Become a Volunteer

Volunteers are special people who contribute their time to help others. We are always in need of enthusiastic people who have a passion for history and enjoy talking to the public. Docents are needed to give guided tours to the public on weekdays and weekends. We also need volunteers for special events and other projects.

Volunteers serve as highly valued adjunct members of the staff. Their work is of great importance to the operation of the museum. The position of docent provides an essential and direct service to visitors.

Benefits

After completing training and a specified number of volunteer hours, all docents become eligible for several benefits as a thank you for their service. They include but are not limited to free admission to Lee Hall Mansion, the Virginia War Museum and Endview Plantation for themselves and one family member, a discount in the museum gift shops, and an annual special recognition dinner.

Volunteer Policy and Guidelines

Volunteers are special people who contribute their time to help others.

At Endview, volunteers serve as highly valued adjunct members of the staff. Their work is of great importance to the operation of the Museum. The position of docent provides an essential and direct service to visitors.

Docent Guidelines
Docents represent Endview by guiding the public on tours of the house and grounds. Their position is important because their conduct reflects directly on the facility's public image.

They must be willing to do the following:

Attend orientation and training sessions
Arrive on their scheduled day 15 minutes before their shift begins
Arrange for a substitute if they are unable to come on their assigned day and notify the coordinator of the change
Sign in and out upon arrival and departure so that their hours can be recorded. Time sheets will be provided
Dress appropriately for meeting with the public and maintain a professional attitude. Docents who have access to period costumes are encouraged to wear them while on duty
Change their hours/days to assist the Museum in meeting its obligations to the public
Give 10-12 hours per month (during peak season) unless otherwise requested by their coordinator. Specific days will be in accordance with the Museum's needs and the volunteer's schedule

The following are tour regulations for guides and visitors

NO SMOKING
NO FOOD/DRINKS INSIDE HOUSE
NO PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEOTAPING ALLOWED INSIDE HOUSE
CHILDREN UNDER 12 MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT
VISITORS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO SIT ON OR TOUCH FURNISHINGS
SHOES AND SHIRT REQUIRED
NO METAL DETECTING ON THE PROPERTY

Benefits
The importance of volunteers is acknowledged by the Museum through a number of special benefits. These included free or reduced admission to Endview and associated museums, gift shop discounts, field excursions, and annual recognition. A complete explanation of benefits is included in the position description. In all phases of archaeological work, it is imperative that we maintain a high degree of professionalism and exemplary fieldwork standards. In archaeology, image is as important as excellent work.

Download the application here

Complete the volunteer packet and mail to:
362 Yorktown Road
Newport News, VA 23603

Educational Programs

Reenactment Information

Kids Camp Programs

Become a Volunteer