Port Washington 1860 Lighthouse and Light Station Museum

The Port Washington WI  Historical Society, Inc., an all volunteer 501(3)c non-profit charitable organization is seeking volunteers willing to become docents/tour guides at our City's 1860 Lighthouse and Light Station Museum, an on-going Restoration Project of the Historical Society, located north of downtown business district on "North Bluff," commonly known as St. Mary's Hill . Docents give walking tours of the Lighthouse and Light Station Site on weekends, when we are open to the general public, and on weekdays when we conduct pre-arranged group tours of children or adults.

 Minimum commitment: any combination of at least two  Saturdays and/or Sundays per month, totalling eight or more hours. The more hours one's willing to volunteer, the better docent one becomes.  Couples most welcome.

 No prior experience necessary. Will train on site. 

Age eligility: Teens fifteen to eighteen with demonstrated maturity and parental permission and adults 18 and older.

Preference for individuals able to climb stairs and ship's ladders,  steep and very sturdy, that ascend to the top of the lighthouse lantern (room), but not a requisite ability. Volunteers that are unable or unwilling to climb will always be paired with someone that can ascend and descend the stairs and ladders.jj 

 You''ll become one of our great volunteer if you have:

1. an interest in our City's  history and maritime past including our 1860 lighthouse and Light Station, a series of navigational beacons and the Lightkeepers that "Kept the Lights" of Port Washington. The depth of your knowledge will only be limited by your desire to learn.  
2. a willingness to interact with visitors.
3. a friendly disposition. 
4. a commitment to complete a two to three hour orientation session that includes filling out an application form, receipt of and introduction to our Docent Handbook and participating in a tour of buildings and grounds
5. the patience to  trail experienced docents on one or more days, and, when your indicate you're ready,
6. a demonstrated familiarity with the information contained in our Docent Handbook and, finally, 
7. the confidence to lead your first tour.  As most of our visitors  have never had a guided tour of any lighthouse, they will be pleased just to be escorted through our restored building and getting the chance to climb the tower and gaze over Port Washington and Lake Michigan.

The Port Washington Historical Society and its Lighthouse volunteers hope you'll join us as we promote our City while preserving and sharing its history.