New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
Announces Volunteer Information Session
Do you have a passion for local history? Do you enjoy working with the public? Do you have an hour or two to spare each week? If you answered “Yes” to any one of these questions, then please join us for a Volunteer Information Session on Saturday, February 19, 2011, beginning promptly at 2:00 PM at the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park Visitor Center, located at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford.
Representatives from local cultural organizations including the National Park Service, the New Bedford Historical Society, Working Waterfront Festival, New Bedford Port Society, the Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum, Greater New Bedford Summerfest, the New Bedford Whaling Museum, and the Schooner Ernestina will be on hand to discuss volunteer opportunities and the national park’s engaging free Exploration Series beginning February 25.
Some of the volunteer positions available: walking tour guide, museum docent, education program assistant, information desk staff, and research assistant. We especially welcome educators, residents of many of the area’s diverse communities, and those seeking to re-enter the work force and increase their skill sets. Time commitment and work schedule varies by organization and position. Uniform (if applicable) and training is provided. For more information in advance of the Volunteer Information Session, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator, New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park by phone at 508-996-4095 ext. 6105 or by email at emily_prigot@nps.gov.
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park was established by Congress in 1996 to help preserve and interpret America’s nineteenth century whaling industry. The park, which encompasses a 13-block National Historic Landmark District, is the only National Park Service area addressing the history of the whaling industry and its influence on the economic, social, and environmental history of the United States. The National Park visitor center is open seven days a week, from 9 A.M.-5 P.M., and offers information, exhibits, and a free orientation movie on the hour from 10 A.M.-3 P.M. Admission is free.
