In August, members of the Greater Princeton branch of AYLUS (GPA) served at Morven Museum & Garden (55 Stockton Street, Princeton, New Jersey 08540; Phone 609-924-8144; Open Wednesday through Sunday, 10am – 4pm).
A National Historic Landmark, Morven is on five pristine acres in the heart of Princeton, New Jersey. The home of Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and former New Jersey Governor’s Mansion, Morven showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Garden State through regular exhibitions, educational programs, and special events.
History is an anchor to the past and a beacon to the future. Preserving and examining the past is vital for educating good citizens who will build a greater society. One day all citizens will know and understand America’s history and pursue civic duty actively and responsibly. The Museum & garden is to preserve and celebrate Morven’s legacy by sharing its authentic stories.
The Morven Museum is looking for enthusiastic, outgoing volunteers to work as docents/tour-guides and gardeners. GPA member Karen Yang (8/22, 3 hrs; 8/27, 2.5 hrs) volunteered at Morven and gave a tour about Morven’s history and the 11 families that lived there. She walked the visitors through 6 galleries that talked about Richard Stockton, the signer of the Declaration of Independence, his grandson, Robert F Stockton, Helen Stockton, Robert Wood Johnson, and the various governors who lived at Morven; these were all owners of Morven and all had a unique story and tenure at Morven. Karen was also able to talk to two visitors who came from Connecticut and East Windsor, New Jersey. It was their first time here, and it was great interacting with them. Karen gave 2 tours, to a total of 8 people! I had a great time interacting with people from all around the East Coast and had a blast answering their questions too. Amber Yu (8/23, 2.5 hrs) went to assist Morven’s horticulturists in tending the historic grounds. With the garden curators, Charlie and Louise, Amber helped weed and hoe the plant beds and train vines to climb the trellis. She will also help to harvest and donate the vegetables grown in the garden to the Arm in Arm food pantry. Amber picked 34 onions. She also bagged the vegetables. There was 14 bags of tomatoes, 8 bags of sweet peppers, 5 bags of hot peppers, 5 bags of okra, 5 bags of egg plants, 2 bags of lettuce, and 1 bag of potato. The total weight donated to Arm in Arm was 48.42 lbs.
Volunteer Opportunities:
MORVEN DOCENT/GUIDE
Morven is always looking for enthusiastic, outgoing individuals to volunteer as docents/guides.
Docents are trained to conduct tours for visitors that promote a deeper understanding of the role Morven played in American and New Jersey history.
The museum is open for tours Wednesday through Sunday. The minimum commitment is two four-hour shifts per month.
GARDEN VOLUNTEER
Garden volunteers work alongside Morven’s horticulturists tending the historic grounds.
Volunteers help with the annual heirloom plant sale by arranging and pricing plants and helping shoppers choose the perfect plants for their garden.
OFFICE WORK AND SPECIAL EVENTS
Volunteers lend a helping hand to Morven’s staff for events, setting up before and assisting guests during events such as Morven in May, Fourth of July Jubilee, and the Festival of Trees in December.
Volunteers assist in a variety of behind-the-scenes work, including mailings and office tasks.
If you have a special talent, let us know! Volunteers have helped Morven’s efforts in a variety of ways, including proof-reading, computer editing and design, woodworking, and more.
Volunteers enjoy a flexible schedule and are welcome any day of the week. Remote volunteering opportunities are available.
If interested, email your completed volunteer application to Debra Lampert-Rudman, Curator of Education and Public Programs, dlampertrudman@morven.org
