The New Bedford Whaling Museum, like many of the cultural organizations in New England (and the rest of the world for that matter), has much more to it than meets the eye.  For every object on display there are 50 in storage.  For every elementary or high school that visits, there are dozens of students.  And for every story contained within its walls, there are thousands more yet to be told.

It is a massive enterprise.  Museums hold not only the physical objects and artifacts of their subject matter, but also the “living history” of many centuries past.  Keeping it all running smoothly can be a daunting, unenviable task.  But like all those other cultural organizations, the Whaling Museum relies greatly on the unbelievably vigorous help of volunteers, without whom, the Museum simply could not host the hundreds of thousands of visitors per year that walk through its doors.

Volunteers help to guide and inform visitors, assist in the archives, and contribute to the Museum’s overall operations in many ways. And knowledge of New Bedford history of even whales is not required; all that is needed is a desire for new challenges and an opportunity to make some new friends along the way.

“When I retired, I wanted to find a new challenge and to meet interesting people,” said Donna Junier, a volunteer at the Museum.  “And the visitors are always amazed when they look around.”

Most of the volunteer corps works for the Museum as docents, giving tours to school groups and other assortments of guests.  Many feel that it is a great way not only to share local history with the youth, but also to learn themselves.

“I was born in New Bedford, and I’ve always loved New Bedford history,” said Donna Sargeant.  “The Museum is a great way to share that history, and to learn things you didn’t know about our city and region.”

Almost all of the volunteers live in either New Bedford, or one of the many surrounding communities on the South Coast of Massachusetts.  Though many of the docents are retired teachers, previous work with children is not a prerequisite.  Richard Bakulski was born in New Bedford and worked as a physician north of Boston for years.

“I’ve always loved New Bedford history,” he said.  “Plus, I get to meet people from all across the country.  It’s a true learning experience.”

There are many advantages to volunteering at the region’s cultural organizations, and the Whaling Museum is no different.  Volunteers work closely with the Museum staff and can participate in many programs and volunteer-only social events.  And beyond all of that, there is still the opportunity to be part of the inner workings of one of the most unique institutions in New England.

For instance, Richard Settele, a retired civil engineer from New Bedford, has worked with Andrew and Jean Konnerth on the articulation of a northern right whale skeleton. 

“It seemed like a very interesting way to occupy my free time,” he said.

The Museum is always looking for volunteers who can give an average of three hours a week and are interested in joining the spirited and dedicated people who help the Museum expand its role in preserving and explaining the global connections created by New Bedford’s whaling past.

New Bedford Whaling 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 New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, the Museum is located in the heart of the city's historic downtown at 18 Johnny Cake Hill.

Open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and until 9 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month, admission is free for members and children under the age of 6, $10 for adults, $9 for seniors (59+) and students with a valid ID, and $6 for children ages 6-14.

For a complete calendar of events and programs, visit the Museum online at www.whalingmuseum.org.

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