With the small population of the Kelleys Island Community, it is a challenge to run an organization that requires full participation from its paid Association members and Board Members, plus numerous, valued volunteers. Earlier this summer I wrote an article that described where the Kelleys Island Historical Association started and what it has grown into because of dedicated volunteers, active Board members and supportive Association members. This organization is struggling to remain open. Without staff, including qualified managers, active Board members, supportive volunteers, the opening hours of The Museum Campus will be reduced and services minimized.
The Board is currently looking for active Board members. People who not only attend and participate in monthly Board meetings, but those who can actively participate to support the museum opening hours and its collections. A future Board member may be interested in helping the collections manager scan documents or organize files or create displays. There are many small tasks required to maintain the collections that may be of interest to a new board member or a community volunteer. Another task is gardening and property maintenance. As with any property, these tasks always need a helping hand. Many tasks are involved in maintaining the Museum Gift shop and the museum campus. Enrichment opportunities are always appreciated, like fundraising or community education. As a Board Member, what can you offer the Kelleys Island Historical Association?
Volunteering is one of the best things you can do in your community. Giving back and really enjoying the work is valuable to maintaining personal, professional, social, and health related aspects of one’s life. Volunteers at the Museum Campus enjoy discounts at the Museum Gift Shop and volunteer bucks to use at the Parsonage House Resale shop. Shifts are 2 or 4 hours long. Minimal training
is involved to keep the “ship” running smoothly! Each year a “Volunteer Thank You Party “is given to show appreciation to those who volunteer for the KIHA! Give it a try and help us keep Our organization afloat!
Finally, The KIHA is looking for a manger for the Parsonage House and Sis’s Cottage Resale Shop. The job description can be requested at the Museum. The pay would be a total of $13,680 per season with flexibility. The Opening hours of the Resale shop would be expected to follow the opening hours of the Museum, 4-5 days a week, Thursday through Monday (closed Tuesday and Wednesday), if enough volunteers could be found to maintain the 5th day of being opened. The manager would coordinate all volunteers and donations or work closely with/manage a volunteer to assist. Staging the items for sale, pricing, cash management and maintaining community relationships are other needed skills. Working as a Team member with all staff and understanding the role of the Historical Home/Resale shop, as a community service as well as a “fund raiser” for the KIHA is desired.
The Founding Members of The KIHA had great hopes for preserving the History of Kelleys Island. There are still untold stories hidden in our collections and in our community. Help us preserve these stories to be shared with visitors and community alike!
To apply for a Board position, to volunteer or apply for a paid position please look for the google document at Kelleysislandhistorical.org OR on the Facebook page, Kelleys Island History Museum. You can call or text Jodie Smith 419-350-1082 or Carmen Smith 419-350-1087 for more information.
