Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to get involved at JMM.

Join a family of enthusiastic, outgoing, and dedicated volunteers to support JMM carry out our mission and programming. Volunteers enjoy opportunities to learn and grow and you share your passion and skills with us.

To learn more about volunteering with JMM, please contact:

Wendy Davis, Volunteer Coordinator

t 443-873-5168

f 410-732-6451

wdavis@jewishmuseummd.org

How Can You Get Involved?

There are many ways to get involved:

Front Desk

The front desk volunteer is the face of the Museum. You are the point of contact for each guest that walks in, providing information about our hours of operation, current and upcoming exhibits and programs, and our services as a Museum site. Front desk volunteer is responsible for maintaining the front desk phone, which is the general Museum line, transferring calls or answering questions as needed. The front desk volunteer is also the leader in completing transactions with guests through our online system, including ticket sales and synagogue tours. This role requires comfort with learning the systems the Museum uses and a readiness to be the warm and welcoming representative of the Museum.

Docent

Museum docents possess an interest in history and enjoy sharing their knowledge with others. They perform an essential duty by leading tours and by interpreting the history of the Museum’s two historic synagogues and exhibitions for adults, families, and school groups of all ages. They present information in an unbiased manner. Training is offered to those interested in joining our docent corps and will focus on the history of Baltimore’s Jewish community. The two historic synagogues are only accessible by a flight of steps. Please note that they are currently not accessible by walkers or wheelchairs.

Museum Gift Shop

The Museum’s Gift Shop, Esther’s Place, filled with beautiful Judaica, Museum catalogs, and exhibition-related merchandise, is a destination for Museum visitors. Gift Shop volunteers assist guests with purchases, process cash and credit card payments via a computer, arrange merchandise on shelves and in windows, and assist the Shop Manager with conducting store inventory and maintaining shop upkeep. Customer service skills required and volunteers must be comfortable using a computer. Volunteers may also undertake special projects of interest that align with the Museum’s and Gift Shop’s missions.

What are Volunteers saying about JMM?

“It’s very simple. The JMM is a wonderful institution, staffed by highly dedicated, professional and creative people who are great to be with. I really appreciate the learning opportunities afforded me in serving as a docent. I enjoy sharing my knowledge with museum visitors and learning from them as well.”
Volunteer Docent Phil

“I love volunteering at JMMD for several reasons. It is fascinating to meet such a mix of interesting people representing different cultures and religions. How wonderful to introduce them to our Jewish culture and history. It’s also very special to lead school groups from both Jewish and non-Jewish ones who come to learn about the synagogues and the current exhibits. What a wonderful way for me as a docent to gain more knowledge both from my fellow docents and from the literature telling the intriguing stories behind the scenes. I am so pleased that I am able to be a part of the JMM family.”
Volunteer Docent Rita

“During this first year of being a docent I have had the pleasure of sharing my love of Baltimore Jewish history with people from all over the world. Being a volunteer has brought me joy and a sense of accomplishment. I appreciate being around the kind employees and volunteers at the Jewish Museum. Being a volunteer provides for the opportunity to learn something new every single time I give a tour. The general “vibe” at [JMM] is so positive, it’s just a great feeling to be there.”
Volunteer Docent Robbin