There are always exciting things anyone can do to help at the Andover Historical Society.  We are proud of the quality work done by our steadfast volunteer corps.  

Here are some of our current volunteer openings:

Volunteers needed to get ready for the 2006 Book Sale
In September 2006, Andover Historical Society will host its 15th Annual Used Book & Vinyl Sale. The sale, held over three days, raises an average of $5,500 annually to support the ongoing educational mission of the Society. The sale may last just three days, but efforts to sort, pack and move the thousands of donated books, records, videos, CDs and DVDs takes a full year. The 2005 sale ended Sunday, September 18, and donations for the 2006 sale started to arrive the next day.  Volunteers meet regularly throughout the year to sort books into sales categories, pack the books so they can be easily viewed by buyers and move the packed books to an off-site storage area. The Historical Society is seeking volunteer books sorters, and Book Sale Leaders, to help in this effort. If you would like to help out on a sorting crew, or if you would like to take on a leadership role for a month or two, or for the year, please call Elaine at the Historical Society office 978-475-2236. This is a good volunteer opportunity for someone who likes books and is looking for an active, social volunteer job with concrete results.

Receptionists/Office Support
We are seeking receptionists and office support to staff the admission desk in the Historical Society office. Receptionists answer phones, direct calls, answer inquiries and register guests to the museum and library. Office support tasks include mailings, filing and photocopying. Data entry can be included for those interested in computer work. We are looking for friendly people who can create a welcoming atmosphere for guests and visitors, and support staff in their work.
Commitment: We have openings between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, and openings all day 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays.
 

Volunteer Relations Manager
The Historical Society is seeking a volunteer to coordinate the current volunteer corps, to manage the volunteer recognition program and to work with staff and committee chairs to enhance volunteer opportunities and experiences at AHS. The Volunteer Relations Manager will maintain a list of active volunteers, collate a list of volunteer needs and opportunities, maintain contact with volunteers and coordinate volunteer recognition activities. We are looking for someone who can motivate people to get involved, has strong organizational skills and can work with a database.
Commitment: 10 hours per month. 4 month minimum, renewable

Object Catalogers
The Collections Committee is seeking volunteers to catalog and number historical artifacts. Volunteers will gain hands-on experience and individual training, working closely with staff and volunteers. Learn about antiques, how to research them, and how museums care for objects. We are looking for people with an interest in antiques and an attention to detail.
Commitment: 6-8 hours a month, weekdays, the Committee tends to work Tuesday afternoons, but other work schedules can be accommodated.

Program Coordinator
The Historical Society is seeking volunteers to coordinate two aspects of Andover at Work in the 1820s, AHS’s signature school program. Andover at Work takes place in the Fall and Spring and is part of Andover’s 3rd grade school curriculum. We are looking for someone to help recruit, train and schedule volunteers, contact schools and talk with parents, and work with volunteers and children.
Commitment: This position requires a high level of activity, 4-6 hours per week, September and October and April, May and June. Some of the telephone work can be done at home.

Building & Grounds Volunteers
Do you enjoy gardening, spring yard work or basic home improvement jobs? The Historical Society is seeking volunteers to help Buildings & Grounds Committee members on special projects around the Blanchard House and Barn Museum. Recent projects have included painting the kitchen and exterior bulkhead, fixing leaky faucets, washing the fence and basic yard work.
Commitment: Occasional Saturdays or weekdays to work on special projects.

Event Coordinators
The Society hosts two to three fund raising events each year, including the used book and vinyl sale and Tastes & Treasures silent auction. We are looking for volunteers to help coordinate and implement these events. Recent assignments include coordinating book sorting “parties,” managing the database of auction donors, contacting event locations and vendors, soliciting and picking up items donated for the auction, providing refreshments for small events and coordinating mailings. Event volunteers can be committee members or committee chairs. We are looking for friendly people who have are enthusiastic about events and the Historical Society, and can be a positive representative for AHS.
Commitment: Varies by event and assignment. Event committees meet once a month until two months before an event. Meetings then increase to once a week with assignments in between.
 

Interested?
Call the Historical Society office at 978-475-2236