ALBANY INSTITUTE OF HISTORY & ART LOOKING

FOR DOCENTS AND VOLUNTEERS

ALBANY, NY— Docents and volunteers are needed at the Albany Institute of History & Art to lead gallery tours as well as assist with administrative and program-related activities.

On Monday, April 9, from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, the Albany Institute of History & Art will be holding an orientation for prospective docents, where attendees will learn about the training process, time commitment and all other aspects of what is required of the docents.  Docents are unpaid volunteers and are required to go through a training process and commit to 8 hours a month.  Docents mostly give tours Tuesday – Friday to schoolchildren of all ages and to other small groups that are interested in learning in depth knowledge about the Albany Institute’s collections.  All who are interested in the docent program may contact Tracy Grosner in the Museum Education Office at 518.463.4478 x405 for more information.

Other volunteer opportunities at the Albany Institute of History & Art include general office work such as front desk receptionist, filing, typing, answering phones and collating mailings.  More specialized duties; such as assisting with retail operations in the Museum Shop may require more training and a more substantial time commitment. Individuals interested in volunteering may contact Christina Scott, Manager of Museum Services at 518.463.4478 x420 for more information.

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Founded in 1791, the Albany Institute of History & Art (AIHA) is a 501(c) 3 cultural and educational institution dedicated to public service.  As a museum, its mission is to collect, preserve and interpret the art, history and culture of Albany and the upper Hudson Valley region from the 17th century to the present.  AIHA acquires collections, conducts research, produces publications, and offers a wide range of exhibitions, educational and public programs that appeal to diverse audiences ranging from pre-K to senior citizens.  The museum is open year round, Wednesday-Sunday. Admission is free to members and children under 6, $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and students and $4 for children ages 6-12.  The Albany Institute of History & Art is accredited by the American Association of Museums and chartered by the New York State Department of Education.