and interactive strategies to help people make personal connections with the art as they learn.
* NEW DOCENT TRAINING SESSION begins February 2011. Classes will be 9:30 am- Noon on Wednesday and Fridays from February 9 through February 25. Please call Heather MacGaw at 507-474-6626 for an application and requirements.
Greeter & Gallery Attendants
Greeters are volunteers who welcome visitors as they arrive at the Museum. These volunteers play a significant role in helping to make people feel welcome and at ease as they begin their trip through the galleries. Greeters are ambassadors who help make the Museum a welcoming, comfortable and enjoyable place. Gallery Attendants help to keep our visitors and artwork safe. Attendants maintain a friendly atmosphere in the Museum while actively patrolling the galleries and tactfully responding to visitors who may get too close to the art, bring food or drink into the galleries, etc.
Family Programs Assistant
A variety of opportunities is available for Family Programs Assistants to work with children and families. Toddler Tuesday and Family Storytelling are two such events that are held monthly. Volunteers help children with art projects, read stories and perform other miscellaneous tasks. Other family events are held throughout the year for various age groups.
Volunteer Benefits
- Opportunity to familiarize yourself with world-class art
- Behind the scenes view of the Museum and its operation
- Connecting with other people who share your interests
- Supporting the Museum’s mission
- Volunteer newsletters
- Volunteer appreciation receptions
- Opportunity to make a difference
- Twenty percent off items in the Museum’s Gift Shop (excluding Smith Folk Art & prints)
What do I need to do to become a volunteer?
Call Curator of Education, Heather MacGaw, at 507-474-6626 to call up for new volunteer training. New volunteer training is on the second Saturday of every month from 11 am- 12:30 pm. This training and orientation session is for volunteers who would like tobe greeter/ gallery attendants and family programs assistants. Docents must attend additional special training.
If you have any questions please call 474-6626.