OAKLAND MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA VOLUNTEER SERVICES

Since 1969 when the Oakland Museum opened its doors it has boasted a large and respected corps of volunteers. Volunteers have helped promote the museum’s accessibility by providing interpretative tour services, supporting exhibition openings and acquisitions, and raising millions of dollars in support of its exhibitions and public programs. Today, as in the past, volunteers remain active as a community resource, provide continuity and play an important part in maintaining this museum as a valuable community resource.

ART GUILD
The purpose of the Art Guild is to support the Oakland Museum of California Art Department through education, outreach, fundraising and service. Programs include public lectures and discussions, day trips with curators to nearby art venues, and art related trips to destinations throughout the country the and overseas. Guild volunteers also publish a bimonthly newsletter, help organize and maintain the museum’s art research library, and work with curators to plan exhibition openings and other special events.

HISTORY GUILD
When the Oakland Museum opened, the History Guild began supporting the History Department and its curatorial staff. The Guild underwrites some History Gallery exhibitions and programs and receptions for exhibition openings. It provides money for special projects such as the conservation of artifacts and occasionally the purchase of artifacts. The Guild sponsors a fundraising program of trips with a history focus; it sponsors other special events from time to time. The Guild’s bi-monthly newsletter informs members of activities including lecture and notices of up-coming trips. There are various volunteer opportunities for guild members.

NATURAL SCIENCES GUILD
The Natural Sciences Guild stimulates interest in California natural sciences and the Natural Sciences Gallery of the Oakland Museum by offering trips, classes, and lectures. Trips and the sale of wildflower note cards raise funds to support special projects and requests from the department curators. The Natural Sciences Guild is headed by a board which plans and executes the activities. Announcements of all activities are made in the Natural Sciences Guild Quarterly Newsletter.

FOOD SERVICE COUNCIL
The Food Service Council assists the museum’s culinary staff with food preparation and service. They also provide restaurant service at special events. Money raised through fund-raising projects is used to fund on-going projects for the Museum culinary services.

* THE PURPOSE OF GUILDS IS TO SUPPORT EACH MUSEUM DEPARTMENT, SO YOU MUST JOIN A GUILD IN ORDER TO VOLUNTEER FOR THE GUILD. MEMBERSHIP DUES ARE ABOUT $30.00 PER YEAR.

* COUNCIL ON ARCHITECTURE
The Council on Architecture is a group of professionals in the design field and lay persons interested in design. Activities of the Council are varied, directed toward informing the public on architecture and the arts allied to the manmade environment. The purposes of the Council are to increase the Museum’s educational and cultural services in fields of architecture, landscape architecture, public art, and related design. Emphasis is placed on traditions of California, while promoting architecture and environmental arts in the archives and collections of the Museum.

* DOCENT COUNCIL
The Docent Council consists of volunteers who are specially trained Museum educators. Docents provide guided tours of Museum galleries and special exhibitions to school children, special interest groups, and the public at large. Prospective docents take college-level training programs which correspond with their gallery of interest. Graduate docents enjoy a wide variety of field trips and lectures to improve their expertise and communication skills.

* MUSEUM HOST PROGRAM
These Volunteers greet and orient schools groups who come to the History Gallery without a scheduled docent tour. They introduce the students to the resources of the History Gallery and ways of looking at and understanding objects. Only three days of training required which is offered once a year.

• MUSEUM SERVICE COUNCIL
The Museum Service Council is a corps of trained men and women who staff the Information Desks in the History, Art, and Natural Sciences Galleries, the Main Lobby, and occasionally collect admission fees. They also assist at receptions and other special events sponsored by the Museum. MSC volunteers provide that first important friendly and inviting contact with museum visitors.

• THE COLLECTORS GALLERY
The Oakland Museum Collectors Gallery is an art rental service and quality retail shop for fine arts and crafts. The Gallery handles a diverse and constantly changing collection of paintings, prints, photographs, hand-crafted ceramics and wood, fiber works, jewelry, and studio glass - all works which reflect innovative styles and trends in California art. The Collectors Gallery is sponsored by the Women’s Board of the Oakland Museum and is managed and staffed by volunteers. Profits from sales and rentals are used for the acquisition of art for the Museum.

Other volunteer opportunities become available throughout the year as individual public programs are developed and presented to the community. Short-term special project volunteer opportunities as well as occasional office positions are available on an as needed basis.

• WEEKEND VOLUNTEER POSITIONS ALSO AVAILABLE.

Oakland Museum of California
1000 Oak Street
Oakland, CA 94607
510-238-2914

For a printable application (Requires Acrobat)

Mail to:
Dorothy M. Hood
Volunteer Coordinator
Oakland Museum of California
1000 Oak Street
Oakland, CA 94607
510-238-2914
dmhood@museumca.org