Volunteer With Us!

“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. Consider joining our ranks! To get started, contact Megan Maxwell at megan.maxwell@dncr.nc.gov to set up an interview/orientation appointment. You may also download the volunteer application and email it directly. 

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. 

Historic Interpreter

Are you a living historian or re-enactor? Volunteer historic interpreters assist us with special programs and requests from schools and other groups, including our traveling trunk program and presentations to schools and nursing homes.

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.