VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

The Richardson Maritime Museum and Ruark Boatworks currently have openings available in many areas for volunteers of any age or skill level. Apply as an individual or with a friend as a team. “Try on” your volunteer cap as a one-time event volunteer. Your commitment may be once a month, biweekly, weekly or as flexible as you need to meet your own schedule. All volunteers will be welcomed through an application and orientation process to help them choose their service areas.

If you would like to volunteer, please call the Museum at 410-221-1871, or send an email message by clicking HERE.

The Modeler’s Guild is looking for additional crew!

Located at the Ruark Boatworks on Maryland Avenue, the Modeler’s Guild is looking for individuals to join them on Tuesday nights at 6:30 pm. No experience is necessary. We are looking for anyone with an interest in building his or her own model or in helping to expand the Museum’s collection by building one for display. Enthusiastic model crafters are on hand to teach this unique craft.

Do you enjoy LARGER SCALE woodworking?

Or have you always wanted to learn wooden boatbuilding skills, but didn’t know where to start? At the Ruark Boatworks, our volunteers are restoring the Jolly Dolphin, a 42’ bateau. They are eager to share their knowledge with you, let you develop your skills—and gain a new pair of helping hands!—as you work on Hilda or on other special Ruark Boatworks projects. Both experienced and novice boatwrights are needed and welcomed.

Greeter and Guide

That’s exactly what a Museum docent is. Who can become a docent?  Actually, anyone who enjoys meeting people. From orientation, through training, to working alongside one of our longtime volunteers, the process is as fun as it is interesting.

Party Animals

We try to make our events an open house party for the community.  Whether a Second Saturday evening or a special event, we need volunteers who can help according to their interests.  Behind the scenes, we need bakers for our refreshment table and others to put together crafts and activities for kids. At the Museum, help is welcome in setting up, overseeing the activities and refreshment tables or greeting visitors. 

Handyman (or woman)

Housed in an early 1900s bank building, you can bet the Museum requires regular upkeep. Feel good about putting your experience to work at an historical center that serves the public. Experience with building maintenance and vintage furnaces is helpful.

Groundskeeper

The four-acre Boatworks property on Cambridge Creek provides the pleasantest of views for your mowing diversion. Just don’t divert yourself into the Creek! We provide the tractor. A green thumb for the flower beds is always welcome.

Custodian

Without your help, we couldn’t even open our doors for regular hours, let alone all the special tours and school groups. Take pride in your work and set your own hours.

Volunteer Opportunities Requiring Special Skills or Experience

Writer & Researcher:  Experienced individuals are needed for special assignments.
Photographer:  Your photographic skills are needed for shots to accompany our press releases, enhance our newsletters, or enrich our advertising.
Museum Store Manager:  This diamond in the rough is a wonderful creative opportunity for someone with previous retail management experience.