Volunteering at the Arkell Museum is an opportunity to learn and grow in a fun and exciting environment, all while learning more about our collection of art and history. Applications for volunteers are accepted on a rolling basis, so please feel free to volunteer at any time.
Qualified candidates should possess a love of learning, a flexible attitude, and an interest in art and history. To volunteer at the Arkell Museum, candidates must make at least a one-year commitment, with the time commitment listed in the individual volunteer opportunity.
To learn more about available volunteer opportunities, please see below!
Are you interested in art? Have you learned a little (or a lot) about local history and want to share that with those that visit us from near and far? Then consider becoming a Museum Docent at the Arkell Museum in Canajoharie!
Museum Docents have the opportunity to interact with visitors of all ages and from around the world and provide opportunities for deeper learning. Museum Docents will complete ongoing training covering four different stations: the two changing galleries, the Night Watch Gallery, and the Walkway Gallery. Museum Docents will also meet with the Curator of Education & Public Engagement to discuss any interesting interactions or problems they encountered, and to receive additional training materials.
Museum Docents will:
- Act as guides in the museum galleries during formal, scheduled group tours
- Assist as gallery guides during special events and programs
- Assist staff with occasional off-site outreach opportunities
- Gain a deeper understanding of art, art history, museum education, Mohawk Valley history, and community
Museum Docent Requirements:
- Age range: 18+
- Minimum hours: Two 4/hour shifts per month
To Apply:
- Completed application form with 2 letters of recommendation from non-family members
- Personal interview
Interested in applying? Send us an email or call (518) 673-2314 x 113 for an application!
Studies have shown that students who visit museums develop better critical thinking skills, are more empathetic, and have broader imaginations. Help us encourage those attributes in our local communities while sharing the treasures in our collection by becoming a Museum Teacher today!
During school field trips, adult group tours, and special events, Museum Teachers offer guided tours and a variety of hands-on activities that offer deeper engagement for visitors of all ages.
Museum Teachers will:
- Lead guided tours for scheduled school groups
- Assist the museum staff during special events with hands-on activities
- Assist staff with occasional off-site outreach opportunities
Museum Teacher Requirements:
- Age: 18+
- Minimum hours: Two 4/hour shifts per month
- Prior experience with children
To Apply:
- Completed application form with 2 letters of recommendation from non-family members
- Personal interview
Interested in applying? Send us an email or call (518) 673-2314 x 113 for an application!
Are you a student in grades 8 - 12 (or ages 14-18) that is looking for an exciting and challenging ongoing volunteer opportunity? Are you interested in learning more about education, art, nonprofit management, and local history, all while developing a wide variety of new skills in a challenging but fun environment? Then we have a great opportunity for you.
Junior Docent Requirements:
- Grades 8 – 12 (or ages 14-18)
- Minimum hours: Two 4/hour shifts per month during the school year, and two 4/hour shifts per week during the summer
To Apply:
- Completed application with 2 letters of recommendation from non-family members
- Personal interview
Junior Docents will:
- Act as guides in the museum galleries
- Assist during special events and programs
- Assist staff at off-site outreach opportunities
- Gain a deeper understanding of art, art history, museum education, Mohawk Valley history, and community
Training:
Junior Docents will complete ongoing training covering four different stations: the two changing galleries, Night Watch, and the Walkway. The junior docents have the opportunity to interact with visitors of all ages and from around the world, but they with a focus on engaging children and families. At some point during their weekly shift, the “JD” will meet with the Curator of Education to discuss any interesting interactions or problems they encountered, and to receive additional training materials.
Some advantages of participating in this program are:
- Learn new skills and receive on-the-job training
- Become exposed to learning through experiential education
- Improve communication skills and self-esteem
- Make new friends while working in a “fun” environment
- Learn first-hand about various careers (in art history, exhibit design, education, museums, etc.)
- Have direct interaction with positive role models
- Develop a future recommendation (for jobs, acceptance into other programs, etc.)
- Receive community service credit (e.g., for college applications)
- Make a personal contribution to the community
Interested in applying? Send us an email or call (518) 673-2314 for an application.
