Volunteer season is open!

My infatuation with Hoboken dates from the first time I stepped foot here, took a look at the cityscape and breathed the caffeinated air (Maxwell House was still roasting coffee in those days). But I lived here for close to a decade before I knew more than a handful of people.

Now I know hundreds of people from all over town, and can truly call Hoboken my hometown. It all started with a call from an acquaintance who was desperate for volunteers for the Museum’s Annual House Tour. I showed up for my four-hour shift, and got to know the other volunteers and the staff at the Museum. It was so much fun, I volunteered every time that friend called, and before long, found myself in charge of the Museum’s volunteer program!

Pretty soon, through the other volunteers I met at the Museum, I got involved in all kinds of interest groups around town – the Hoboken Dog Association, the Hoboken Garden Club, the Quality of Life Coalition, and more. Now I really feel like I belong…which happens to be the name of the exhibition the Museum is planning for the second half of the year. “I Belong” will be an exploration of the various social, fraternal, civic and sporting clubs that have been woven through Hoboken’s social fabric since the 18th century. It opens July 29.

If you’re looking for a way to get more involved in the community, or learn more about Hoboken’s history, I invite you to send us an email at volunteer@hobokenmuseum.org. We need volunteers to help staff our booth at the two upcoming city festivals, The Green Fair April 21 and Spring Arts & Music fest on May 6. Both run from 11 am to 6 pm, and we need volunteers in two-hour shifts. No advance training necessary, all we ask for is a friendly smile and a willingness to pitch in.

Following these festivals, we’ll need volunteers for the Baby Parade, May 20, the Secret Garden Tour, June 3, and more events through the summer and fall. Find out more on our volunteer page.

Welcome aboard!