Volunteers & Seasonal Paid Guides

Victoria Mansion would not be the vibrant organization it is without volunteers. We offer training sessions throughout the year and have a variety of opportunities available. Volunteers at Victoria Mansion are the public face of the museum. By generously donating their time, volunteers enable the Mansion staff to focus on restoration, educational initiatives, and other projects.

Volunteers at the Mansion can take part in several ways. The most popular option is to receive training as a docent. Docents act as a room stewards on free-flow days, give guided tours, and lead themed tours to school groups. Other ways volunteers can help are to assist with special events and programs, help in the museum gift shop, offer administrative support to the office staff, and join committees. The Earle G. Shettleworth Junior Docent Program provides training for students ages 12-17 to become room stewards in the house. Inquire about the Junior Docent Program.

For information or questions about volunteering at the Mansion, contact:

Stacia Hanscom, Director of Education and Public Programs
(207) 772-4841, ext. 104

Volunteer Docent Requirements

  • 40 hours of volunteer time per year (approximately 13 3-hour shifts)
  • Promptness in signing up for shifts
  • Ability to stand for 3 hours (there is flexibility with this)
  • Adherence to Mansion rules

Volunteer Docents Receive

  • A docent manual (approximately 100 pages of information on the house and relevant contextual information)
  • Opportunities for educational enrichment throughout the year
  • Regular email updates when new information becomes available
  • Social events throughout the year
  • Mentoring relationships with experienced docents
  • Intensive training period for new volunteers offered throughout the year
  • Annual “refresher” courses prior to the start of the regular season

Paid Part-Time Guides

Victoria Mansion also hires part-time tour guides for seasonal positions. Guide expectations include:

  • At least 1 shift (3-4 hours) per week during open seasons
  • Ability to commit to 3-hour shifts
  • Willingness to learn Point of Sale system and online ticketing system
  • Flexible schedule
  • Adherence to Mansion rules

Testimonials

“I come to the Mansion with a smile on my face and every time I work there, I come away a little smarter and a bit more encouraged about that potential that each of us has to constantly grow as a person.” – Mansion Docent

“Sharing that which is beautiful in art and architecture gives me great joy! Volunteering at Victoria Mansion is one of the most meaningful undertakings of my life.” – Mansion Docent

“Volunteers often tell me how their work at Victoria Mansion enriches their lives and broadens their perspectives. The rewards including interacting with visitors from around the world, collaborating with other people of like interests, learning new information, getting a behind-the-scenes look at how a historic house museum operates, and the pride that comes with acting as an ambassador for a National Historic Landmark. One volunteer who has been with us for over 40 years sums it up nicely, ‘I still have a sense of wonder and excitement every time I walk through the front doors.’” – Former Executive Director, Tom Johnson