Volunteering

We welcome volunteers of all ages and skills and also have openings for college interns. Here are some of our volunteer opportunities, but whatever your background or interests, do call the museum (413) 528-6888 or email to discuss what you might do.
Trail maintenance: Spring jobs include trail work and general yard work such as raking leaves. These jobs require little experience and a lot of enthusiasm. The museum’ s 196 acres of woodlands are laced with a system of hiking trails which require clearing at the end of the winter months. Fallen branches and trees must be cleared and trail blazes must be repainted.
 
The job of docent is the most high-profile position at the museum. Docents are the tour guides who are trained in the art of historic interpretation. They accompany visitors through the museum and tell the story of the house, the Bidwell family, and the collections. Docents are trained and are required to do background reading in order to be informed on the history of the museum.

The position of docent is an excellent opportunity to meet visitors from all over the country as well as local residents.
 

Garden work is needed from April through October. The Bidwell House gardens are extensive and include perennial beds, an herb garden and an heirloom vegetable garden. All levels of gardening expertise are required. This is a great opportunity for the novice gardener to gain experience and knowledge. 
There are many office tasks available throughout the year. This work involves updating the membership records and helping with mailings. Computer knowledge can be put to good use.
Finally, special events have many job openings including postering, greeters, ticket takers, photographing, set up and clean up, parking attendants, and fielding phone calls on the day of the event.

Most non-profit organizations could not exist without volunteers. Time and expertise donated by volunteers provides valuable help, which keeps these organizations operating. Usually running on a very tight budget, nonprofits often cannot hire enough work force to accomplish all the tasks needed. In come the volunteers, sometimes literally with their shovels and hammers, to get the work done.

Volunteering is a win/win situation. The nonprofit wins by getting a work force without paying an hourly rate. The volunteer wins by gaining satisfaction in helping a community resource i.e. help for the greater good of all. Additional advantages are the social benefits of meeting and working with other generous and interesting people; also, volunteering can often act as on-the-job training, which can sometimes lead to a new career in the nonprofit field.