August 15, 2016 — The following was released by the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center:

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. – The Fishing Heritage Center is looking for volunteers to help with day to day operations and will launch an extensive training for those volunteers beginning in September. The Center, which opened to the public on June 25th, is dedicated to telling the story of the fishing industry past, present and future through exhibits, programs, and archives.

Beginning in September, volunteers will be invited to participate in a series of “insider” fieldtrips to learn first-hand about the fishing industry. Fieldtrips will include visits to the seafood auction, a processing plant, a gear shop, a shipyard, dockside vessel tours, and more. The training will also include lectures by fishermen, fisheries scientists, maritime authors, and other industry experts.

Volunteer opportunities include: welcoming visitors, staffing the reception area and gift shop, engaging visitors with the exhibits, assisting with educational programs, conducting research, and helping with special events.

For those with a fishing industry connection, we hope you will share your industry skills and knowledge with visitors by leading walking tours, demonstrating skills such as net mending, knot tying, or model boat making, or talking with school groups or the public about your work and life.

Volunteers are needed during Center operating hours (Thursday-Sunday 10-4) and for occasional evening programs and special events. Volunteer hours are flexible and can be scheduled according individual availability and particular areas of interest. The Center is located at 38 Bethel Street, in the heart of the National Park. The Center is wheelchair accessible and free off-street parking is provided to volunteers.