Hagley Volunteers - Frequently Asked Questions

Many questions can be answered by visiting the volunteer page.

How many volunteers are at Hagley?
In 2011 Hagley had 375 adults and 102 teens who volunteered.

How many hours do volunteers give to Hagley?
In 2011 volunteers graciously gave 19,670 hours.

What do volunteers do at Hagley?
• Interact with visitors and interpret history on Workers’ Hill, the Machine Shop, and Easy Does It!
• Assist at special events
• Participate in the Creek Kids Youth Leadership Program
• Make handwork items to sell at Hagley’s Craft Fair
• Work in the Workers’ Garden, E.I. du Pont garden, and cutting garden
• Help in the library, manuscripts and archives, objects collections and conservation
• Arrange flowers and create wreaths and greens for Christmas decorations
• Assist the museum exhibits department
• Complete office administration tasks in the Volunteer Office and throughout the organization

What are the benefits of volunteering at Hagley?
• A close camaraderie with fellow volunteers and staff
• Free admission to the museum for volunteers, their friends, and their families
• Discount at the Hagley Store and at the Belin House Organic Cafe
• Free admission to Hagley’s special events when you volunteer at them
• The online quarterly Hagley Magazine
• Bi-monthly Volunteer Voice Newsletter
• Volunteer trips scheduled periodically
• Complimentary admission during April, volunteer appreciation month, to area Museums and Gardens
• The annual Volunteer Recognition event
• Deductions on your federal income tax for travel expenses, mileage and parking related to your volunteer work if you itemize deductions
• Free use of the Hagley Library and Archives
• Free admission to various lectures held at Hagley
• Opportunity to purchase Hagley membership at the reduced staff rate
• Opportunity to purchase four adult fireworks show tickets

How do I become a volunteer?
Fill out an application online, or send an e-mail to awilliamson@hagley.org, or call (302) 658-2400 ext. 257 to ask for an application, or send a letter to Angela Williamson, Hagley Museum & Library, P.O. Box 3630, Wilmington, DE, 19807 to request an application. After we receive your application, we’ll set up a brief meeting to talk about your interest in volunteering at Hagley.

How do I know where Hagley needs volunteers?
The website lists what areas are currently filled or open. http://www.hagley.org/volunteer-opportunities.html

Are there any minimum or maximum volunteer hour requirements?
No, there are no time requirements.

Do I have to keep doing the same thing? Is there flexibility in what I do?
Volunteers are encouraged to do what they enjoy. Volunteers are welcome to do one special event a year or be as involved as they want to be in many different places. Some roles are on a set schedule, others are flexible with dates. Volunteers can move from one area to another by asking the Volunteer Coordinator if there are openings available.

Is there an age minimum/maximum?
Sixth through ninth graders can apply for the Junior Creek Kids summer program as well as other volunteer opportunities for ages 14 and up. As long as someone can fulfill the responsibilities of the job requirements, there is no maximum age.

Can groups volunteer?
Yes! Groups may contact the Volunteer Coordinator to discuss the kind of activity they are looking for, date(s), availability, group size, etc.

What is a Hagley Volunteer Interpreter?
Interpreters learn about an area of Hagley (Workers’ Hill or the Machine Shop) and then share that knowledge with visitors. On Workers’ Hill, volunteers learn about the John Gibbons home (a foreman of the powder yards) and the Brandywine Manufacturers’ Sunday School. Machine Shop volunteers learn how to operate the fully functional 1800s machines and give talks to children and adults.

Are Hagley Volunteers part of the State of Delaware Volunteer System?
Hagley is part of the RSVP program (volunteers age of 55+) and sends hours to them for credit if we know you are a member of the RSVP group. http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dssc/sov/rsvp.html