Our volunteer
Cultivating community connection through dedicated historical stewardship
Volunteering with the Friends of the Dalton Historical Commission is a deeply rewarding and meaningful way to give back to your local community while significantly deepening your own personal understanding of our unique regional history. Our volunteers are not merely assistants; they are the indispensable lifeblood of our entire organization, serving as the essential link between our silent archives and the vibrant public we serve. We believe that historical preservation is a collaborative act of love for one’s town, and by joining our team, you become a vital part of a group that values heritage as a living foundation for our future. Whether you are looking to meet new neighbors, share a lifelong passion for the Berkshires, or simply find a productive way to spend your free time, our volunteer program offers a warm and inclusive environment where every individual’s contribution is celebrated. We foster a culture of mutual respect and shared discovery, ensuring that while you are helping us preserve Dalton’s past, you are also building new, meaningful connections that strengthen the social fabric of our town today.
Diverse Ways to Help
Finding your unique place in Dalton’s unfolding story through specialized roles
We pride ourselves on offering a wide variety of ways to help, ensuring that every volunteer can find a specific role that aligns perfectly with their professional skills, personal interests, and available schedule. For those who enjoy meticulous detail and organization, our archival team offers opportunities to assist with the cataloging, digitizing, and physical preservation of rare documents and photographs that might otherwise be lost to time. If you possess strong interpersonal skills and a love for storytelling, you might find your calling as a public tour guide or a docent at our visitor center, where you can share the fascinating narratives of Dalton with residents and tourists alike. Technical-minded individuals are always needed to help maintain our digital databases and social media presence, while those with a green thumb or a knack for maintenance can help us care for the historic sites and grounds that define our town’s visual character. No matter what your background may be—from high school students looking for service hours to retired professionals wishing to share decades of expertise—there is a vital and necessary place for you on our diverse and talented team.
Training and Personal Growth
Learning and leading in a supportive environment dedicated to your success
At the Friends of the Dalton Historical Commission, we are committed to the personal and professional growth of every individual who joins our volunteer ranks. We provide comprehensive, professional training for all roles, ensuring that you feel confident, capable, and empowered as you embark on your journey with us. This is not just a place to work; it is a place to learn. Our volunteers gain unique behind-the-scenes access to our extensive collections and receive specialized instruction in archival best practices, public speaking, and historical research techniques from our expert staff. For students and young professionals, this experience offers a valuable, hands-on introduction to the fields of museum studies and public history, providing a strong addition to any resume or academic application. For our more experienced volunteers, it is an opportunity to mentor others, share wisdom, and stay intellectually engaged with the complex history of New England. We offer a supportive and caring environment where questions are encouraged, where new ideas are welcomed, and where the journey of learning about our past is seen as a lifelong adventure that we embark on together.
The Impact of Your Contribution
Building a resilient future for Dalton by safeguarding the legacies of the past
The impact of volunteering is both profound and lasting, creating a legacy that will be felt by the citizens of Dalton for generations to come. By giving your precious time and talent, you are directly contributing to the long-term preservation of our shared cultural heritage, ensuring that the stories of our predecessors remain vibrant and accessible to the public forever. Your work helps us provide high-quality educational programs for local schools, supports the research of families tracing their roots, and assists in the preservation of architectural landmarks that give our town its unique character. Beyond the technical achievements, your contribution helps to build a more historically conscious, engaged, and resilient community—one that understands its origins and is therefore better equipped to navigate the challenges of the future. The emotional reward of seeing a student’s eyes light up with discovery or helping a family find a long-lost record of an ancestor is a unique experience that provides a deep sense of purpose and pride. We warmly invite you to join us in this important, fulfilling work and to become a dedicated guardian of Dalton’s storied past, ensuring that our history is never forgotten.