Volunteer Opportunities

Archivist/Librarian

Description: Archive and catalog Research Library with an emphasis on conservation of objects. Historic Research Library in need of organization. Contains collected papers of area industries and individuals, photographs, newspapers, postcards, broadsides, and historical narratives. Prospective candidate must have knowledge of the Library of Congress cataloging system, archival methods for storage and display. Must be proactive and able to work alone at times. Must also be able to train volunteers. May have the opportunity to conduct workshops regarding proper archival procedures. May enroll, at no cost to the individual, in the Bookbinding class offered through the AAIM Museum School.
Requirements: An interview is required and prior knowledge is a must.
Type: Ongoing Opportunity

Board of Directors

Description: Seeking potential candidates. We are seeking new Board members for the Museum. So as to spread out the responsibilities we are seeking one person for each of the skills outlined below: accounting/tax background, human resources background, disaster preparedness experience, education background, grant writing background, fundraising/special events background. An interest in museums is a MUST! Prior Board experience not required. Community-minded, active individuals requested. This is not for an advisory board position.
Requirements: Interview, nomination, voting to Board. Board orientation is being developed.
Type: Ongoing Opportunity

Exhibit Designer

Description: Help design permanent exhibit space so it is visually exciting to young and old alike. Special emphasis to highlight MCAS topics for students and accessibility for visually impaired, hearing impaired, mentally impaired and physically challenged. The flow of the permanent exhibit space is being refined. The existing Jewelry Studio located in the center of the main Museum will be moved in June. The challenge is to present dynamic, well researched exhibits that appeal to all visitors. Special emphasis will be placed on MCAS topics for Massachusetts students, accessibility for visually impaired, hearing impaired, mentally impaired and physically impaired. Touch screens and motion activated sounds and stories are welcome additions to exhibits.
Requirements: Prior experience is required.
Type: Ongoing Opportunity

Oral History Coordinator

Description: Be contact/coordinator for very ambitious project. AAIM will develop a series of linked stories and displays that will describe the path of industrial development in the Greater Attleboro area through several distinct time periods. Oral histories will help to research the latter periods of this project. People who worked in local industry, owned companies, participated in apprenticeships are most desirable. Women who went to work during the WWII years also desirable.
Requirements: Prior experience preferred but not required. Good project for masters degree candidate or PhD candidate.
Type: Ongoing Opportunity

Researcher

Description: The volunteer will be conducting historical research for permanent exhibits. The museum is refining the flow of its permanent exhibit space. We are looking for volunteers with prior research experience to help with collecting historically accurate information from the Museum's collection and various other local collections. This information will then be used for display. Topics include: famed sculptor Philip Kraczkowsi, who designed Hasbro's G.I. Joe; a profile of Lloyd G. Balfour, founder of the Balfour Company; transformation of the area from agrarian and textile industries to jewelry industry; the Depression and its impact on industry and employment in the area; WWII years and shift of manufacturing focus to support war effort and war's impact on makeup of labor force; the recovery from the war effort and the impact of the release of pent-up demand for consumer goods; trends in industrial development for the area during the past fifty years with emphasis on consolidation and growth.
Requirements: The requirements include writing samples and prior research experience is also required. A general information session will be provided once volunteer begins with periodic meetings for updates.
Type: Ongoing Opportunity