Get Involved

Looking for a unique Volunteer Opportunity?

The Museum of Health Care is recruiting for the following volunteer positions:
• GALLERY ATTENDANTS
• MUSEUM DOCENTS
• SPECIAL EVENTS ASSISTANTS

Additional information:
• VOLUNTEER BENEFITS
• VOLUNTEER APPLICATION PROCEDURE
• CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION

 GALLERY ATTENDANTS

Duties Include:
• Welcome and orient visitors to the Museum and National Historic Site
• Tour interested visitors through the onsite galleries in an engaging manner
• Answer visitor questions about Museum exhibits, and the Ann Baillie Building National Historic Site
• Engage in continuous learning about health care history
• Manage front desk, maintain gift shop, balance cash box, and answer telephone
• Record and tally visitor statistics
• Periodic housekeeping of museum galleries, grounds and exhibitions (sweeping, dusting, wiping showcase fronts, etc.)
• Alert curatorial staff if exhibit maintenance is required
• Assist curatorial and administrative staff periodically with specific administrative tasks 

Skills Required
• Exceptional customer service skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to clearly communicate in English
• Knowledge of a second language an asset
• Experience with handling cash
• Interest in health care history
• Enthusiasm
• Comfortable using a computer and Microsoft Word and Excel software an asset

Time Commitment:
• Seasonal
• Regular weekly or bi-weekly shifts May to September
• 6-12 hours per month

Supervisor:  Museum Manager

MUSEUM DOCENTS

Duties Include:
• Welcome and orient visitors to the Museum and National Historic Site
• Deliver in-museum education programs during school, family, and other large group visits, including some set-up and clean-up
• Conduct guided tours in an engaging manner
• Participate in introductory training (includes study of interpretive program delivery materials and accompanying fellow docents on tours and activities to gain knowledge and skills in leading groups)
• Report program feedback and identify potential program improvements
• Answer visitor questions about Museum exhibits, and the Ann Baillie Building National Historic Site
• Engage in continuous learning about health care history
• Assist with other Museum programs and special projects as time permits
 

Skills Required
• Exceptional customer service skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to clearly communicate in English
• Knowledge of a second language an asset
• Previous museum and/or teaching experience an asset
• Interest in health care history
• Enthusiasm
 

Time Commitment:
• Docents are added to an on-call contact list and notified as school/family program bookings are received. A schedule will be worked out at the mutual convenience of the Docent and Museum staff (docents are not expected to volunteer for every program booking received).

Supervisor:  Museum Manager

 
SPECIAL EVENTS ASSISTANTS

 Duties include:
• Distribution of posters, brochures.
• Assist with the set-up, running of, and clean-up of events
         - preparation and supply of refreshments
         - set-up of tables, chairs and other where applicable
         - organizing coats to the coat rack (colder months)
         - welcoming guests
         - take-down and clean-up afterwards
• Provide some assistance in PR and promotions planning for museum events

Skills Required:
• Basic knowledge of museum principles and practices (preliminary orientation)
• Eye for detail
• Outgoing and personable
• Multi-tasking, and ability to make effective use of time
• Good judgment

Time Commitment:   2 - 12 hrs per month

Supervisor:   Advancement Officer / Museum Manager

The Benefits of Volunteering for the Museum of Health Care

• The chance to share existing skills and develop new ones
• Lifelong learning opportunities
• Access to free tea / coffee and treats (when available) while working at the museum
• Invitations to exhibit openings, social gatherings and special events
• Email updates and the bi-annual museum newsletter, “The Bailliewick”
• Invitations to special volunteer recognition events, including the annual winter Board Reception, and Spring Volunteer Luncheon
• Use of reference library (when available)
• A letter of reference (after 6 months regular service) including length of service and contribution made to the museum

And…

• An opportunity to work with enthusiastic, knowledgeable & appreciative staff members who value the work of volunteers!

Volunteer Application Procedure

Please submit a resume and cover letter (including schedule of availability) via e-mail to museum@kgh.kari.net
or mail it to the following address:
Museum of Health Care at Kingston, Ann Baillie Building National Historic Site
32 George Street, Kingston, ON, K7L 2V7

For more information:

Contact the Museum Manager at (613) 548-2419, or by e-mail