The Hudson River Maritime Museum has hired an education director to develop an innovative education program for the 2012 season focusing on the Rondout Lighthouse. Sarah Wassberg, originally from the Midwest, has worked in museum education and program development in the Hudson Valley since 2009, specifically at Historic Huguenot Street and Museum Village. She will receive her Master’s degree in Public History at the University at Albany in May.

The Museum’s partnership with the Clearwater, an extended season and expanded open hours have spurred the museum to evaluate programs, creating innovative methods to teach regional history, better serving schools and the general public.

“The lighthouses are key to understanding our history,” explained Wassberg. “Not only do they provide insight into the everyday lives of working families in the last century, but they tie together the history of commerce, industry, navigation, and ecology.”

The museum is actively recruiting volunteers for this program and others.

“Traditionally, the Maritime Museum counts on volunteers for everything from exhibit design and development to dock management and gift shop sales,” says executive director Kate Mitchell. “A huge part of local history education is working with the community. Volunteers are the frontline learners, the information carriers. Growing our volunteer program is the best way to reach out into the community.”

The Hudson River Maritime Museum is seeking volunteers to help with many aspects of the museum’s work, including tours and educational programs, gift shop and admissions, events, historical research, office work, and construction of the new Clearwater boat barn.

Volunteer interest and orientation meetings will be held on Wednesday, February 15th from 10 AM to 12 PM and Saturday, February 18th from 1 PM to 3 PM at the Hudson River Maritime Museum located at 50 Rondout Landing, Kingston, NY.

Those interested may respond via e-mail to Education Director Sarah Wassberg at swassberg@hrmm.org or call 845-338-0071 ext. 16.
The Hudson River Maritime Museum, a 501©(3) non-profit organization, was established in 1980 to collect, preserve, research, exhibit and interpret a collection of historical artifacts related to the preservation of the maritime heritage of the Hudson River and its tributaries. For more information please visit  http://www.hrmm.org/.