Volunteer

“The three keys to American democracy are involvement, civic spirit and volunteerism.” —Alexis de Tocqueville, 1835

Volunteers play an integral part of the museum’s daily operations. To get started, contact Layla Anzaldua at layla.anzaldua@dncr.nc.gov to request an application, or you can download one here and email it to Layla or drop it off at the front desk. You will receive an email concerning Volunteer onboarding and training if your application is accepted. 

Volunteer Positions

Poe House Docent

Poe House docents provide guided tours during scheduled hours and for scheduled groups. Docents must attend two hours of orientation training and shadow/observe at least 6 tours before becoming a certified guide. Docents receive a detailed training manual as well. Due to the time invested in docent training, only those who demonstrate a true commitment of time will be considered. 

Museum Docent

Museum docents give guided tours of the Museum of the Cape Fear for scheduled groups. Requires 12 hours of training sessions, which are done over several days and are scheduled between the museum staff and the new volunteer. Docents receive a detailed training manual as well. Due to the time invested in docent training, only those who demonstrate a true commitment of time will be considered. 

Historical Researcher

Historical scholarship is critical to better understanding the past, present and future. If you are a student or just interested in the region and nations collective history, you should inquire about doing research at the Museum of the Cape Fear.

Reception Desk

Greets visitors at the front desk. Volunteers work at the reception desk in three-hour shifts: either 10:00 to 1:00 or 1:00 to 4:00. The new volunteer is trained on the job and takes about 30 minutes.

Volunteer Coordinator

Maintains records and files, plans luncheons and receptions, makes or orders name tags, tabulates and reports statistics, schedules volunteers for desk and tours, recruits and eventually provides orientation to new volunteers.

Facilities Management Assistant

Yard work, cleaning the Poe House and exhibits, to include artifacts and light housekeeping chores around the museum.

Special Events/Special Projects

Provides assistance before, during, and after a special event. Will also be assigned specific tasks that are short-term, can conduct outreach programs, and assist staff at off-site events. Staff provides special instructions at the time of the event or project.