386-761-1821
Do you have a have a passion for history that you would like to share with young and old alike? Are you looking for an opportunity to socialize with others and contribute to a worthy cause? Does the opportunity to learn new things and instill a love of history and culture in others excite you? If you answered yes to any of these question then the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum is the place for you!
Established in 1972, the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse Preservation Association relies heavily on the generosity, commitment, and enthusiasm of its volunteer corps to achieve its ongoing mission to preserve and disseminate the maritime and social history of the Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station. Month after month and year after year, this dedicated group of selfless men and women can be found giving guided tours of the lighthouse and museum, leading onsite programs, assisting staff with administrative tasks, or facilitating educational workshops in classrooms and public venues throughout the local community.
Volunteering at the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is not all work and no play. Docents are also provided ample opportunity to socialize with each other throughout the year during monthly training sessions, scheduled luncheons, off-site field trips, and the Association’s annual volunteer award dinner. As an added bonus, all volunteers are provided a free annual membership in appreciation of their valuable contribution to the museum.
The Ponce Lighthouse and Museum is always looking for individuals interested in becoming lighthouse volunteers. Available opportunities include tour guides, tower guides, educational workshop instructors, costumed interpreters, costuming assistants, program development, and more. No previous docent or teaching experience is required and complete training is provided. Those wishing to learn more about current volunteer opportunities and scheduled volunteer training sessions can contact the museum by email at lighthouse@ponceinlet.org or by phone at (386) 761-1821.
Current Volunteer Opportunities at The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse
Tour Guides
Educate visitors about the Ponce De Leon Inlet Light Station and Central Florida History. Tour Guides provide visitors with a complete tour of the Light Station and local history. Training is provided for all tour guides. The normal length of the tour is one to three hours and requires the ability to walk for an extended period of time (it is not necessary to climb the tower). Tour Guides must be reliable, enthusiastic, and friendly. Good public speaking skills, a love of history, and a desire to share their knowledge with others is a must.
Tower Monitors
Educate visitors about the Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station from the top of Florida’s tallest lighthouse! Monitors should be friendly and possess good public speaking skills, a love for history, and a desire to share their knowledge with others. Tower monitors need to be in good physical condition and able to climb 203 steps to the top of the Lighthouse. Standing for extended periods of time is required for this position.
Living History Interpreters
Bring history to life as historic reenactor! Dressed in period costumes, living history interpreters provide visitors the rare opportunity to interact with significant historic figures from the past. Volunteers need an outgoing and friendly demeanor, a love of history, good public speaking skills, and the ability to "ham it up" with museum guests. Living History Interpreters must be willing to commit the time needed to thoroughly research and develop their characters and play them at special events.
Costuming Assistant
Help bring the past alive by designing and making period clothing for our Living History Interpreters. Costuming assistants should possess exceptional sewing skills. Experienced seamstresses and tailors are especially desired.
Workshop Facilitator
Provide an enriching experience for lighthouse guests by becoming an educational workshop facilitator. The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum is well-known for its many educational offerings. Provided free of charge to the general public, these important hands-on programs provide museum guests the opportunity to enrich their lighthouse experience in a rich and meaningful way. Workshop facilitators must enjoy history and have a desire to share it with young and old alike. Volunteers with teaching experience are especially welcome.
Administration Assistant
Help us achieve our mission behind the scenes as an administrative or curatorial assistant. Volunteers should have some experience working in an office environment, possess basic computer-operating skills, and be available once or twice a week for four hours a day.
Events Assistant
Help us organize, set-up, and staff special events! Event Assistants keep special events running smoothly by greeting visitors, helping with visitor registration, and other duties as assigned. Individuals interested in this position should be outgoing, reliable, and available once or twice a month.
Lighthouse Ambassador
The museum participates in numerous community events throughout the year. Help promote the maritime and social history of the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse by manning the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse booth and participating in the annual Christmas Parade. A Lighthouse Ambassador’s responsibilities include traveling to select community events, setting up a display table with staff assistance, and promoting the lighthouse and museum through conversation and the distribution of promotional materials. Applicants must enjoy talking to the general public, love the Lighthouse, and be available once or twice a month. The Lighthouse will pay for the mileage and general expenses.
Educational Outreach Facilitator
Inspire a love for lighthouse history in the classroom! In addition to its on-site educational activities and events, the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse Preservation Association actively promotes historic and cultural awareness through its many educational outreach programs. Providing off-site opportunities for students, teachers, and local groups to learn about lighthouse and regional history, these important programs serve as a highly effective means of fostering public appreciation for both our endangered historic resources and their need for continued preservation. Educational Outreach Program Facilitators should be charismatic, outgoing, and comfortable with speaking and interacting with large groups of children in a formal classroom setting. Volunteers with teaching experience are especially welcome.
Download Volunteer Application
