Welcome!

FOR ALL NEW VOLUNTEERS – GENERAL INFORMATION

WELCOME! Thanks for your interest in becoming a volunteer at the Merchant’s House Museum.
Our talented and dedicated volunteers help in many different ways.

  • Volunteers educate visitors about life in mid-19th century New York City
    • Docent volunteers lead guided tours and, on weekends, answer visitor questions to supplement information in the Self-Guided Tour
    • Volunteers run the Admissions Desk and Museum Gift Shop on weekdays, greeting visitors and taking admissions fees; answering questions about the house and family; conducting informal guided conversations to supplement the Museum’s Self-Guided Tour; and selling items in the Gift Shop.
  • Volunteers help organize and run education programs and special events
    • The Museum offers lectures, concerts, special tours, and other public education programs throughout the year, as well as hosting many private events such as weddings, receptions, and private parties.
  • Volunteers work ‘behind the scenes’ – on administrative tasks, ‘historic housekeeping,’ research, curatorial projects, and more.

Time Commitment and Policies

  • All volunteers are asked to have a basic knowledge of the history of the Merchant’s House and the Tredwell family, who lived in the house for almost 100 years. For volunteers who wish to lead tours, we offer a docent training program. The VOLUNTEER DOCUMENTS (Google Drive), outlined here, contain training and research materials.
  • You may tailor your involvement as a volunteer to fit your schedule, but ask that you commit 4 to 6 hours per month for at least one year following training.
  • There is no formal dress code, but volunteers are representatives of the museum, so please dress appropriately, and no jeans or sneakers.

Benefits of Volunteering at the Merchant’s House – Too Many to Count!
Benefits include free admission to the Museum and many of its programs and special events; the opportunity to learn about 19th-century life in New York and share your interest with other enthusiasts; and invitations to exclusive volunteer trips and gatherings. Not to mention the undying gratitude of the Museum’s board, staff, and resident ghosts.