Who can become a Volunteer?

You can! Volunteer positions are open to all individuals who meet application requirements and are willing to commit to required time minimums (not applicable to all positions). We also ask that volunteers become Flagship Niagara League members so that they receive all mailings about the changing exhibits and ongoing activities within the museum. As members, volunteers also receive discounts on Museum events and in the Museum Gift Shop.

Why become a Volunteer?

Volunteers are a fundamental part of our museum. They present the museum to our visitors and keep things running smoothly. Volunteering at our museum gives you the opportunity to learn more about Erie Maritime history, to meet people with similar interests and to serve at a premier educational establishment.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Historic Interpreters

	Docents Docents (Guides) are especially important to interpret the museum’s collections for our visitors. They also lead organized tour groups ranging from grade school to adults though the museum and aboard the Flagship Niagara. Docents learn on the job, by shadowing other experienced guides and from interpretive workshops and reading material in the museum library. Contact John Scheloske or Janet Amory Ext. 214
	Ship Maintenance As one can expect, there is always ongoing maintenance needed to keep Niagara in ship-shape condition. While Niagara is sailing, the crew maintains the ship. When she is berthed for the winter, maintenance is done by the professional crew and a core of volunteers. Maintenance volunteers earn credit to be used toward tuition to sail on the ship as a trainee during the summer. While maintenance is a top priority, time is allocated for informational sessions on such subjects as: marlinspike, seamanship, rigging, painting, splicing and more. There is always something to do and something going on down at the Erie Maritime Museum Homeport Flagship Niagara. Contact Julie Wagner Ext. 222
	Ship Model Building If you have ever built or sailed a model boat or flown a model airplane, the Erie Maritime Museum is looking for you! If you have time on your hands and want to help or learn from experienced model ship makers, now’s your chance. We need a few volunteers who are model builders, or who would like to learn, assist and share their skills as volunteers at the Erie Maritime Museum. Contact Julie Wagner Ext. 222

	Museum Gift Shop Working in the gift ship is an interesting and rewarding experience. The hours are flexible so it is easy to fit volunteer work into a busy schedule. Volunteers help stock inventory, assist shoppers, sell museum admission tickets and handle customer inquiries in the store. They welcome visitors and provide them with a basic introduction to the Museum and its exhibits. Many interesting people from around the United States and from other countries come to see the Flagship Niagara. Talking with them and hearing their stories make volunteering worth while. Contact Kathi Burgett Ext. 207
	Historic Interpreters “The Ship's Company - U.S. Brig Niagara” is a Volunteer Historical Living History Unit portraying sailors, soldiers and civilians of the War of 1812 period. The unit provides historical programming, including naval gun drills and sail handling demonstrations, at the Erie Maritime Museum. In addition, they travel to various War of 1812 Historic Sites in the US and Canada each year to participate in battle reenactments and living history programs. Members of the unit are responsible for purchasing or producing and maintaining the necessary clothing, uniforms and equipment for themselves. Members are also encouraged to do their own research into the period of the War of 1812 and in the development of their personal interpretation of the era, whether it is that of a soldier, sailor, or civilian. Contact Linda Bolla Ext. 219