Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer!

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum would not be the success it is today without the generous commitment of its dedicated volunteers. Over the past year nearly 300 volunteers logged over 28,839 hours of service. This dedicated group of people put their heart into many facets of the Museum’s operations.

Opportunities

There are a variety of ways to volunteer at the Museum:

• Support and Administrative
• Museum Store
• Visitor Services
• Marina Operations
• Tour Guide/ Docent
• Sailing Program
• Special Events
• Library and Curatorial
• Education- Adult and Youth Programs
• Facilities Management
• Model Guild
• Boat Yard
• Student/Service Learning

Training

All CBMM volunteers undergo an orientation session and special departmental training. Volunteers also receive instruction through overviews of exhibit content and programs, mission-related enrichment trips, and broad Museum familiarization and safety preparation exercises.

Upcoming Docent Volunteer Training/ Events

Educational Workshops are open to volunteers, members, and the public. No fee. Pre-registration is required- contact Helen Van Fleet at 410-745-4941 or by e-mail at hvanfleet@cbmm.org

General Tour Training

February 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10am-12:30pm
Van Lennep Auditorium

This training is for volunteers interested in becoming docents. It provides the basics of content, interpretive skills, and critical thinking needed to guide a group on a general tour of the Museum. No experience in education or teaching is necessary, although an interest in public speaking is critical. All sessions are mandatory for course completion.

Tour and School Program Training
Each program has a two-day training. Both sessions are necessary to complete the training successfully, and it is suggested that new volunteers complete the general tour training before attending these program-specific trainings. Contact Melissa Spielman to register at mspielman@cbmm.org or by phone at 410-745-4956. Current volunteers may register on the CBMM volunteer website.

Crab Cakes Training
March 6 & 8, 10am, Van Lennep Auditorium
Bay Bounty Tour Training
March 13 & 15, 10am, Van Lennep Auditorium
Bay Discovery Tour Training
March 15 & 20, 10am, Van Lennep Auditorium
Oystering Legacy Program Training
March 13 & 15, 2pm, Van Lennep Auditorium

Commitment

Volunteers are an integral part of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum's daily operations. In fact, the Museum began as a volunteer organization, and through its volunteer support the Museum continues to grow.

Benefits

Volunteers play an essential role in the mission of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. In recognition of the commitment volunteers have made to their volunteer assignments, the Museum offers the following benefits to its volunteers:

• Discounts in Museum Store
• Volunteer Newsletter
• Library Privileges
• Training and enrichment trips
• Volunteer Recognition Reception
• Special Volunteer Events and Socials

How to apply

Download a volunteer application, complete the form and return it to:

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
Melissa Spielman, Director of Events and Volunteer Program
P.O. Box 636, St. Michaels, MD 21663
410-745-4959
volunteer@cbmm.org

Once volunteer applications are reviewed, the Museum invites volunteers for an interview in order to place them in the Museum area that best suits their interests and skills.

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
213 N. Talbot St.
P.O. Box 636
St. Michaels, MD 21663
410-745-2916

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