Volunteering

Our volunteers help make great things happen at Dorset Museum every day.

Why not become a part of it all by sharing your expertise and enthusiasm with us?

There are plenty of opportunities to get involved – from engaging with our visitors to working in teams behind the scenes. Volunteers support our staff in caring for, conserving and protecting the Museum’s collection of four million objects. They take visitors on tours, help us to make activities and events special, and educational visits unforgettable.

Dorset Museum is committed to an Equal Opportunities Policy and welcomes volunteers of every age (18 or over), religion, gender, race, disability or background.

The Museum offers a limited number of volunteer student placements each year, usually during the summer. If you would like to be considered for a summer student placement, please contact us for further information.

Why Volunteer?

Volunteering is valuable. It supports the Museum’s vital work and our vision of helping more people to explore and enjoy Dorset’s heritage. It’s great for our volunteers too – a chance to become part of a thriving team, meet new people, learn new skills and share your expertise.

Our volunteers also enjoy:

  • 10% discount in our shop and TASTE café.
  • Unlimited free entry to the Museum with one guest.
  • Free refreshments when on duty.
  • Regular social events.
  • Monthly volunteer newsletter.
  • Working with and supporting a nationally important collection.

 

  • Opening hours:

    Dorset Museum & Art Gallery
    Daily: 10.00am - 5.00pm

    TASTE Café
    Daily: 9.00am - 4.00pm
    Sunday: 10:00am - 4:00pm

  • Admissions:

    10% discount for Adult and Young Person Unlimited Ticket booked online using discount code DM01

    BOOK ONLINE SAVE 10%
  • Dorset Museum

    High West Street
    Dorchester DT1 1XA

    View Map

  • For more information
    [email protected]

Elisabeth Frink: A View from Within

Current Opportunities

Visitor Welcome Volunteer

Acts as an engaging first point of contact for visitors, and provides a warm welcome in the Reception, Shop, and TASTE café. Supports the Welcome Team in offering exceptional service.

Gallery Steward Volunteer

Works in the permanent and temporary exhibition galleries to welcome visitors and offer guidance and support when needed. Answers visitors’ enquiries, helps with wayfinding and alerts the Welcome Team to any maintenance or security issues.

Library Supervisor Volunteer

Helps us make sure the Library is open and operational during the Museum opening hours, so visitors of all ages and backgrounds have the opportunity to visit, explore and use it. Supports the membership offer of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society by advising members on books available for loan and providing an issue and return service for [the loan collection/those books].

Learning Volunteer

Plays a vital role in ensuring that school visitors of all ages and backgrounds have opportunities to engage with our collections and the stories they tell – and in helping pupils and their teachers enjoy a welcoming and positive learning experience. Also supports informal learning activities such as special events, object handling and art and craft activities.

Public Engagement Volunteer

Delivers and helps develop immersive tours, talks and storytelling services and facilitates opportunities for object handling. Supports the staff team in widening access to the Museum collections and the stories they tell about Dorset.

We hope you feel inspired to find out more. Let us know if you are interested and one of our Volunteering Team will be in touch with you soon.

I would like to volunteer

Volunteer Stories