Mark Twain Museum Needs Volunteers

Last Updated on Friday, 24 April 2009 19:23 Thursday, 19 February 2009 00:00

Mark Twain said it best: "Work consists of whatever a body is obliged to do.  Play consists of whatever a body is not obliged to do."  Hannibal residents will recognize that passage from The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and recall that Tom managed to convince his pals that doing his work for him, was play for them.  In that spirit, the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum is sending out an all-call to Hannibal residents to serve as volunteers.  Or, as Tom might have put it, "Come on down and play!"  An informational open house is scheduled for Saturday, February 28 at 2:00 p.m. at the Museum Gallery.  Residents are invited to bring a friend and learn about the benefits of volunteering.  Light refreshments will be served.

Volunteers are needed to staff the gift shops and admission desks, greet visitors, assist with mailings, set up for programs, and assist with a variety of other projects.  The Museum encourages "the buddy system" so volunteers can team up to make a difference with a friend or family member.  Volunteer positions offer flexible hours to fit every schedule.

"Volunteers are a crucial part of our team here at the museum," said Ryan Murray, marketing and community relations manager at the Museum and also the volunteer coordinator. "The volunteer program is open to anyone aged 15 to 115 and encourages education through service."

"Americans volunteer more hours than citizens in any other country," interim director Dr. Cindy Lovell said.  "The Museum has a long tradition of welcoming volunteers.  We rely on their generosity of service to help us put a friendly face on the Museum and the city of Hannibal when visitors come through."  The Museum recently opened its doors and began offering free admission to all Hannibal residents, whom Lovell credits with the preservation and operations of the Museum.  She hopes many will attend the open house, which will last about an hour and include a brief overview of Museum properties.

"Whether folks can do a little or a lot, it all adds up to something significant," Murray said.  Interested parties are encouraged to call the Museum at 221-9010 to RSVP.  Information is available on the Museum's website for those unable to attend: www.marktwainmuseum.org.