The primary role of Docents is to lead Museum tours for both school aged children and adult groups. Museum tours cover the areas of Erie Canal and New York State history, the Syracuse salt industry, and the development of the city of Syracuse. School tours reflect the New York State Curriculum Standards for Social Studies and concentrate on the fourth grade, which studies the Canal as part of these standards.

Docents are also involved in Museum outreach to area schools, community centers, retirement communities, places of worship, and other organizations interested in the history of the Erie Canal. Also, workshops and public programs are becoming an important area of Docent participation.

Docents are selected through an application process. Successful applicants are able to demonstrate the ability to work comfortably with diverse groups of people, to have strong public speaking skills, and the ability to present accurate historical information in a clear manner. An understanding of New York State Curriculum Standards for Social Studies, other volunteering experience, and related work experience are helpful, but not required. Three references are requested as well as a written statement about why you want to be a Museum Docent.

Request an application by calling the Museum Educator at (315) 471-0593 ext.13 or by filling out our on-line form.

A curatorial researcher assists the Curator with filling research requests, finding related materials for upcoming exhibitions, and assisting other Museum staff by reviewing materials, documents, and publications for accuracy in regards to the history of the Erie Canal. The Museum has an excellent collection of reference materials in the form of books, artifacts, diary entries, photographs, and historic documents, all of which are used to support Museum research.

An application for Curatorial Researcher should be submitted to the Museum's Curator. Successful applicants will have a demonstrated ability and interest in history and research. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a passion for digging out hidden information are required. To request an application, please call the Museum at (315) 471-0593 ext.13 or by filling out our on-line form.

The Museum Shop and Front Desk are a combined position staffed both by Museum personnel and volunteers, depending on the day of the week. Experience in retail sales, ability to operate a cash register and credit card machine, and perform multiple simultaneous tasks are necessary abilities to successfully run the Museum Shop on a daily basis. Front desk volunteers should be able to interact with a diverse public, and have a working knowledge of the history of the Erie Canal.

Because of the Museum's dual role as the Heritage Area Visitor Center, front desk volunteers should be able to give directions to major points of interest in the City of Syracuse and understand and be able to relate the history of the city to the public.

Request an application by contacting the Shop Manager at (315) 471-0593 ext.12 or by filling out our on-line form.

For information on the following areas please call the Museum Educator at (315) 471-0593 ext.13 or fill out our on-line form.

• Workshop Assistant
• Craft Demonstrator
• Membership Recruitment
• Data Entry / Administrative Assistance