Press Releases

NEW BEDFORD WHALING MUSEUM ISSUES CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS/ SCHEDULES UPCOMING VOLUNTEER TRAINING COURSE

Nine-week training course set to start in late September

NEW BEDFORD, MA (8.19.09) - - If you're up for an experience that will enrich you even as you enrich others, come on down to the New Bedford Whaling Museum.

The Whaling Museum is seeking volunteers interested in joining the spirited and dedicated people who help the museum to expand its role in preserving and explaining the global connections forged by New Bedford’s whaling past. Particularly, it is searching for people like Mary Crothers of New Bedford, Louisa Medeiros of Rochester, Alan Miner of Acushnet and Patricia Fernandes of New Bedford. Each of these individuals has taken the training course required of all volunteers and served as a docent for varying lengths of time.

"I volunteer at the museum because I am a people person," says Mary Crothers, a veteran docent for 12 years. "Volunteering here is a great way to meet new and interesting people and to be introduced to different cultures and experiences."

While Alan Miner, a docent for six months, has not logged as many hours as Mary, he too enthuses about the experience. "As a new docent I have been openly welcomed by my fellow volunteers, whose vast knowledge and support make me feel accepted and a member of the team. I am also having a lot of fun."

Volunteers are not required to have previous knowledge about whales, the whaling industry or the history of New Bedford. During a course at the museum set to begin in late September and run every Wednesday morning for nine weeks, they will receive material covering all pertinent information. After taking the course, most volunteers work a three-hour shift once a week that is scheduled in concert with museum staff.

Patricia Fernandes, a docent for four years, describes the docent classes as "not only interesting, but also very informative," saying, "Volunteering at the Whaling Museum is a rewarding experience. Sharing what we learn with the visitors, and in particular the school children, is enjoyable and something to look forward to each week."

While there is no cost for the training sessions, volunteers will need to fill out an application and arrange to come in to the Whaling Museum for an interview prior to taking the course. Applications are available at the museum or by calling (508) 997-0046. Applications are also available on the museum’s website, www.whalingmuseum.org. Click on the "volunteer" link to find the application. The course will take place at the museum.

Retired teacher Louisa Medeiros, a docent for two years, sums up what volunteering has meant to her, calling it "one of the most rewarding experiences I have had since retiring from teaching. Being new to the area, this opportunity has given me a wonderful perspective on the SouthCoast and the rich history of this part of the state. The volunteer work is not just rewarding, but it is also a learning experience. Each time I am in, I learn something new or interesting from the other docents/volunteers, staff and the wonderful visitors to our museum. I have also made some great new friends. I would highly recommend volunteering for the museum."

The New Bedford Whaling Museum is the world's most comprehensive museum devoted to the global story of whales and whaling. The cornerstone of the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, the Museum is located in the heart of the city's historic downtown at 18 Johnny Cake Hill and is open daily, year round. The public are invited to become part of the Whaling Museum online community at flickr.com, facebook.com, and blog at www.whalingmuseumblog.org. For a complete calendar of events, visit the Museum online at www.whalingmuseum.org