This season, thousands will visit the New Hampshire Boat Museum (NHBM), unaware that many of the people with whom they interact are volunteers. “It’s true, volunteers are the heart of our museum,” said Executive Director Martha Cummings. “We could not do what we do without them.”
Examples of the kinds of responsibilities assumed by volunteers include, restoring boats and motors for exhibition purposes, preparing the exhibitions, facilitating educational programs, and managing events and fundraisers. Volunteers occasionally move into different roles, which helps to explain Bob Sterndale, who started as a volunteer in the boat restoration shop in 2016 before joining the Board of Trustees in 2020.
“Museum volunteers are a happy group,” said Sterndale, who cited his ongoing experience with “the Boat Shop crew.” “We get together every Monday morning ostensibly to mainly work on collection items, especially boats.”
While a good deal is accomplished during the work sessions, he acknowledged there is a fair amount of “coffee drinking, donut munching and tale telling.” “I come a few minutes early, open the door, and start the coffee pot,” he said. “We enjoy working together. We have fun.”
Regarding his initial interest in NHBM, Sterndale said he has been “privileged” to enjoy recreation and boating on New Hampshire’s beautiful clear lakes since childhood. He cited NHBM as providing the means to celebrate and share these opportunities.
For those who have yet to know “lake life,” he said volunteering is one way to open that door. “There are so many ways to contribute as a volunteer. Anyone who doesn’t mind getting their hands dirty and can tolerate mediocre coffee is welcome to join the Monday morning work sessions in the [boat restoration] shop.”
Sanding and varnishing are not the only ways to help, however, as Sterndale said all NHBM programs and events depend on volunteer support. “If you have any connection with boats and lakes – or even if you just wish you did, there is a place for you.”
About NHBM
Founded in 1992 by antique and classic boating enthusiasts, NHBM is committed to inspire people of all ages with an understanding of, and appreciation for, the boating heritage of New Hampshire’s fresh waterways. NHBM exhibits, events and programming covers everything from boat charters, boat trips and race boats to canoes, wooden boats, outboard motors, sculling, sailing sunfish, and Lyman and Johnson motors. Some of our hands-on programs take place on Lake Winnipesaukee. NHBM is sponsored in part by Goodhue Boat Company, Eastern Propane and Oil, Stark Creative, KW Lakes and Mountains, and FL Putnam.