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SIGN-UP TODAY TO VOLUNTEER FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON! ENROLLMENT FORM

Got free time on your hands? Then why not spend it where you can meet people from all over the world, enjoy the outdoors, preserve nature and history, and just have a good time. Our volunteers are the oil that makes our museum machine run smoothly. There are many different ways to participate, and the schedule is flexible.

VISITOR SERVICES

Receptionist These volunteers welcome people to the Visitors Center and provide information about the museum and its site operations, sell admission tickets and memberships, and prepare guests for tours. These special volunteers work in the beautiful historic Osprey Schoolhouse and enjoy meeting people from all over the world. Shifts are from 9am to 1pm & 1pm to 5pm.

Entrance Cottage Greeter This important person is the first contact with visitors. They direct arrivals to the Visitors Center or the parking area for the site. This volunteer oversees the traffic to and from the archaeological site area and works closely with the Site Horticulturist and Curator to monitor access. The Entrance Cottage is a charming building set in the shade of oaks and pines and is air conditioned. Shifts are from 9am to 1pm & 1pm to 5pm.

Museum Store Clerk What better way to spend a few hours than assisting visitors with selection of gift items and store orders in the lovely and spacious Historic Spanish Point Museum Store. Our selection is varied and the point of sale transaction is easy. Shifts vary but usually are 9am to 1pm & 1pm to 5pm.

TOUR GUIDES

Docent/Tour Guide Take visitors on a walking tour of the 30-acre site and educate them about its history and nature. Enter a world of the past by learning about the prehistoric people of the gulf coast. Help teach guests from around the world about the importance of historic preservation. Continue the legacy of the Pioneers and the Palmers. This position requires that you are able to walk over a mile of nature trails, or drive a 7 person tram and walk. Tour times vary throughout the year. Allow 2 hrs per shift.

School Program Docent    

These are very important volunteers who guide children's specialized tours, provide storytelling, oversee hands-on crafts, participate in an archaeology dig, teach students about Florida's pioneers, and wear fun historical costumes as part of Adventures in Learning. This position is highly scrutinized for the appropriate background. So if you are a retired educator looking to continue the good work, contact us. Shifts for this activity are morning hours of 9:30am to 1pm.

PRESERVATION SUPPORT

Curatorial Aide Assist our professional Curator with the preservation, cataloging and displaying of the museum's collections. This is mostly indoor work in the historic White Cottage built in 1885 overlooking Little Sarasota Bay.

Gardening Enjoy the outdoors, but don't have much space to garden? Well we have 30-acres in need of your care. Work with site horticulturist to maintain the gardens and our unique bayside ecosystem. Learn about native plants, wetlands and spend time taking care of one of the area’s biggest and best Butterfly Gardens.

OTHER FUN WAYS TO VOLUNTEER

Living History Interpreter Calling all actors and actresses, or those who always wanted to be one! Portray an historical character in authentic costumes and settings. Interact with visitors on a different level by joining  Historic Spanish Point Living History.

Speakers Bureau Take your act on the road and speak about the museum and its history at libraries, civic groups and service organizations, or wherever the need arises. Materials are provided like handouts and multimedia.  

Maritime Heritage

Build, preserve and sail reproduction watercraft. Participate in educational programs that promote area maritime history.