Recently retired or looking for the stimulation of meeting interesting people from other states and countries, coupled with an outdoor environment on the banks of the Kennebec River? Consider volunteering as a summer docent at the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath on the Grand Banks Fishing Schooner Sherman Zwicker or at the Wooden Ship Launching Demonstration. No experience is necessary, as you will receive training.

Maine Maritime Museum is looking for weekday and weekend crew members to greet visitors when they come aboard the Sherman Zwicker, docked at its pier on the Museum’s waterfront from July to October, as well as docents to staff its demonstration of How to Launch a Wooden Ship.

A get-acquainted party for Zwicker and Launch Demo crews and potential new crew members will be held on Thursday, March 21, from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Museum. For newcomers, it’s an opportunity to talk with veteran docents of both of these Museum attractions and find out from them what it’s like to be a MMM waterfront volunteer.

The Sherman Zwicker calls Boothbay Harbor its home port, but makes an annual three month visit to the Museum during the summer season. It’s one of the Museum’s most popular attractions, according to Ann Harrison, who coordinates the Museum’s volunteer program.

In order to have the vessel and Launching Demo open to visitors seven days a week, with a requisite number of two shifts daily, the Museum requires 28 volunteers at a minimum each week. Harrison notes that additional volunteers are necessary to sub when regularly scheduled members of the crews are unavailable.  

Even with more than the usual attrition in recent years, thanks to those crew members willing to pull an extra shift every once in a while, the Museum has managed to keep the vessel and the launching demo open to visitors with minimum interruption.  

“Everyone loves to serve on the Zwicker,” said Chet Hopkins, who has served on the vessel for eight years. “In the recent past, anyone wishing to work on the Zwicker would face a 1-2 year waiting period to get on board as a member of the crew. With members of our pool of Zwicker volunteers gradually retiring each season, however, it’s not like that any more.”

Hopkins notes that this is a great year for prospective “armchair sailors” to step across the gangplank and onto the deck of the vessel.  While the vessel never leaves the dock, its charm and unique heritage endear it to thousands of visitors each season. Members of the crew delight in telling the story of the Zwicker while pointing out its various unique features.

Those who work on the How to Launch a Wooden Ship demo will insist that it is the best thing going on campus.  Clearly, MMM volunteers have a passion for what they do.

“We have excellent training packages for both stations,” Hopkins states.

To register to attend the Open House Party and to find out more about volunteer positions and training available, call the Volunteer Office at 207-443-1316, ext. 350 or email harrison@maritimeme.org/.