Our volunteer
Why Volunteer: The Heart of Community Preservation
Volunteering with the Town of Somerset Historical Society is an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling way to give back to your community while simultaneously deepening your own understanding of local history. We believe that every person who chooses to donate their time becomes a vital link in the chain of preservation that connects Barker’s past to its future. By working alongside our professional staff, you gain a unique “behind the scenes” look at how history is managed, protected, and shared with the public. There is a profound sense of satisfaction that comes from knowing you are helping to safeguard the very stories that give our town its unique character and spirit. Whether you are a lifelong resident or a newcomer looking to plant roots, volunteering offers a meaningful path toward community stewardship and personal growth. Your commitment ensures that the artifacts, documents, and memories we hold in trust will remain vibrant and accessible for the next generation of Somerset families.
Ways to Help
Empowering residents to take an active role in the preservation of our town’s unique history
We offer a wide and flexible range of ways to help, ensuring that every volunteer can find a role that matches their specific interests, skills, and schedule. For those who enjoy technical or quiet work, our archival cataloging and digital scanning projects provide a chance to work directly with historical documents and rare photographs. If you prefer interacting with the public, you might enjoy leading guided tours through our exhibits or acting as a greeter during our busy heritage festivals. We also need creative hands to help with exhibit preparation, gardeners to maintain our historic landscape, and organized minds to help with administrative support and community outreach. No matter your background, there is a place for you here to contribute to the rich tapestry of Somerset’s ongoing historical narrative. We believe that diversity in our volunteer team leads to a more comprehensive and inclusive representation of our town’s history, and we welcome all who are eager to learn and serve.
The Profound Impact of Service
Witnessing the immediate results of your contribution to local culture
The impact of volunteering is profound and immediate, as our dedicated helpers are the ones who allow us to keep our doors open and our programs accessible to everyone in the region. Without the tireless efforts of our community volunteers, we simply would not have the capacity to maintain our extensive archives or host the large-scale events that define our town’s cultural calendar. By sharing your unique time, talents, and enthusiasm, you become an essential and valued part of the team that ensures the legacy of Somerset is preserved for all future generations to come. Your work directly supports the education of local students, the research of family historians, and the overall cultural literacy of our region. Every photograph you catalog and every tour you lead contributes to a stronger, more informed community that understands the value of its heritage. We see the impact of your service in the smiles of visitors and the continued growth of our society as a central pillar of life in Barker.
Our Supportive Community
Growth and Friendship Through History
Providing training and a social environment for history enthusiasts
We provide all the necessary training and a supportive, social environment where you can meet other history enthusiasts and make lasting friendships that span generations. We believe that volunteering should be a personally enriching experience, which is why we offer specialized workshops for our team on topics like archival handling, historical research, and public speaking. Whether you can give two hours a month or twenty, your contribution helps us tell the story of Somerset more effectively while providing you with a sense of purpose and belonging. Our society is a place where wisdom is shared freely, and where volunteers of all ages can learn from one another in a spirit of mutual respect and curiosity. We are committed to providing a volunteer experience that is both professional and warm, ensuring that every individual feels their unique perspective and skills are helping us grow and evolve as an organization. Joining our volunteer team means joining a dedicated family of community guardians who are all working toward the same noble goal of honoring our past.