What's New at the HDG Maritime Museum?

The year 2008 promises to be one filled with many exciting changes and new projects. We have begun preparation for the completion of the downstairs area to be used by the Chesapeake Wooden Boat Builders School. With the boats moved downstairs, the gallery space will be finished for a professional exhibit to be installed. The exhibit is entitled “Beyond Jamestown: Life 400 Years Ago,” and will showcase both Native and European lifeways beginning at the time of the settlement of the Jamestown colony.

In addition to the construction projects, we are preparing for special events in the upcoming year.

To help support these new projects and special events, we are starting a new volunteer training program. It is designed as both a refresher course for current volunteers and an introduction for new members and volunteers. The training program will meet the last Saturday of every month, from January through June, 2008. The first session will be held at the museum on Saturday, January 26, 2008, from 9AM-1PM. Lunch will be provided as we discuss the first phases of training.

In addition to monthly training sessions that will prepare docents for the current and new exhibits, the museum will sponsor guided field trips to local and regional museums. Volunteers in the training program will also be encouraged to attend our lectures and special events for free, as a way of building knowledge of our museum and its programs.

Volunteers are needed in all areas of the museum, including docents, data entry and office tasks, maintenance and landscaping, building and construction management, children’s educational and reading programs, and weekend desk duty. Being a museum volunteer is a great way to meet new friends, explore the history of our region, and develop new hobbies.

Please pass the word to friends and family, and attend the first meeting on January 26, 2008. We will explain the program in greater detail, including time commitments and recognition. Remember, the museum is only as strong as its volunteer core group!

Kindly RSVP by January 21, 2008. We look forward to seeing you at the meeting!