Museums of Tusculum seeking volunteers

doakhouse3Looking for a way to get involved on campus? The Museums of Tusculum are seeking volunteers for a variety of activities, from leading tour groups to helping care and process historical documents in the archives.

The museums, which include the Doak House Museum and the President Andrew Johnson Museum and Library on the Tusculum College campus, are looking for individuals with an interest in history, those who enjoy working with people and others who are looking for a way to serve the community in a unique way.

A variety of opportunities for volunteers can be found at the two museums in several areas of operations. In the area of education and interpretation, the museums need people who are willing to speak to small groups to assist in leading tours of the Doak House and teach children about the Doak family, Tusculum history and life in the 19th century.

Reliable individuals interested in volunteering as a docent are needed to help staff the Doak House Museum on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from May through August. Docents also need to be willing to speak to tour groups.

This summer, the Doak House will need volunteers to help with one or more of the three educational, fun camps the museum hosts. Helpers are needed to assist in preparing lessons and snacks and in supervising children.

oldcollegeAt the President Andrew Johnson Museum and Library, individuals with an interest in history and a curiosity about the “stuff” of history (documents, photos, books and other artifacts) are needed to help work in the Tusculum College Archives, caring for its rare and precious contents.

People who enjoy working outdoors are welcome to volunteer in the effort to maintain the beauty of the grounds of the two museums and the structural integrity of the Doak House and “Old College” building that houses the President Andrew Johnson Museum, both of which are pre-Civil War structures.

The two museums on campus are operated by the Department of Museum Program and Studies. The Doak House Museum is the 19th century home of the Rev. Samuel Witherspoon Doak, co-founder of Tusculum College, and hosts thousands of school children from the region for a variety of educational programs related to the 19th century as well as other community programs, such as the “Pickin’ at the Doaks” monthly traditional music programs.

The President Andrew Johnson Museum and Library houses a special collection of items relating to the 17th president, the college’s archives, special themed exhibits and volumes from the institution’s original library.

The two museums are also part of the National Historic District on the Tusculum College campus. Follow the museums on Facebook and Twitter to learn the latest news and upcoming events or visit its Web site at www.tusculum.edu/museums to learn more about the variety of programs offered at the museums.