Hagley has approximately 500 adults and teens who volunteer.
Volunteers graciously give about 16,000 hours annually
• Interact with visitors on Workers’ Hill and in the Powder Yard
• Assist at special events
• Teens participate in the Youth Leadership Program
• Make handwork items to sell at Hagley events to benefit the school scholarship fund
• Work in the Workers’ Garden and E.I. du Pont 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 throughout the organization
• And More!
• 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
• Your own free admission to Hagley special events when you volunteer at them
• Volunteer Voice newsletter
• Volunteer educational sessions scheduled periodically
• Complimentary admission during April, volunteer appreciation month, to area museums and gardens
• Annual volunteer recognition event
• Deductions on your federal income tax if you itemize deductions (see your tax professional)
• 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
You create your personal username and password in the online application form. There is a training PDF and video in the documents section of the site.
No, volunteers can come once a year, repeatedly, or multiple days a month.
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 manager if there are openings available.
In general, students age 11-15 need a parent volunteering with them. Ages 16 and up can volunteer solo.
Yes! Groups may contact the volunteer manager to discuss the kind of activity they are looking for, date(s), availability, group size, etc.
Hagley is part of the VolunteerDelaware 50+ (volunteers age of 50+) and sends hours to them for credit if we know you are a member of the VolunteerDelaware group. https://volunteer.delaware.gov/volunteer-delaware50
Since 1998, students grades nine-twelve can earn one elective credit towards graduation upon completing 90 hours of community service during two semesters. The semesters do not have to be consecutive or in the same calendar year. Hours must be performed outside the student's regularly scheduled school day. http://www.volunteerdelaware.org/HOC__cmscontent?CMSId=a0UA0000005kWgxMAE
This depends on the role you are looking to fill. For some roles in the library, we ask for a library degree or some experience in the library field. Other roles have some training prior to the event or job, and some opportunities have on the job training.
Yes, training does count as volunteer hours.
This varies according to the event or role; however most events suggest nice but casual attire. Once a volunteer reaches 100 hours lifetime, you get a Hagley Volunteer t-shirt to wear as you volunteer. Closed toe shoes and Hagley nametag are required for all events.
Volunteers may indicate their interest in an event or activity by logging into www.myvolunteerpage.com and using the sign-up tab. The volunteer manager or staff member will assign volunteers and let them know when those assignments have been made.
What will they check?
Nationwide Criminal Database, Multi-State Sex and Violent Offenders Report, Free Wanted Persons Security Screen, and if lived in counties in past 10 years outside DE, then check run on those counties. Delaware has its own form you'll fill out to have the state do its own check. Personal application information will not be held at Hagley.
What the background checks are NOT checking:
Anything not listed above (credit, driving, etc.). If you are volunteering with valuables (money, collections, etc.), Hagley may run a credit report, with your knowledge.
If something is found on the checks that stops me from volunteering, will I know?
Yes, you will be notified by the Volunteer Manager if there is something that does not allow you to volunteer.
Why complete these checks?
To protect you, Hagley, and our visitors.We have not had any issues up to this point and we want to keep it that way.
Who, How & When?
Volunteer completes the online form through American Checked website - $7 & more if live out of state (paid by Hagley). The Volunteer Manager will give you the link after your interview. All NEW volunteers age 18+ will be required to do this when they meet with Volunteer Manager, or before starting any volunteer roles.This is a basic good practice to cover you, Hagley, and our visitors.