Volunteer Program  

The Funk Heritage Center has an active volunteer program.  Volunteer Linda Baker works at the front desk. She welcomes visitors and provides clerical assistance to the museum staff. When visitors enter the facility, they are greeted by a volunteer at the front information desk and this person takes the admission, answers the telephone, and completes various other administrative tasks.

Hospitality volunteers also welcome visitors, assist with refreshments, and provide guests with museum information for special events including lectures and workshops.   

Volunteer docents are guides for school field trips and for adult groups who schedule museum tours. These docents provide information about each of the galleries, the facility, and the Appalachian Settlement.  Interpretive volunteers dressed in period clothing appear in the Appalachian Settlement cabins providing  “living history” interpretations during special events.  Please see living history volunteers for additional information. 

Gardening volunteers will find a rewarding job in helping with the museum's landscape project. In addition to planting around the facility and on the Northcutt Trail, they assist in maintaining the gardens. 

Volunteers also assist in the museum gift shop by helping school children shop and taking the annual inventory.  

Special program assistants: During the year, special events are held that may be of interest to volunteers who have special qualifications. Cherokee County Master Gardeners volunteer to teach horticulture programs for children and scout leaders volunteer to help with programs designed for children participating in scouting organizations. We welcome people who would like to share their expertise.                                                                                                                                 

 Bob Andrew (below) volunteers as a docent to give groups guided tours.                                                             

 Volunteer Benefits  

Volunteers receive a free membership to the Funk Heritage Center after completing 20 hours of service. Monthly volunteer meetings are held the third Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m. These meetings provide volunteers with an opportunity to socialize together and also to take advantage of interesting training opportunities and occasional field trips. Volunteers look forward to an annual picnic and a special holiday program. When helping with events, they enjoy lectures and workshops at no charge.

How Will I Know What To Do?

Orientation programs are scheduled throughout the year.  Training is provided for all volunteer positions. Individuals who are interested in giving tours for children and adults will receive a guide book with information concerning all of the venues in the museum. Volunteers who sign up to assist with the living history program in the Appalachian Settlement meet with staff to plan their programs and to determine what roles they want to play.

How Do I Sign Up?

If you are 18 years of age or older and you are interested in volunteering, call the Funk Heritage Center and request a volunteer registration form. You will also be directed to the Funk Heritage Center volunteer coordinator. You can also visit the museum on weekdays and talk to one of the staff about your interests. If you are a Reinhardt student and are interested in working with school children or the general public, please call us. You will enjoy this volunteer experience.