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Volunteer Your Expertise

The Thomas Cole National Historic Site encourages you to learn more about our volunteer program! Our volunteers are wonderful people who contribute their time and skills for an array of enriching and vital aspects of our operation. The volunteer program offers a rich and fulfilling experience with special programs and events just for volunteers throughout the year. Become a Thomas Cole volunteer! Recruitment is going on now.

Seeking Volunteers to Lead School Programs

Enjoy working with children? The Thomas Cole National Historic Site is currently seeking volunteer docents to lead school programs at the historic site for visiting school groups. Our School Programs Docents inspire young people with meaningful information about the life, relationships and works of the 19th-century artist Thomas Cole through hands-on activities that are designed for each grade level and subject area. Want to get involved? Please contact Melissa Gavilanes at 518-943-7465 ext. 105 for more information.

 

 As a Cedar Grove volunteer, you have the opportunity to:

  • Learn from some of the most prominent scholars in the field
  • Work in a beautiful and historic atmosphere
  • Share your love of art, history, and historic preservation
  • Attend educational programs such as Sunday Salons for free
  • Meet diverse visitors from all over the world
  • Visit other museums, historic sites, artists’ studios and galleries
  • Build long-lasting friendships

 

Hear What Our Volunteers Have to Say:

I love the friends I've met at the Thomas Cole House. It was a great way to get involved in the community.
- Ethel

My heart is with Thomas Cole!
- Patti

I feel like I am making a contribution to keeping this important historic site open.
- Ann

Volunteer Benefits

  • Free training and ongoing education and enrichment
  • Invitations to all Cedar Grove events, some of which are free to volunteers
  • Use of volunteer lending library
  • Free membership at the $50 level after 10 hours of recorded volunteering
  • Trips to museums, galleries and other destinations
  • Volunteer-led hikes along the Hudson River School Art Trail
  • Discount on merchandise in the Old Studio Bookstore
  • Volunteer thank-you parties
  • Academic credits for student interns

 

Recruitment is going on now.

While some volunteers have a public role, others work behind the scenes. Applications are now being accepted for the following:

  • Docents to conduct tours of the house, studio and gardens
  • School Program Docents to conduct programs for children
  • Art Trail Docents to lead groups on hikes on the Hudson River School Art Trail
  • Visitor Center Greeters to welcome and orient visitors
  • Interns and Fellows. See below.

 

Internships at Cedar Grove

The Thomas Cole Historic Site welcomes student interns year-round to work on a variety of projects and gain valuable in-depth museum experience. Please see the Internship Program section of our website for more information.

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