Dales Countryside Museum volunteers generously give up their time to help the museum in lots of different ways. Along with our staff and the Friends of DCM, the volunteers are a key part of making the Museum a successful visitor attraction and a record of life in the Yorkshire Dales.
As well as being vital to the museum, volunteering is very interesting and great fun. Volunteers get to know a wide range of different people who share an interest in the Museum and the history of the Yorkshire Dales.
The following examples are ways in which volunteers regularly help at the Museum:
Events
Many of our events simply couldn’t run without the help of volunteers. They can be assisting event leaders or hosting their own events.
Managing the collection
Volunteers help look after the collection, keeping items clean, photographing them and working on the database.
Research
Volunteers help with local history and family history enquiries in the research room. Local residents often come to the museum to make use of our collection and research materials, and volunteers are invaluable in helping them find the information they want as quickly as possible.
Young Archaeologists Club
Young Archaeologists’ Club is for young people up to the age of 17 who are interested in archaeology. It is a great way for young people to investigate their local heritage and tremendous fun for both volunteer leaders and members.
Practical
Volunteers are essential to our projects and help maintain our site. Whether it is painting the train or looking after the outdoor trail and garden, cleaning the displays, we have lots of practical jobs.
Could you help?
If you have time to spare and skills (specialist or non-specialist!) that you’d be prepared to use in the Museum, we would love to hear from you.
Please contact us at DCM to let us know how you might be able to get involved. You might also be interested in the work of the Friends of the Dales Countryside Museum
Volunteer Recruitment
Do you have experience in running family/children’s events?
We are interested in hearing from people interested in leading activities that would appeal to our younger visitors.
We would like to hear from those with knowledge of craft, nature, the outdoors and archaeology though other ideas and skills are welcome. Experience of working with young people is essential as well as good communication skills and a big dollop of enthusiasm!