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By Joann Stevens, Guest Blogger and Jenna Jones, CVA
On the twelfth day of Christmas, Associates sent to me:
12 Months of Learning,
11 Folks Applauding,
10 Students Listening,
9 Staffers Dancing,
8 Speakers Talking,
7 Ticket Buying,
6 Studio Arts Courses,
5 Volunteers!
4 Program Guides,
3 Book Signings,
2 Virtual Tours,
And a Partridge in a Zoom Tree!
Through our hundreds of live streamed programs, we can feed your hearts and minds, when you view our Virtual Zoom Tree.
By Kiren Marshall, Guest Blogger
COVID-19 has disrupted every aspect of society, and museums and their volunteers, which rely heavily on in-person interaction, are uniquely affected. However, there are some new (virtual) faces in the Smithsonian Associates family. Nicole was gracious enough to spend some time explaining why she jumped at the opportunity to do some virtual volunteering. Hopefully it will offer some inspiration to you, as we all face pandemic fatigue and long for our lives to be normal again. Know that you are still able to make a real impact as a virtual volunteer as museums nationwide have made the shift to remote programming!
Why did you decide to volunteer remotely with Smithsonian Associates?
I am a freelance photo editor and photo researcher, working with publishers and authors to locate and properly license visual content. Before that I was an art student and a newspaper photographer, and I’m an avid museum goer and art book reader. All that to say – I’m a total art nerd.
What advice would you give to prospective or new volunteers?
Don’t think that because the work is virtual that you will feel lonely - Jenna has built up quite a team! As a freelancer that is something I am often seeking.
What part of training was the most valuable to you?
The shadow shift – I’m a visual learner (obviously!).
What programs have you supported so far as a volunteer?
Mostly art history programs, such as those about Hopper and Cezanne. I thoroughly enjoyed Nancy Heller’s recent lecture about Frida Kahlo. I consider myself a “Fridafan” and I learned quite a few new things about her gorgeous work and interesting life.
Is this kind of volunteering like you thought it would be? Why or why not?
It's rewarding to see the attendees’ questions and view in real time how engaged they are with the programs. And it’s another way for me to learn more, to read questions that I may not have thought about.
How did you find out about this opportunity?
I found this role while seeking out professional development opportunities. I can’t recall exactly which site led me to Smithsonian Associates.
Anything else you want to add?
Professionally I’m a frequent visitor to the Library of Congress and National Archives online catalogs, but living in New Jersey I’ve never visited either in real life. They are both on my must-go list. Also, I’m in Morristown, NJ where a local museum just became a Smithsonian affiliate. The Morris Museum is an asset to our arts-rich community.
Struggling to find that perfect gift? Need help with last minute holiday shopping? We have good news!
Select museum stores will be hosting virtual shopping appointments for SI employees from December 14th to December 18th*; just in time for the holidays. All purchases will benefit from a 30% discount for this week only!
Participating stores include American History, African American History & Culture, American Indian-DC, and Udvar-Hazy.
If you are interested in a shopping opportunity at any of these locations, use the following SPECIAL contact information to schedule your virtual shopping experience for next week. Appointments are limited so please ACT FAST!
NMAH
Email: ReedH2@si.edu
Phone: 202-633-9565
NMAAHC
Email: GilliamTS@si.edu
Phone: 202-420-0852
NMAI-DC
Email: BurdurogluMC@si.edu
HAZY
Email: McgurkB@si.edu
Phone: 703-572-4171
*Virtual shopping experiences only, in-person shopping will NOT be available. Credit card payment only.*
For further information on this message, contact Tiffany Spriggs, SE, x3-2082 (VoIP) or 202-633-2082 (non-VoIP), SpriggsT@si.edu
