Volunteer

This museum is run entirely by volunteers and we would like to hear from you if you are willing to help us.   It need not be a regular commitment, even a few hours would be appreciated.   

There is a wide variety of ways you can support the museum including becoming a steward welcoming visitors, or working behind the scenes.

What we Offer

Volunteers are an integral part of the museum family and are invited to the social events organised during the year, the supporters’ receptions and special events.  You can also choose one of the ticketed events to attend free of charge during the season.

The museum has a volunteer co-ordinator who will discuss what you have to offer and how we might best use your talents, qualifications and experiences. 

Enquiry Form

Our Current Priorities

Currently, we would be particularly interested in volunteers who want to steward, or act in a general supporting role with experience of social history, archiving, restoration (particularly boats), building work, marketing, fund-raising and social media. We are also looking for trustees.

Use the form on this page if you want to know more.

Stewards

Our stewards ensure the museum is open to visitors, set up the audio visual displays, welcome visitors and explain the layout of the museum.  They take money for admissions, event tickets and shop sales.   Many of our stewards have no specialist knowledge or academic qualifications for this role.  They do have a huge enthusiasm for Deal and its history and the museum is the ideal place to share that with visitors.

Supporting Volunteers

A band of volunteers helps with a wide variety of tasks behind the scenes. These include the following: day to day administration; maintaining the archives and library; helping visitors with research; marketing; supporting the website and social media applications; design; fundraising; tending to the plants; painting, construction, refurbishment, restoration and cleaning.  

Trustees

We would also like to hear from anyone who can offer their services as a trustee.  The museum is a charity, registered with the Charity Commission and, as such, trustees must adhere to the appropriate regulations and make sure the museum operates legally and correctly.   Each is accountable for a specific aspect of the museum's management rather than being just a committee member.

Some quotes from existing volunteers:

• “I am relatively new to the town and I initially volunteered to meet people and find out more about the history and characters of the town.  It has been much more than that – I have made some firm friends, met some wonderful people.”
• “I am particularly happy volunteering at the museum because I don’t have to commit to a specific day. I can steward as much or as little as I want and fit it around my other activities”
• “Now I have more spare time, it is an excellent opportunity to indulge my enthusiasm for a bit of DIY by helping to keep the building fresh and appealing and helping to construct exhibits.”