Volunteer Opportunities

Our dedicated volunteers are a fundamental part of the Historical Society. Without our volunteers, the Historical Society could not continue to thrive and meet its mission. Join us to help preserve history here in Newburgh.

Archive and Library Committee: Research Volunteer

Duties:

  • Assisting with copying, scanning , filing , data entry, research

  • Maintain proper care of all documents handled

  • Prepare material for preservation work

  • communicate regularly with assigned supervisor as to concerns, issue, or ideas

  • ensure the goals and policies of the archives and library are promoted and followed

Commitment:

Volunteers are encouraged to assist as often as they are able, but we asked to commit at least 1-2 days per month under the direction of the Research Manager.

Qualifications:

  • Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills

  • Interest in history, knowledge of library/MLS skills a plus

  • Self-motivated; ability to be productive with minimal supervision.

  • Flexibility, enthusiasm, and an attitude of respect for working with diverse staff and visitors

  • Strength, dexterity, and mobility to perform duties including light lifting and stair climbing as needed

  • Complete background check will be performed

House and Grounds Committee: Docent Volunteers

Duties:

  • Welcome and introdcue visitors to the Crawford House

  • Provide guided tours; collect admission fees and sell gift shop items maintain the security of the collection during tours and events

  • Represent the Historical Society in a professional and courteous manner to members and the visiting public

Commitment:

Volunteers are encouraged to assist as often as they are able, but we asked to commit at least 1-2 Sundays per month from April-October under the direction of the Operations Manager. Typical shifts are 1PM-4PM.

Qualifications:

  • Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills

  • Interest in history, knowledge of decorative arts and architecture a plus

  • Self-motivated; ability to be productive with minimal supervision.

  • Flexibility, enthusiasm, and an attitude of respect for working with diverse staff and visitors

  • Strength, dexterity, and mobility to perform duties including light lifting and stair climbing as needed

  • Complete background check will be performed

Building and Grounds Committee: Gardening Volunteer

Duties:

  • Research, plan and lay out garden restoration projects through the growing season

  • Help care for the Crawford House grounds by planting, watering, weeding, and mulching

Commitment:

Volunteers are encouraged to assist as often as they are able, but we asked to commit at least 1-2 hours per week under the direction of the House and Grounds Committee Chair. The gardening season runs from early spring through fall

Qualifications:

  • Enjoys outdoor work

  • Ability to work on hands and knees with little problem standing up

  • Self-motivated; ability to be productive with minimal supervision

  • Experience with plants and/or some knowledge of historical gardening design is preferred, though not necessay

  • Strength, dexterity, and mobility to perform duties as needed

  • Complete background check will be performed