Volunteers are the heart of Shelton House

As a small nonprofit museum, we rely on the time, talents, and dedication of community members to preserve history, care for our collections, and welcome visitors from near and far. From leading tours and supporting programs to caring for the museum’s house, collections, and grounds, volunteers help ensure the museum remains an active, welcoming place where craft, history, and community come together. Their involvement strengthens community connections, extends our reach, and helps keep Western North Carolina’s heritage accessible for future generations. For the Museum of North Carolina Craft and History—and for small nonprofits everywhere—volunteers are not merely helpers; they are partners in our mission.

Volunteer Form

Volunteer Opportunities

  • What You’ll Do: Welcome visitors and help them feel at home; lead tours and share stories about the house, exhibits, and local history; encourage questions, conversation, and curiosity; keep an eye on galleries and let staff know if something needs attention; help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone

    What Helps: An interest in history and sharing stories with others; friendly communication skills; willingness to follow provided training and tour guidelines; availability on Thursdays, Fridays, and/or Saturdays, 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (May–October)

    Note: Guided Tours are approximately 30 minutes with additional time allowance for paid tours. Guides are responsible for monitoring the museum during self-guided tours.

  • What You’ll Do: Help prepare mailings (folding, stuffing, labeling, and organizing); assist with distributing posters and brochures around the community; support fundraising and membership efforts with clerical tasks, donor calls, and thank-you notes; help with simple data entry and membership processing

    What Helps: A willingness to pitch in and help behind the scenes; basic computer skills are helpful but not required

  • What You’ll Do: Help care for the gardens and outdoor spaces; assist with light maintenance, painting, and upkeep projects; support monthly safety walk-throughs; occasionally help move or lift items

    What Helps: A handy spirit and enjoyment of working outdoors; willingness to help keep a historic site welcoming and safe

  • What You’ll Do: Help organize, label, and inventory artifacts in the museum collection; assist with cataloging items using PastPerfect software; support cleaning and organizing of collections storage areas; learn how museum objects are cared for and preserved

    What Helps: An organized, detail-oriented approach; interest in history, objects, or behind-the-scenes museum work (no experience required); willingness to learn new systems and get hands-on; ability to volunteer at least 8 hours per month due to training involved

  • What You’ll Do: Help represent Shelton House at local festivals and community events; assist with setup and breakdown for programs and workshops; support outreach efforts that connect the museum with the wider community; help research and gather supplies for programs and events

    What Helps: Enjoyment of community engagement and working with people; flexibility and teamwork

  • What You’ll Do: Assist with arranging pre-event development; help with event setup, breakdown, and cleanup; assist staff in working with vendors and performers; pitch in wherever help is needed to keep events running smoothly

    What Helps: Friendly, reliable, and calm under pressure; good communication and organization skills; willingness to jump in and help as needed