Consider joining WHS as a docent, intern or volunteer and support our mission! Applications are accepted on a rolling basis Westport Historical Society provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or gender.
Museum Docents
The Westport Historical Society is seeking several Museum Docents to join the Programs and Education Department. Docents work closely with the Director of Programs and Education to facilitate the engaging offerings designed by the society. Museum Docents are trained guides who present our exhibits and related activities to tour groups. Our training program prepares our docents through training sessions, discussions and museum readings. Specific responsibilities and commitments include:
- Facilitate tour activities
- Attendance at docent training sessions and practice tours
- Independently review tour materials
The qualified candidate is:
- Background in child education and classroom management
- Strong interest in history and museums
- Self-starter with initiative
- Must be at least 18 to apply and able to stand for length of tours
This is a unique opportunity for individuals to work with children and lifelong learners in a museum environment and be part of an important and lasting program that will make valuable historical resources available to the generation thereby serving the museums mission: to inspire the holistic discovery of our town’s history inclusive of our collective heritage and its place in the larger American story. We tell Westport stories as a way to examine the larger narrative of local, state, and national history. We offer engaging ways to inspire a lifelong discovery of our historic roots and our ongoing heritage in a way that is inclusive of all people and respectful of all stories.
To be considered for the museum docent position one training session must be completed as well as an online application which can be found below. Docent training sessions for the Fall of 2019 are scheduled for:
- September 10th from 1-4 pm
- September 11th from 6-9 pm
- September 12th from 9-12 pm
Apply Here
Museum Education Internship Applications Due November 25th, 2019 The Westport Historical Society is seeking a Museum Education intern to join the Programs and Education Department. The Museum Education intern will work closely with the Director of Programs and Education to coordinate the engaging programs designed by the society. This will be an unpaid credit-bearing internship during the Spring of 2019, with an expected start date in January 2020 and an expected end date in May 2020. Interns are expected to work between 5 and 15 hours per week. A personalized schedule will be created once an intern has been accepted. Specific responsibilities include:
- Assist the Director of Programs and Education with the coordination of programs and educational offerings
- Answer phone inquiries, direct calls, and provide basic information about program offerings
- Respond to web correspondence and emails pertaining to programs
- Research and gather documentation about community offerings
- Perform clerical duties, maintain files, etc.
The qualified candidate is:
- Junior or Senior seeking a Bachelor’s degree in History, Sociology, Marketing, Education, Anthropology or American Studies
- Proficient computer skills, including Office 365 (Outlook, OneDrive, etc.)
- Flexible self-starter who’s able to work with little supervision
- Effective multi-tasker with attention to detail
- Exceptional communicator, both verbal and written
This is a unique opportunity for a student to work with museum professionals and be part of an important and lasting project that will make valuable historical resources available to the largest possible population thereby serving WHS’ mission: inspire the holistic discovery of our town’s history inclusive of our collective heritage and its place in the larger American story. We tell Westport stories as a way to examine the larger narrative of local, state, and national history. We offer engaging ways to inspire a lifelong discovery of our historic roots and our ongoing heritage in a way that is inclusive of all people and respectful of all stories. Apply Here
There are many areas of WHS that rely completely on volunteer help and commitment to provide the services that make WHS one of Westport’s gems. If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please fill out the volunteer form and a WHS staff member will be in contact about upcoming opportunities. Volunteer Form