Museum Volunteer – Staithes Museum

Context of Role

Staithes Museum is a dedicated heritage centre celebrating the rich history of Staithes and its people, tracing the village’s heritage back hundreds of years.

Their collection includes thousands of photographs, memorabilia, and artifacts that highlight Staithes’ key industries—fishing, ironstone mining, and alum quarrying—as well as its maritime legacy, including Captain Cook’s apprenticeship in the village.

Visitors can explore lifeboat stories, maritime models and timepieces, natural sciences, and the vibrant artistic heritage of Staithes, along with the once-bustling railway that shaped the region.

Role Description

Staithes Museum are looking for an exceptional candidate to join their Volunteer team as a Museum Guide and/or Shop Assistant.

They are very flexible and interested in arranging an opportunity that suits you: from a public-facing role to some transcription work from home, they would appreciate any time you are able to give them.

Below are the two main roles their volunteers do at the moment:

Museum Guide

Welcome visitors to Staithes Museum’s upstairs gallery and help bring the village’s history to life.

This role is perfect for friendly, curious people who enjoy talking to others.

You don’t need to be a local history expert – they’ll give you all the information and support you need.

Shop Assistant

Help run the museum shop and welcome visitors to Staithes Museum.

If you enjoy meeting people and like a role with variety, this is for you.

Their shop is small but busy, selling local history books, gifts, and souvenirs.

Purpose of the Role

Depending on your role your duties will vary, these roles and duties are as follows:

Museum Guide

You’ll chat with visitors about the museum’s displays, answer questions, and share stories about Staithes’ fishing, maritime, and artistic heritage.

You’ll spend your time greeting visitors, chatting about the museums collections, and helping them get the most out of their visit.

Shop Assistant

You’ll be the first friendly face visitors see, handle sales, answer questions, and keep the shop looking tidy and inviting.

You’ll greet visitors, process purchases (cash and card), and answer questions about the museum and Staithes.

Benefits

As part of volunteering with Staithes Museum you will gain:

• Share your love of history with visitors from all over the world.
• Learn fascinating facts about Staithes and its heritage.
• Be part of a welcoming and supportive volunteer team.
• Access to a Museum Development Volunteer Pass giving free entry to many museums across the North.
• Free tea and coffee during your shift.
• Free training opportunities to build your skills and knowledge around local heritage and museums.
• Regular volunteer meetings in the evenings with food and drinks.
• The chance to take ownership of a project or develop specialist skills if you wish.

How to Apply

Detailed Role Description	Volunteering | The Staithes Museum
Application Format	Get in touch via their Contact page or get in touch with them directly via email at [email protected] or over the phone at 01947 841454.
Deadline	25/11/2025 12:00