Are you looking for an interesting way to spend some free time? Do you miss having the opportunity to use your special skills? Are you interested in planes? Here is the perfect place to put your enthusiasm and interest to work. The museum is always looking for people to support its work including helping hands for restoration projects and administrative needs.
But before you get started you should read over these frequently asked questions:
- Is there a training program for volunteers?
Yes. We will provide you with a book of background information concerning the history of the museum's aircraft and the history of Dover AFB among other subjects. We will arrange for you to attend a short briefing on safety and operating procedures as well as updates posted in the volunteers office.
- How often do I have to work?
We prefer that volunteers come to the museum at least 4 hours per month so they can stay up to date on changes that occur here. We will work with you to accommodate your schedule.
- What kinds of jobs do you have for volunteers?
You might want to work in the museum store; some of our volunteers restore and repair our aircraft. Many of our volunteers give guided tours for visiting groups. Several volunteers have specialized jobs such as our librarian and our archivist. We will attempt to match your interests with our needs to provide a mutually beneficial situation.
- What do I get out of it?
Aside from the satisfaction of helping to preserve our aviation history and keeping active there are a number of benefits. We provide each volunteer with a distinctive AMC Museum shirt after 100 hours of volunteer work. There are incentive awards all the way up to 10,000 hours, and yes we have several people that have earned those levels. Volunteer hours are logged and each year we recognize our volunteer's contributions. We take group tours from time to time such as to the National Air & Space Museum . We have a volunteer recognition luncheon and a Holiday Dinner Banquet with prizes and surprises every year. One of the best benefits is you get to learn more about our history and you meet some really interesting people.
- I'm not a military person or a mechanic. Can you still use me?
Sure, we can find a job that you already know how to do or teach you a new skill. We even taught a pilot how to work with tools. I know that's hard to believe but it's true!
- Does volunteering here count toward school community service programs?
Yes.
- What is a docent?
A docent is more than just a tour guide. A docent is someone that teaches visitors as they show them around the museum. Many of our volunteers have personal experiences they include in their tours but we provide you with in-depth information about all our aircraft . There are always others around if you get asked a question that you don't have an answer for.
- Who do I work for?
As a volunteer you work for the AMC Museum. The store is a fund-raising operation of the AMC Museum Foundation but the store clerks are still museum volunteers.