.Our members

The backbone of any volunteer organization is its members and the Foundation is no different. A concern of potential volunteers is not having experience as a reenactor or know anything about building ships. Our reply to that is "thats ok." Being a volunteer for the Foundation does not mean you need to be an expert at anything, but an interest and a willingness to learn is. Here are some of our most frequently asked questions and our replies.

I want to help, but I don't have a lot of extra time.
Neither do we. Most of our volunteers have full time jobs and families. We try to get word out about activities as far ahead of time as we can so folks can make plans. While we do not have a participation requirement, we do ask that you fulfil your obligation if you sign up for an event. The only regularly scheduled activity is Sunday Workday onboard Luna, which occurs every Sunday unless we have another event.

Do I have to be a reenactor?
No. Reenacting is a small part of our overall mission. While reenacting is the best tool we have to draw in and interact with the public, many of our educational programs and marketing events are conducted in "company colors" which is our blue collared shirt and tan pants. Work days are done in comfortable work clothes. we do ask that you wear solid footwear, preferably steel toed boots, when working at the farm.

I've never built anything much less a boat, what can I do?
Well, ya never know until you show up. We have volunteers with many levels of expertise and abilities. If you would like to learn to build a wooden ship, we can get you started with basic woodworking projects and build on that. Weask folks to provide their own basic tools such as hammer, tape measure, utility knife etc... we provide the larger power tools. If you think you may be happier researching 18th century maritime history or helping with the news letter or grants, we would be just as happy as you. Come with an open mind and lets see what you may be interested in doing.

I want to be a paid crew member when Luna is floating.
We currently have no plans for paid crew although this may change as the programs evolove. Potential crew members will go through a series of skill and knowledge evaluations, prior maritime experience would be beneficial. We do have a reccomended reading list and a couple of projects to get folks started. Two books that are high on our reading list are "Confessions of a Boatbuilder" by James Rosborough, who designed Luna and "Tall Ships Down" by Daniel Parrott which chronicles some of the most recent tall ship sinkings. You will need a place to sleep and something to store your gear in. A hammock, a sea bag and a small ditty box will fill your needs. We will be more than happy to help you get started on these basic projects.

We hope this helps answer some questions people may have. If you are interested in becoming a member or volunteering, please visit us at an event or contact us via e-mail at info@colonialseaport.org and our membership director will contact you shortly.