Join Our Volunteer Crew!

Looking for a way to give back to your community, add to your résumé, meet new people, and be a part of something historical? Join the Wisconsin Maritime Museum’s Volunteer Crew! Whether you’re with a business/organization needing community service projects, a student looking to complete volunteer hours, or just someone wanting to be a part of something bigger, we have something for all ages and abilities. You can volunteer as much – or as little – as you want! Just fill out the interest form at the link below to get in contact with the Volunteer Coordinator and start your volunteer voyage today!

No experience is required – we will train you! Below is a listing of some of the projects and tasks many of our volunteers currently assist with throughout the year.

Front Desk/Museum Store

Greeter – Assist Front Desk staff with welcoming guests, processing admissions, selling memberships, providing directions, and selling merchandise from the Museum Store.

Store Assistant – Assist Museum Store Coordinator with processing and organizing new stock, stocking shelves, dusting and maintaining a welcoming environment.

Archives/Collections/Exhibits

NOTE: Although prior experience is not necessary, anyone with previous library, archives, or museum experience on any level is especially encouraged to volunteer. Additional projects are available for those with previous experience or special skills.

Cataloging Assistant – Assist Collections Manager with data entry, creating or updating inventories, help organize library and archives.

Reference & Research Assistant – Assist Collections Manager with finding and filing articles on a variety of maritime history subjects.

Digitization Assistant – Assist with the ongoing process of scanning our large collection of photos.

Exhibits Assistant – Assisting the Exhibits Manager with exhibit research, fabrication, and set-up/strike of exhibits. May also include working with the Collections Manager to properly display and secure exhibited artifacts.

Education

School Program Assistant – Assist the Museum Educator with school groups by leading students through the museum galleries or submarine and/or assisting with hands-on activities.

Tour Guide/Living History Crew Member

Tour Guide – Lead guests through the submarine on approximately 45 minutes guided tours (script, materials, and training provided). Naval veterans are especially encouraged to participate in this option!

Living History Crew Member – Participate in Living History Crew days aboard USS Cobia once a month throughout the winter season. During the summertime, participate in living history events throughout Wisconsin/northern Illinois. There is no attendance requirement and some uniforms are available to borrow for new members.

USS Cobia Maintenance

Deck Work Assistant – Work in small groups to safely repair and replace decking pieces. Involves woodworking, painting, and general labor.

Mechanical Assistant – Work with our team to learn and care for our 16-cylinder diesel engines and other mechanical systems onboard the submarine.

Cleaning & Polishing Assistant – Assist our Submarine Curator with keeping the submarine looking its best. Small preservation projects may also be included in certain areas.

General Maintenance & Cleaning

Janitorial Assistant – Dusting plexiglass display cases and cleaning glass, sweeping, and other light cleaning tasks.

Grounds Maintenance Assistant – Assisting Maintenance Manager with mowing, weeding, and general lawncare.

Moving Assistant – Assisting Maintenance Manager with moving large/heavy objects safely and securely. May also include working with Collections Manager to move artifacts.

Outreach Events & Marketing

Outreach Assistant – Assist Community Engagement Coordinator and Education Coordinator with outreach programming and tabling throughout northeastern Wisconsin.

Marketing Assistant – Assist marketing team with creating marketing materials, distributing flyers, and promoting programs and events.

SubFest and Other Special Events/Rentals

Programs Assistant – Assist Programming Coordinator with program set-up, tear-down, greeting guests, and assisting as needed during public programs.

SubFest Volunteer – Assist with directing guests, serving drinks, set-up, tear-down, and other tasks throughout the festival. Naval veterans are encouraged to help out aboard USS Cobia by sharing their own stories with guests.

Rental Assistant – Assist Rentals Coordinator with event set-up, tear-down, greeting guests, and assisting as needed during private events.