Volunteer
Due to the construction of the New Bruce, all-volunteer opportunities are on hold at this time with the exception of the Festivals, and the Bruce Museum Seaside Center.
Current Volunteers
If you are a registered Bruce Museum volunteer, please use the Volunteer Information Center link below to access your volunteer records file.
Annual volunteer positions:
Craft Festival & Art Festival Volunteers:
Each year the Bruce Museum sponsors two outdoor festivals that feature original work by some of the best artists and craftspeople from around the country. The Crafts Festival in May is regularly held one week before Memorial Day. The Arts Festival is regularly held in October on Columbus Day weekend. All artists are present throughout each entire weekend and all works are for sale. Volunteers for Gate Admission, Artist Support (brief booth sitting or assistance), and assistants for children's craft activities.
Junior Docents:
Join a group of dynamic teen peers who meet regularly to engage with art and science, interact with field experts, and plan events for teens. We are now taking Junior Docents applications for the upcoming school year https://forms.gle/5Nrkfo1WejXQqNoz5.
Summer Volunteers: Looking for a volunteer position this summer? High School and College Students, learn about the ecology of the Long Island Sound and share your knowledge with visitors. The Seaside Center is always looking for volunteers throughout the summer months to help coordinate and supervise programming and activities at Bruce Museum’s Seaside Center at Greenwich Point. Students with an interest in environmental education should contact Volunteer Program Manager Mary Ann Lendenmann at 203-413-6746 or mlendenmann@brucemuseum.org.
Please be aware that volunteers may be asked to wear a mask or take other precautionary measures in order to promote safety for volunteers, staff, and visitors. The Bruce Museum recommends all volunteers who are eligible get vaccinated prior to their start date.”
Bruce Museum Docent - Volunteer
Hours: Hours vary; all docents are required to attend a minimum number of training sessions and lead a minimum number of tours each year. Tours last about 1 hour, and training sessions are usually 2 hours.
Reports to the Manager of School & Tour Services
General Description: The Bruce Museum seeks enthusiastic, energetic individuals to join the all-volunteer docent team. The recent completion of the Museum’s extensive expansion and renovation has led to an increased demand for tours and programs. Therefore, Museum staff and volunteers are actively recruiting new docents who will join the current team. Docents lead museum tours and programs for visitors of all ages and are expected to learn about all the Museum’s permanent and temporary exhibitions. Docents receive training from Museum staff, exhibition curators, and fellow docents before leading programs through regular training sessions, which typically take place on Mondays. Training resources, exhibition information, and related reference materials are made accessible on the docent website. Tours take place throughout the week; docents self-select the programs they lead and age groups they work with. This year, an emphasis will be placed on recruiting new docents who are interested in working school-aged children and leading science-based programs.
All accepted applicants start as new docents and undergo a year of training before graduating to veteran docent status. In addition to leading programs and attending training sessions, docents participate in group field trips to local museums and enjoy a yearly award event.
Illustrative Examples of Work:
Leading hands-on, discussion-based programs on topics in the arts and sciences for visiting school groups utilizing objects on exhibit in the Museum.
Taking adult tour group participants through permanent and temporary art exhibitions and engaging them with information, questions, and discussions.
Guiding young children and adult caregivers during Bruce Beginnings, a drop-in program that includes an in-gallery activity, story, and art project and is meant to make young visitors feel comfortable in a museum setting.
Required Knowledge, Skill, Abilities and Traits:
Enthusiasm and appreciation for the arts and sciences
Background knowledge on the Bruce Museum’s mission, exhibitions, programs, and history
A basic knowledge of digital communications and how to access information on the Internet
Bilingual applicants (English and a second language) are encouraged to apply
Docents are required to be members of the Bruce Museum and at least 18 years of age.
Traits: honesty, integrity, outgoing personality, friendliness, positive attitude, eager to contribute to a team effort, flexible, patient, and sense of humor.
Recommended Education and Experience:
Previous experience (through work, volunteer opportunities, or personal life) working with people of any/all ages and backgrounds.
Teaching practice appreciated but not required.
Docents are required to have obtained (at minimum) a high school diploma or its equivalent.
To apply:
Please send a resume and cover letter explaining your interest in the docent program to Kathleen Holko at kholko@brucemuseum.org. Applications will be accepted until September 3, 2024 and new docents will start training in Fall 2024. Please contact Kathleen with any questions.
What are the benefits of being a Volunteer?
Volunteers receive:
- 15% discount in the Museum Store
- Volunteer Recognition Luncheon
- Behind-the-scenes tours of the Museum
- Involvement in special events
- Admission to waiting-list only events when volunteering at the event
- Reference for college applications
- Allowable tax deductions of travel expenses to and from the Museum
When can I volunteer?
Will it fit into my schedule?
Hours are flexible and are available on weekdays, weekends, and evenings.
How will I know what to do?
We'll teach you or draw on skills you currently have.
Are there any requirements to be a volunteer?
When your Volunteer Application is received, the Volunteer Manager will telephone or email you to schedule an interview if the present needs of the Museum match your stated abilities and available time. Qualified candidates may be referred to a department for a second interview. Volunteering is a privilege of Museum membership (youth are exempt). You may complete a Bruce Museum Membership Application online now or make arrangements to join at your interview. Parental consent for those less than 18 years old may be required.
CONTACT US TODAY
If you are interested in volunteering at the Bruce please complete the Volunteer Application online or contact Volunteer Program Manager Mary Ann Lendenmann at 203-413-6746 or mlendenmann@brucemuseum.org
