Visitor Services Volunteer

Mission Statement

The mission of the Noble Maritime Collection, an art and history museum in Staten Island, New York, is to present exhibitions and programs that celebrate the working waterfront of New York Harbor in the tradition of distinguished artist John A. Noble (1913-1983), and to preserve Robbins Reef Lighthouse and the history of Sailors’ Snug Harbor.

Vision Statement

The vision of the Noble Maritime Collection, inspired by its namesake, is to use art to make the working waterfront accessible to all people, and in doing so, foster an understanding of its history and relevance to the culture and economy of the local community.

Values

• We are inclusive in the development of the museum's programs and public access to them, as well as employment opportunities, as we strive for equity.
• We are kind in all of our interactions. We are welcoming, patient, understanding, and professional with everyone we encounter, especially our visitors, fellow staff members, and colleagues.
• We value knowledge gathered through research and listening to diverse viewpoints, and shared creatively through education for people of all ages and abilities.
• We value historic preservation, particularly that of Noble’s houseboat, Building D, Robbins Reef Lighthouse, and the objects in the museum's collection.

"A particularly moving demonstration of citizen volunteers taking on a daunting preservation project and completing it with great style." — National Trust for Historic Preservation

Started on March 31, 1992, the Noble Crew has contributed over $1,000,000 worth of labor and materials to the adaptive reuse of Building D, a former mariners' dormitory of old Sailors' Snug Harbor. The rehabilitation of the 28,500 square-foot National Historic Landmark, built in 1841 and opened in 1844, was the product of over eight years of services and materials.

VISITOR SERVICES VOLUNTEER:

Create an exceptional experience for local and international visitors in accordance with the mission and values of the Noble Maritime Collection during museum regular open hours. Greet and orient guests, share the history of Sailors’ Snug Harbor, John A. Noble, Katherine Walker and the Robbins Reef Lighthouse, and rotating contemporary exhibitions, assist with opening and closing procedures, and help set up for programming and special events.

• The minimum age to volunteer is 16; there is no upper threshold
• You must commit to at least one regular five-hour shift a month for a minimum of one year during visitor hours
• Benefits include a 10% discount at the museum shop and reciprocal admission to most NYC museums
• Internship credit may also be available