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Become a Volunteer

Fun, interesting and rewarding are just three adjectives that describe the advantages of volunteering at Belle Grove.

If you have a few hours a month to contribute and would like to join the Belle Grove family, we would love to have you. Whether joining as a Docent or Service League member you’ll meet many new friends and enjoy the benefits of being a Belle Grove volunteer. Belle Grove is deeply appreciative of all its docents and service league members. These volunteers help make Belle Grove a special place.

Belle Grove’s volunteers, the Docent Guild and Service League, are its major link with both the local community and visitors. Their time, energy, and interest support the work of the staff and board to make Belle Grove’s house a home and its story a compelling educational experience for all who visit.

Docent Guild and Service League Benefits:

  • Free access to the property with guests during non-special events.
  • A 20% discount in the Museum Shop.
  • Monthly newsletter.
  • Invitations to exclusive volunteer parties, lectures, and trips, including the Christmas preview, Annual Volunteer’s Picnic and Annual Meeting.
  • Opportunity to meet new people, be an integral part of Belle Grove’s family; participate in ongoing learning programs in history, archaeology, the decorative arts, and preservation, and provide meaningful community service to Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley.
  • Satisfaction of knowing you are providing an extra measure of support to Belle Grove through your generous gifts of time, energy, and special expertise.

Docent Guild Volunteer

Belle Grove Docents are the ambassadors who welcome visitors from across the United States and the world. They interpret Belle Grove’s heritage and bring to life Belle Grove’s unique history through its architecture, decorative objects, family stories, preservation efforts, and research. Many docents also volunteer as Service League Volunteers.

Service League Volunteer

The Service League is comprised of volunteers who welcome visitors, support the office and maintenance staff, assist with school groups, special events, the garden, and a host of other necessary jobs that help keep Belle Grove thriving. They are often the first person a visitor meets at Belle Grove and an important part of our outreach and hospitality.

Requirements 

Both the Docent Guild volunteers and Service League Volunteers pledge to attend annual training sessions and typically volunteer for three or four three-hour shifts per month. We are pleased to work with volunteers to find the schedule that works best for them.

To Apply to Be A Volunteer

For more information about becoming a volunteer and to print out a short application, click here or contact our Voluneer Coordinator by email or at 540-869-2028.

Words from our Volunteers

One of the reasons I keep coming back season after season is that the Belle Grove staff make a real effort to let you know just how much you are appreciated. I have never completed a shift without someone thanking me and making me feel appreciated. Another reason is that I have made lifelong friends at Belle Grove; friends who share my interest and love of history and of Belle Grove.
Kate, Docent

Every time I drive down the road it makes me smile, the people are wonderful and I love the history.
Melanie, Admissions and Garden Volunteer

Here, everyone is fun and we have a great time doing things and I have learned so much.
Peter, Building and Grounds Volunteer

Belle Grove draws you to it, it has a magnetic personality and it just feels like home.
Betty, Admissions and Special Event Volunteer

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