The San Bernardino County Museum has several openings for weekday volunteers in the Education Division. Those interested in volunteering can fill out an application online at the museum’s website, www.sbcounty.gov/museum, or can stop by the museum during normal business hours to fill out an application in person. The Education Division will hold new volunteer training January 14 and 15, so prospective volunteers need to submit their applications by Thursday, January 8.
“Volunteers are an important part of the visitor experience because of their own experiences and knowledge,” Jolene Redvale, curator of education/volunteer coordinator said. “We offer basic and on-going training to all our volunteers so they can enhance their personal knowledge base. We invest a lot of time in our volunteers.”
Education volunteers receive training in public speaking, interpretation and non-formal education standards. Volunteers engage visitors in informal conversation about museum exhibits, participate in creative projects and facilitate family activities like the upcoming Train Days event January 17 and 18. Train Days also offers new volunteers an opportunity for on-the-job training in addition to the mandatory basic training.
“We appreciate volunteers from every part of the community like retirees and college students,” Redvale said. “If some people are nervous about working with the public, they can provide great support in general office and clerical tasks.”
“Being a volunteer has been a real eye-opening experience for me,” Gisele Kirtley said. “Not only have I learned surprising new skills like caring for snakes and lizards, but I’m having fun at the same time.”
For more information contact Redvale at 909-798-8610 or e-mail jredvale@sbcm.sbcounty.gov
The San Bernardino County Museum, in Redlands, California, is a regional museum with exhibits and collections in cultural and natural history. Special exhibits, the Exploration Station live animal discovery center, extensive research collections and public programs for adults, families, students and children are all part of the museum experience. The museum is located at 2024 Orange Tree Lane, at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org. The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities.