Waterworks Volunteer Open House March 5 at 11am

The Metropolitan Waterworks Museum is looking for volunteers! Located inside an architectural wonder, alongside the beautiful Chestnut Hill Reservoir, easily accessible by public transportation, the museum is a great place to work. Our volunteers play an essential role in explaining the history of how Boston developed one of the country’s first municipal water systems. Under enormous 19th century steam-powered pumps, they regale visitors with stories about Boston’s Golden Age, pioneering Public Health efforts and amazing feats of engineering. Join our enthusiastic team of all ages and interests as we underscore the importance of water as a treasured resource! Stop into the Museum for an Open House on March 5 at 11am for the first presentation in this season’s volunteer enrichment series: “Sex, Crimes, and Trophy Taking: The Gilded Age at the Metropolitan Waterworks.” We will have a light brunch and an opportunity to meet volunteers and staff and get acquainted with the story of the Waterworks Museum.

Located a very short walk from the Boston College main campus, the Metropolitan Waterworks Museum at 2450 Beacon Street in Boston, opposite the Chestnut Hill Reservoir, is a non-profit museum dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the historic waterworks and landmark buildings that supplied the City of Boston with public water.

The Museum presents unique stories of this early metropolitan water system through exhibitions and educational programs on engineering, architecture, social history, urbanism, and public health. The Waterworks sits on the site of the original Chestnut Hill Reservoir and pumping station in a Richardsonian Romanesque building dating to the late 1880’s. The Museum consists of the Great Engines Hall, housing three monumental steam-powered pumping engines, and a two story glass-enclosed pavilion, featuring the Overlook Gallery, where temporary exhibits and special programs are held. Education programs, guest lecture series, self-paced tours, and other programs are part of the regular calendar of events.

Volunteers are welcomed to the Museum, trained in our unique story and engagements, and supported through ongoing enrichments. We ask for two 2.5-hour shifts per month (minimum), and we are looking for individuals with interests in engineering, architecture, environmental and water science, public health, education, archival and collections management, museum administration, history, and other fields. Opportunities to teach, work with museum staff, and facilitate the domestic and international travelers or groups who come to Boston are all part of the fun.

The Museum's regular open hours are Wednesday through Sunday, from 11am to 4pm, with longer hours 11am to 9pm on Wednesdays from March through October. We are closed to the public on Mondays and Tuesdays. Check out our website at www.WaterworksMuseum.org for more on our history and community engagements, or find us on Facebook and Twitter @MetroWaterworks. Call or email our Director of Events Amanda Fisher for information about volunteer opportunities. We look forward to meeting you!