Volunteers play an important role at the Lyman Allyn! Whether in the galleries, art studio, or at special events, our volunteers’ time and talents help to provide a personal and positive experience to all who visit the Museum.
We accept volunteer and docent applications on a rolling basis, but focus on starting in early fall.
Community Engagement & Outreach Volunteer
Community Engagement & Outreach Volunteers assist Museum staff with programs taking place throughout the local region. Community engagement programs are primarily Museum hosted table/vendor activities at a local farmers markets and regional festivals, while outreach programs are art lessons brought into schools and community organizations. Community Engagement & Outreach Volunteers represent the Museum outside of its walls.
Recommended skills:
- Enthusiasm for art, art history, and community.
- A comfort working with audiences of different ages, experiences, backgrounds, and interests.
- Comfort in working in different social environments, locations, and physical conditions.
Interpretation Docent
Interpretation docents assist with: leading tours for various group audiences, including children, schools, adults, and seniors; providing informal gallery conversations during events or specially coordinated times; and otherwise assist guests within the galleries. Interpretation docents are ambassadors for the Museum both inside and outside its walls.
Recommended skills:
- Ability to speak publicly.
- A comfort working with audiences of different ages, experiences, backgrounds, and interests.
- Enthusiasm for art, art history, and community.
- Interest in incorporating different styles of interpretation (historical, interdisciplinary, hands-on, sensory, inquiry based, etc).
- Interest in learning with and from audiences, not just “fact sharing,” to encourage mutual engagement in the Museum.
- Creative thinking, imagination, and flexibility.
Studio Volunteer
Studio Volunteers help to maintain materials and studio space during different artmaking programs. Many programs, including homeschool workshops, tours, family programs, and more, include a studio art component for guests visiting the Museum. Studio volunteers assist the staff leading these programs by maintaining space cleanliness and, at times, directly working with guests on artmaking projects.
Recommended skills:
- Enthusiasm for art, art history, and community.
- A comfort working with audiences of different ages, experiences, backgrounds, and interests.
- Creative thinking, imagination, and flexibility.
Event Volunteer
Event volunteers help to support Museum staff for high-capacity special programs and events. Event volunteers assist with wayfinding in the Museum and on the grounds, greeting guests, helping with registration, sharing information about the Museum, and helping to create a positive environment for guests.
Recommended skills:
- Enthusiasm for art, art history, and community.
- A comfort working with audiences of different ages, experiences, backgrounds, and interests.
- A comfort in working in different social environments.
- Creative thinking, imagination, and flexibility.
Questions?
Please email Eileen Donovan, Director of Learning & Engagement, at [email protected].