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Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers Make It Happen! Whether you are interested in history, art, architecture, gardening or want to meet new people, opportunities are always available at Tinker Swiss Cottage. For more information on any of the available volunteer opportunities, call the Museum office at (815)964-2424.

The next Docent and Volunteer Training Session will begin on Monday, January 14, 2008 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm and on Saturday, January 19, 2008 from 10 am to 12 noon. The Session will consist of five consecutive 2-hour classes (the Monday and Saturday sessions will be identical.) Week 1: Introduction to Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum, Week 2: The Tinker Family and the Guilded Era, Week 3: The Tinker Cottage and its Objects and Furnishings, Week 4: Docents: Leading a Tour; Receptionists: The Museum Store and Reception Desk, Week 5: Review and Graduation. To register, call Beverly at 815-964-2424.

Volunteer Job Descriptions

Docent: Conduct tours of the historic Tinker Swiss Cottage for families, school children, bus groups and others.

Receptionist: Welcome visitors. Oversee admission fees and museum store purchases.

Special Events: Help with set up, welcome visitors, serve refreshments, or clean
up following the event such as the Annual Ice Cream Social, Neighborhood Halloween Party, Christmas Past tours, or other seasonal events.

Curatorial and Archival Tasks: Assist the Museum curator with tasks such as
organization of historic photographs collection, transcription of original Tinker diaries and letters, accessioning and inventory of artifacts, or development and installation of exhibits.

Gardener: Help maintain the Victorian rose garden and other flowerbeds at Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum.

Research Opportunities: Research historical topics having significance to the Tinker family and the Victorian way of life.

Educational Programs Volunteer: Aid the Museum Educator with educational programs for children or adults.

Office assistance: Help with mailings, grant applications, meeting preparation, general office tasks.

Benefits of Volunteering at Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum

Work in an interesting historical setting
Minimal time commitment-- 3 hours per month
Flexible schedules
Short-term or long-term projects
No prior experience required. Training is provided for all volunteer opportunities
Regular volunteer meetings
Recognition at volunteer events
Monthly volunteer newsletter
Tinker Topics, quarterly membership newsletter
10% discount in the Museum Store
Gratitude of museum guests and museum staff!