Do you have a passion for early American history, the decorative arts, architecture, or museums in general? Dumbarton House, a Federal period historic house museum in Georgetown, Washington, D.C., currently recruits dedicated volunteers to "bring history to life" through a variety of opportunities. Dumbarton House, headquarters of The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America, offers volunteers and visitors an opportunity to enhance their appreciation of early American history and strives to inform and educate the public about life in Washington during the early days of the Republic (circa 1800) and about Federal period decorative arts and architecture.

Internship Opportunities: Click here for current internship opportunities

BENEFITS

All Dumbarton House volunteers receive a variety of benefits, including:

• complimentary individual museum membership (includes 10% discount on Gift Shop purchases, invitations to private Museum events and programs, discounts on admission to public programs, monthly e-news and Events Calendar, and two guest passes for public tours);
• ongoing enrichment programs featuring expert lectures or field visits to other sites of interest;
• free parking;
• annual social events, including the annual Appreciation Dinner;
• monthly newsletter for museum volunteers and staff; and
• access to the Dumbarton House research library.

DOCENTS: Dumbarton House recruits volunteers who enjoy working with the public and assisting visitors, to share the Museum's history and collection with the general public. Docents greet visitors to the Museum and provide tours of the house and its collection of Federal period decorative arts. Trained in the social history and decorative arts of the early 19th century, Docents provide a vital link between the history of the house and its visitors. Docents are expected to commit 2 weekdays (Tuesday-Friday) or 1 weekend day (Saturday-Sunday) per month for 4 hour shifts. Extensive training and ongoing enrichment is provided for all Docents. Docents may also choose to volunteer for Group Tours and public programs.

VISITOR SERVICE VOLUNTEERS [VSVs] provide a vital link between the history of Dumbarton House and its visitors. VSVs greet visitors to the Museum and introduce them to the Federal period while awaiting a tour as well as during the Self-Guided Tour and Public Programs. VSVs answer visitor questions about the neighborhood and Dumbarton House, and may assist with self-guided tours. VSV's also collect admission fees and sells gift shop items. Visitor Service Volunteers are expected to commit a minimum of 1 three-hour shift per month (Tuesday-Sunday, hours may vary between 9:45am-4:15pm). Training and ongoing enrichment is provided for all VSVs.

PUBLIC PROGRAMS VOLUNTEERS help facilitate the Museum day time and evening programs, including visitor services, on-site registration, and/or lead activities or tours. Public Programs Volunteers are expected to commit to a minimum of three programs a year. Training and ongoing enrichment is provided for all Public Program Volunteers.

GARDEN VOLUNTEERS: Garden volunteers help maintain Dumbarton House's formal, period, and herb gardens that were partly created under the guidance of architectural historian Fiske Kimball in 1931. Garden Volunteer commitment may be seasonal and based on garden needs. Training is on-going.

BEHIND-THE-SCENES VOLUNTEERS: Marketing and Office volunteers help promote the Museum and Museum programs as well as assist behind-the-scenes with Museum operations. Behind-the-scenes Volunteer commitment may be project-based or regularly scheduled weekday shifts. Training is on-going.

RESEARCHERS: Researchers are needed to work with curatorial and education staff to research topics related to the interpretation of the Museum. Possible project topics include occupants of the house, objects in the collection, archival material for preservation, the history of the property, and social culture of the 19th century. Researcher commitment may be project based or regularly scheduled weekday shifts. Training is on-going.

COMMITMENT: Volunteers are an integral part of the success and continued growth of Dumbarton House. Volunteering requires a commitment of time, enthusiasm, and interest. Monthly time commitment is based on the volunteer position, while all volunteers must be willing to commit to participating in training sessions and a minimum of one year of service.

TO APPLY: Please complete the on-line application.

Questions? Programs@DumbartonHouse.org or 202-337-2288 x225.