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Volunteer

 Natural Science Youth Volunteer

The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) offers volunteer placements to those who wish to assist in the daily operations at the Maria Mitchell Aquarium and Natural Science Museum. Volunteers are immersed in many aspects of operating a high energy and very popular public Aquarium and Natural Science Museum.

  • Responsibilities and Tasks

    • Caring for live animals in the Aquarium and Museum
    • Cleaning equipment
    • Interact in a professional manner with visitors in an engaging manner during field trips, feeding programs and aquarium/museum tours.
    • Helping to maintain facilities and grounds
    • Learn the names and life histories of all species on display

  • Key Requirements and Qualifications

    • Enthusiasm for learning about Nantucket ecosystems and teaching science
    • Interest in biology and outdoor education.
    • Wish to gain experience working and interacting with the public, both adults and children

    New summer volunteers must be at least 14 years old at the time they start volunteering. 


    Volunteer shifts are self-scheduled at your convinience through our volunteer management platform, Volgistics.


  • What MMA Volunteers Gain

    • Public speaking & scientific communitcaion skills.
    • Familiarity with the marine and/or terrestrial ecosystems of Nantucket & New England.
    • Husbandry skills which may include animal feeding, enclosure cleaning, water quality testing, and more.
    • Experience working with equipment including seine nets, waders, water chemistry tests, water filtration systems, and more.
    • Teamwork and leadership skills.

  • Apply Here!

    This year, the Maria Mitchell Association is using Volgistics to manage volunteers. New volunteers can submit an application using the links below:


    Youth Volunteer Application (age 13-17)


    Adult Volunteer Application (age 18+)


    Returning volunteers do not need to submit a new application. Please e-mail Jónelle Gurley at jgurley@mariamitchell.org to request  reactivation of your volunteer account.


    All other volunteer inquiries may also be sent by e-mail to jgurley@mariamitchell.org. For questions, call 508- 228-9198.

  • Current Volunteers

    Current volunteers can sign in to their Volgistics account here!


    In Volgistics, you can sign up for volunteer shifts, log your hours, and view your volunteering history.

Adult Volunteering Opportunities

In a typical year, over 50 volunteers contribute over 1,000 hours of their time to help the Maria Mitchell Association run its programs, museums, and research. Please contact lfreedman@mariamitchell.org with your area(s) of interest and desired time commitment.

  • Library Science Volunteer

    Work with MMA’s knowledgeable Deputy Director and Curator, Jascin Leonardo Finger, on processing the periodical collection.  Some of these journals have been deaccessioned and will be moving to other libraries across the country.  Nantucket and MMA related journals/articles will remain at the MMA.  This work includes packing and shipping and is quite physical, requiring a strong back and moving heavy boxes.

  • Development

    • Do you have a passion for writing human interest stories that involve history and nature for a weekly paper or newsletter? Please let us know!
    • If you enjoy research, we need a sleuth to investigate corporate foundations and other foundations that support astronomy, aquariums, museums, and environmental education on Nantucket.

  • Natural Sciences

    • If you like meeting people and enjoy Natural History, then this front-of-the-house museum position is for you. MMA would appreciate a volunteer who is willing to take admissions, help with gift shop sales, and/or do museum tours.  (Summer only)
    • This may sound fishy, but we need help at the Aquarium. For those interested in taking admissions and assisting with gift shop sales. (Summer only)
    • Are you a botanist or knowledgeable gardener? If yes, please help MMA map and identify native species in the Hinchman House Museum garden. Plan other plantings of native species selected for biodiversity and insect-use value.  Collect cuttings of native plants for display in the Museum during summer. Obtain permissions from landowners before collecting.  Replace as needed.

  • Astronomy

    • Docent needed for Vestal Street Observatory tours.  Work with one of the wonderful MMA-REU astronomy interns and learn more about the Vestal Street Observatory as you assist with the guided tour and help visitors look through the solar telescope (Summer only, Mon. – Fri. at 2pm).
    •  Assistant cashier for Open Nights at Loines Observatory.  There is nothing like experiencing Nantucket’s dark skies while welcoming visitors to Open Night and helping to collect admission fees.  Your help is needed on Monday and Wednesday evenings (Summer only, 8:30pm – 10:30pm).

  • Office/Administrative

    Do you enjoy office work; especially filing and interacting with the public as you greet visitors, answer phones, and assist with program registrations? Let us know when you are available.

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