Volunteer

Greet, welcome and talk with museum visitors about the Methow Valley, local history, technology, farming, agriculture, mining and geology, local historic sites - and learn about them yourself! As a museum host, you'll share Methow Valley history with guests and represent this place we call home.

Work is primarily OUTSIDE (and airy buildings if inside); COVID-precautions will be in place, masks will be provided to all hosts.

Hosts should enjoy talking & interacting with all kinds of people: children, adults, elders, families, locals & tourists with a courteous, friendly and professional approach.

Light cleaning & tidying in the museum area required, including wiping down glass cases, sweeping walks, etc. to care for the museum objects & spaces.

Hosts will also perform gift shop sales of books & postcards.


What’s the commitment? Arrange a consistent weekly 3.5 hour shift (Monday-Friday 9:45-1:15 or 1:00-5:15) May 7 through late-September. OR, if you prefer, act as as-needed backup for other hosts, or alternate weeks with another docent - we will work with you to find a schedule that works. Days off will be accommodated for travel, vacation, etc, so don’t feel constrained.

Training? Attend one session to learn about Methow Valley history & the museum buildings and one session on specifics of the gift shop, opening & locking up, etc.

Benefits? Receive a complimentary individual membership, invites to museum events, discover more about the place where you live, and amaze your friends and family with the local facts and trivia you learn!

Lead museum visitors on a tour of the museum for ~1 hour. These will be small groups that reserve a time, following COVID guidelines. We’ll provide masks for guides and microphones that make it easy to be heard.

Guides should enjoy interacting with all kinds of people: children, adults, elders, families, international tourists, etc. Comfort speaking with a small group or a large group is desired - but no experience required, we'll train.

High school juniors, seniors, college students are encouraged to apply!

What's the commitment? Minimum commitment request is 2 tours per month - you can choose when: tours will be offered on Saturdays at 10:30am, Fridays at 2:00pm, or other times TBD, depending on visitor interest & special requests for tours.

Training? Attend one session to learn about Methow Valley history & the museum buildings and one session on specifics of how to be a great tour guide. You will need to spend additional time on your own reading the materials we provide and practicing your tour in preparation.

Benefits? Receive a complimentary individual membership, invites to museum events & access to behind the scenes. Plus, it's great resume experience and it's fun!

Interested in a special topic? If you'd like to share or research a local topic of interest or site, and would like to create a museum-sponsored tour, get in touch with the museum director at staff@shafermuseum.org