These questions pertain to volunteering with the AWIPM.
How do I become a Volunteer?
You start by inquiring about it, and from there, we have a conversation about how you want to volunteer and
what your skill set is. Then we move to see how you interact with other volunteers, and then we see what the
Rest of the Crew thinks. If everything goes well, then we can proceed with discussions, applications, etc…
Is there a background check?
Yes, in fact, there are 2 background checks we must have done before we can make you a volunteer. Both are
required by PA ACT 54, and there are NO EXCEPTIONS to avoiding this. If you have already undergone a background
check and have copies of those documents or access to them, they are good for a period of no more than 5 years.
Who pays for the Child Abuse and PSP Background Checks?
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, it is Free for volunteers to undergo these background checks per act 54.
Did someone mention Dues for becoming a Historical Interpreter with the AWIPM?
Yes. Historical Interpreters are the life force of the museum. Each of us contributes to ensuring we can keep
doing what we do. The dues are relatively inexpensive and you do get an included membership with the Navy &
Marine Living History Association as well as the Small Museum Association, and Liability insurance is through
the NMLHA. Your dues help pay the group memberships on both ($75/yr NMLHA & $25/yr SMA), and your portion of the
Liability insurance ($4), as well as assorted expenses throughout the year.
What is a “Member in good standing?”
A “member in good standing” is one of our Active Members/Volunteers who is consistent with showing up to help,
paying dues on time, and good with communication. A “Member in Excellent Standing” goes above and beyond in all
three of those aspects without any reminder. Awards are typically given out for the latter after a period of two
years. Both are also considered at that point Docents of the museum.
What is a Historical Interpreter?
A Historical Interpreter is a volunteer who has decided to dedicate their time to sharing the lessons of the past
while dressing the part. They are the Active Members/volunteers who have taken the effort to learn about the
history we portray and emulate it so that others may learn from it.
What is a Docent?
A docent by definition is a lecturer or guide. in the AWIPM it is a level of lecturer or guide that has put the time
and effort into making sure their knowledge is more than just the bare minimum of what our guides and lecturers
learn and help to educate others.
