Volunteer

Volunteer opportunities at the Westport Historical Society

Contact us if you would like to learn more about any of the following opportunities. The easiest way to contact us is to complete the short volunteer sign up form, scroll down to the bottom of this page and we will follow up with you.

Handy House docents: Anyone interested in local history and meeting new people should consider becoming a docent for the Handy House. Docent training takes place in May. We offer a flexible schedule but as a general rule of thumb volunteers must be able to commit to volunteering for 3 hours on one Saturday or Wednesday per month June through September. Docents provide short tours of the house for visitors, answer questions, and assist with sales of merchandise.
Why volunteer? This opportunity is a wonderful way to meet people and to learn more about Westport’s history.
Time commitment: Flexible schedule, averaging 3 hours on one Saturday or Wednesday per month late June through September.

Event Day volunteers: The historical society holds many events throughout the year. Events include the Artisan Fair, fundraising events such as the House Tour, or lectures and assisting with outreach events such as River Day. We are looking to establish a pool of volunteers that can be contacted ahead of time for these events. Tasks are varied and may include providing information about the historical society, signing in guests, selling merchandise.
Why volunteer? This is a great way to get to know the community and the Westport Historical Society.
Time commitment: One day or a few hours!

Halloween at the Handy House: Scheduled for the fourth Saturday in October. This is one of our most popular family events at the Handy House. We are looking for creative people to help decorate the house and grounds. Must have some availability September through October. Volunteers are needed on the day of the event to facilitate activities.
Why volunteer? Perfect for creative individuals who enjoy working with children.
Time commitment: a few hours of planning meetings in July/August/ September/October. Decorations are set up in October.

Collections cataloging and transcribing: Ongoing organization, cataloging, scanning of documents and photos in the collection. Occasional transcribing of original documents. Some of this work can be done from home, some is on site at the Bell School. Training is provided. Must be comfortable working on a computer with a database such as excel or equivalent but no specific technical skills are required.
Why volunteer? Contribute your skills to make our collection accessible for research and exhibitions.
Time commitment: Variable, on site cataloging requires a regular commitment of about 2 hours/week, can be seasonal. Some projects can be done from home.

Gravestone Cleaning and Restoration Group: Join our effort to preserve Westport’s cemeteries. Volunteers receive training. Plans for this year include finishing the Sodom Road Tripp cemetery, Babcock—Gifford-Wordell on Blossom Road and Beech and Maple Groves.
Why volunteer? This is a therapeutic outdoor activity! Join a friendly team of volunteers.
Time commitment: Activities are scheduled for the warmer months throughout the year on weekends and some weekday evenings. You can volunteer for as many cleaning events as you wish.

Video editing: We seek volunteers with technical expertise to edit oral history interviews. Expertise would include knowledge of software such as photoshop, video editing software.
Time commitment: Occasional projects throughout the year.

Committee Volunteers

Volunteering for a committee requires a regular time commitment and attending committee meetings. In some cases we seek volunteers with particular skills.
You can learn more about these committees by attending a meeting as a guest. You can indicate your interest in learning more about a committee on the volunteer sign up form. Scroll to the bottom of the page to access the sign up form.

Artisan Fair Committee
Organizes the annual Handy House Artisan Fair and vintage market scheduled for the third Sat in September.
Skill set: Connections to local artisans, event organization, logistics, hands-on practical problem solving
It meets on a monthly basis Feb – Sep.

Collections Committee
Oversees the care and preservation of the collection and guides collecting strategy.
Skill set: Interest in antiques and archives, knowledge of Westport history
It meets as needed throughout the year.

Facilities Committee
Oversees projects relating to the preservation of the Handy House and Bell School.
Skill set: Architects, builders, historic preservation
It meets as needed throughout the year.

Finance / Investment Committee
Provides financial oversight and guidance.
It meets 2 – 3 times annually.
Skill set: financial background, investment management, banking, and accounting.