VOLUNTEERS NEEDED NOW!
With fifteen buildings and about 28 acres to maintain, and with community gardens and an orchard, there is always something that needs to be cut, trimmed, scrubbed, re-roofed, painted, dug, mowed, repaired or replaced. If you like to organize events, lead tours, staff a retail shop, cook or wash dishes–we have an opportunity for you! Our volunteers are a dedicated bunch and enjoy each others’ company. Please join us. We’d like to get to know you, too.
Publicity & Reporting – a publication of a twice-yearly (perhaps 3 times) journal – in magazine format with pictures, etc. should be organized. So we are looking for volunteers who enjoy writing, or working in that environment.
Also, we need volunteers for the Archival Committee which will continue to catalog and organize the documents we have collected. We plan is to scan each one and organize them on disks. Computer skills will be helpful but not necessary.
Vision 2025 – this is a focus type group which will meet periodically to initiate long term plans for the AIHS. One of the main goals is to raise funds to build The Cammon-Heckman Memorial Library on the grounds of the farm. This will be an archival library designed to preserve and protect the valuable documents, photographs, etc. that have been donated. It is hoped that the library dedicated to the memory of Bessie Cammon and Hazel Heckman, well-known Island writers, will become a resource for study of South Sound island history.
Other Volunteer Opportunities:
MUSEUM ACTIVITIES
The Anderson Island Historical Society preserves and exhibits the history and culture of the people and places of Anderson Island. The activities of the Museum are conducted by volunteers at historic Johnson Farm on Otso Point Road on Anderson Island. We do not employ a staff.
Members who volunteer as docent guides, store clerks, caretakers, and grounds keepers present the public face of the museum. They provide a positive image of Anderson Island to the many visitors who come each year from all over the United States, and indeed the whole world.
VOLUNTEER DOCENTS
Docent volunteers are the greeters and guides for the visitors to the Museum. Requirements include a simple knowledge of Anderson Island history and the Johnson Farm in order to answer questions. This is easily learned by becoming familiar with exhibits, by reading suggested articles and books, and accompanying an experienced docent for a few times. Training will be provided. This is an excellent way for couples to enjoy an activity together or for friends to share a few hours.
THE MUSEUM STORE
The Museum Store offers books, souvenirs, and high quality bin and regional handicrafts. Money earned helps to keep the museum open to the public and to support ongoing projects. Volunteers become acquainted with the store’s inventory and learn to be comfortable selling to the public. Extensive training is available.
FOOD COMMITTEE
Hospitality hostesses are called upon when food is needed for special events and work parties. These volunteers solicit or purchase food, keep track of food donors and coordinate set-up and clean-up activities. This is an excellent place for those who can only volunteer occasionally.
THE ACQUISITIONS COMMITTEE
Each year since the Anderson Island Historical Society was organized, it has received many items reminiscent or early pioneer days as well as priceless artifacts and heirlooms belonging to early Island families. One of the responsibilities of the society is to organize and catalogue these items before storing them or placing them on exhibit.
The task of tracking the collection (as these items are called) involves several steps. It is headed by a chairperson who is appointed by the Board. This Acquisition Chairperson works with other volunteers who need only simple clerical skills to participate.
Once a donation is accepted, a Certificate of Gift and a donor card must be typed. Each artifact is then identified, described, and assigned an accession number. The description includes information such as size, material, condition, history provided by the donor and any information researched from reference books and catalogs.
The artifact is then labeled with its accession number, using materials and methods appropriate to the type of artifact. The accession card is then added to the catalogue file under its assigned category. Finally, the artifact is sent to the Collections Department or to the Library.
An interest in antiques and collectibles is helpful. Training materials and reading materials about the process will be provided. Long term commitment of time is not required.
EXHIBITS COMMITTEE
Another responsibility of the Society is the maintenance and storage of the items known as The Collection. Once an artifact is catalogued, it is turned over to the Exhibits Committee whose job it is to inspect, clean, treat, and repair (if necessary). Certain prescribed methods of treatment are used to preserve the integrity and life of the piece. Training materials are provided. Thereafter, the item is placed somewhere in the museum, either in an exhibit or in storage.
The Exhibits Committee plans and prepares the displays and exhibits in the various parts of the Museum; Volunteers keep the exhibit areas clean and safe.
WORK PARTIES
Work Parties are held the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month (except November and December when they meet only on the 2nd Wednesday) from 9 AM to 12 Noon. Lunch is provided. The volunteers in these work parties help keep up the farm and the museum. A knowledge of carpentry, plumbing, wiring, gardening, etc., would be helpful to the entire party, but is not essential. A willingness to help out is the main thing needed.
Volunteers we need right now!
At present we need volunteers for the Archival Committee which will continue to catalog and organize the documents we have collected. We plan is to scan each one and organize them on disks. Computer skills will be helpful but not necessary. If you would like to join us in this effort, please contact Beula Robb, 884-9713.
IT’S EASY TO VOLUNTEER
If you are interested in Anderson Island history and participating in enjoyable fellowship activities with others, you will want to consider one of the volunteer committees described here. If you want more information about a specific interest, please fill out the form below. Once you have done this, someone will contact you by E-mail or phone (your preference) soon. Thank you.