The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum depends on a devoted team of gifted and enthusiastic volunteers to support every part of the organization. Through both behind-the-scenes and public-facing activities, these volunteers share their time, talents, and experience throughout the year to complement and enhance the work of CBMM’s professional staff.
During this National Volunteer Week, all of us at CBMM want to express our gratitude for all that they do throughout the year to help us preserve and explore the history, environment, and culture of the entire Chesapeake Bay region, and make this resource accessible to all.
Thank you for making our campus a better place!
On a daily basis, volunteers share CBMM's story with guests, including this tour for a scout group from the Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center.
Volunteers lend a hand in CBMM's Shipyard, including last March during the process of flipping new construction Chesapeake Bay buyboat Mr. Dickie. (Photo by volunteer George Sass)
With help from a faithful team of volunteers, CBMM's Rising Tide after-school program offers local middle school students the opportunity to learn new skills, work with hand and power tools, and explore the environment and history of the Chesapeake region.
CBMM's many beloved annual events, including the Charity Boat Auction, run smoothly thanks to volunteer support. (Photo by volunteer Rick Shearer)
Throughout last year, volunteers supported the installation of new exhibitions within the new Welcome Center, including getting vessels and other artifacts ready for display in Water Lines: Chesapeake Water Craft Traditions.
Volunteers lead Harbor Highlight Cruises on the Miles River, sharing the history of the port aboard a historic vessel. (Photo courtesy volunteer Lloyd Devigne)
In December, volunteers were a key part of CBMM's Welcome Center Grand Opening celebration, including the Pledge of Allegiance from Bill Hough (brown jacket) during the opening ceremony. (Photo by volunteer Sharon Thorpe)
What a year it has been!
Last year, 186 CBMM volunteers contributed a total of 18,675 hours of service!
- 2,500 hours supporting our Shipyard
- 2,500 hours developing and supporting the upkeep of our exhibitions and collections
- 1,800 hours continuing education through trainings, meetings, and peer support
- 1,600 hours as crew on our historic floating fleet vessels
- 1,500 hours contributing to the Maritime Model Guild
- 1,600 hours welcoming our 76,000+ guests to campus
- 850 hours supporting our summer campers
- 700 hours supporting our annual festivals and the 23,500 guests who attended them
- 380 hours providing tours to groups, families, and businesses to share the Chesapeake story with 10,000+ guests
- 400 hours supporting our Rising Tide after-school program
- 200 hours gardening to keep our campus beautiful
- 60 hours supporting 4,500+ area students, teachers, and chaperones through interactive learning
Join our volunteer team!
CBMM strives to foster a collaborative environment that empowers volunteers to participate and grow, and we are proud to offer a program filled with people who are interested in participating more deeply in what we do. If you would like to become a volunteer, visit cbmm.org/volunteer and get started by completing an online application. Contact volunteer@cbmm.org to learn more about the opportunities available!