The Pennsylvania Lumber Museum relies strongly on volunteers to carry out its mission. Our volunteers are a diverse group of people who bring together a variety of skills and experiences to help the site. We are always looking for enthusiastic people interested in getting involved in the day-to-day activities at the museum. We are actively recruiting new volunteers to assist in the growing number of events, programs and partnerships we are administrating.
Here are a few of the ways you can help:
- Tour Guide–Volunteer guides are needed to give tours of the museum to bus groups, students, and scouts. Guides will learn by shadowing guided tours by other museum staff and volunteers; they may also help with admissions and information at the front desk while on duty.
- Historic Trades and Equipment Demonstrations–The museum has a variety of opportunities for interested volunteers to assist with historic trades and equipment demonstrations throughout the year like historic cooking, laundry, and shingle-making. Training is provided and we have apprentice programs for more involved trades like working in the sawmill, boiler room, blacksmithing, and running the birch still.
- Assisting with On-Site and Off-Site Programs–The museum holds a number of on-site events throughout the year. Extra hands are always needed to help collect admissions, direct visitors, and assist with crafts or hands-on activities. Volunteers are also needed to represent the museum at outreach activities during community events, meetings, shows, and festivals. Volunteers staff information tables to distribute flyers, brochures, membership info, and schedules of events; with the possibility of conducting demonstrations and hands-on activities.
- Caring for Collections–The site has a collection of thousands of historic photographs and documents, but only a small portion of them have been digitized. Volunteers with an affinity for photography and computer skills are needed to work on scanning images and entering info into a searchable database.
- Library Organization and Research–The museum’s research library was moved/reorganized in 2020 and now volunteers are needed to help update its database with correct shelf locations. Opportunities to do research on a variety of lumber history topics also exist for volunteers interested in digging into the past.
- Diesel Mechanic Skills–Volunteers with diesel mechanic skills are needed to work on repairing the museum’s Brookville Engine. It was in operable condition from the time of its restoration until around 2010.
- Model Train Operation–The museum recently installed on exhibit an HO scale model train layout and are looking for volunteers interested in learning the ropes to operate and talk about the layout with visitors.
- Grounds Keeping–Love to work outdoors? Volunteers interested in doing general landscape maintenance and grass cutting are always welcomed.
In addition, we can accommodate school and scouting community service projects of all types and size. In short, if you have a talent and a desire to help, please let us know. We can definitely find something rewarding for you to do here at the site. Volunteering at the Lumber Museum can help you build your resume, fulfill your school or organization’s service requirement or simply provide a place to meet new friends and make lasting memories.
If you would like to join us, please complete and return a volunteer application or call (814-435-2652) for more information.
PA Lumber Museum Volunteer of the Year for 2024
The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission was formed to play a key role in stewardship of the commonwealth’s historical resources. Since its beginning a century ago, the commission has depended on citizen volunteers to work in partnership with our dedicated paid staff to carry out preservation and interpretation programs of the agency. Every year the commission takes time to recognize the honorees selected as “Volunteer of the Year” by the various sites they serve in order to thank them for their efforts in service to history and to the state. Thanks to their work and dedication, we have been able to preserve the historical resources of these special places that tell Pennsylvania’s story for the citizens of and visitors to our commonwealth.
Steve Perrine is the owner/ operator of Bear Hill Horse Logging. His company specializes in low-impact timber management, selective harvests, and wetlands logging. Steve also presents log skidding demonstrations at several public events annually, to help educate people about horse logging, history, and restorative forestry. Steve joined the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum Associates Board of Directors in 2018, and he and his family have been bringing their logging Percherons to the museum for horse log skidding demonstrations for over a decade. Steve and the members of his family also attend and volunteer at many of the special events administered by PALMA throughout the year. Steve is kind, supportive, and passionate about lumber history, forest stewardship, and the wellbeing of the museum and those who work and volunteer here. He has and continues to provide numerous, meaningful contributions to the museum and the community, making them better places for all to experience. Thank you, Steve, your service and dedication are very much appreciated!
