ACM Volunteer Program: A Unique Educational Experience

Amesbury Carriage Museum is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of Amesbury's industrial heritage, as well as its people. In the fall of 2023, we launched an innovative volunteer program aimed at educating and inspiring young individuals to be IHC docents. This program serves as an offshoot educational initiative, providing invaluable hands-on experience to aspiring museum professionals or an opportunity for local teens to give back to the community.

At the heart of this program is training our young volunteers. These young volunteers gain a comprehensive understanding of the operations for the Industrial History Center, learning the intricacies of welcoming and engaging with the public, responding to inquiries, and managing the opening and closing procedures. Through this experience, they not only develop essential customer service skills but also deepen their knowledge of Amesbury's history and heritage, enabling them to effectively field questions from curious visitors.

Last fall, the museum welcomed three students from Amesbury Innovation High to serve as docents. These students brought fresh energy and perspectives to the program, enhancing the visitor experience while they gained invaluable skills.

This spring, the program expands further as we welcome Ricky Dunn, a Salem State University student majoring in history. This new addition brings academic insight into the historical aspects of our exhibits, enriching the educational value for our visitors.

We are also actively seeking more docents to join him on Saturdays from noon to 4 PM, providing an excellent opportunity for another individual to engage with the museum's offerings and contribute to its missio

Beyond the docent role, ACM offers other enriching volunteer opportunities that focus on educational outreach. One such opportunity is with the Collection Committee, where volunteers learn the vital tasks of caring for, cataloging, moving, and preserving the museum’s historic carriage collection. This hands-on experience is crucial for those interested in museum curation and conservation, providing a solid understanding of the preservation of historical artifacts.

The benefits of this robust volunteer program are great. For the volunteers, it is an exceptional educational opportunity that equips them with practical skills and knowledge, fostering a deeper appreciation for history and museum work. For the museum, it ensures a dedicated team of informed and enthusiastic individuals who contribute to its mission of preserving and sharing Amesbury’s rich heritage with the public.

If you are interested in volunteering at the Industrial History Center, contact Sheila Spalding by email: sspalding@amesburycarriagemuseum.org or call the museum at 978-834-5058.

For a complete list of potential volunteer opportunities and to indicate your areas of interest, fill in the following form:

Three Amesbury Innovation High School students pose for a photo on their first day of volunteering in 2023.

Ricky Dunn, IHC Docent.