Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are vital—and much appreciated—members of the Festival Park family. Full- and part-time volunteers are welcomed in the following areas:
Administration (Clerical)
Groundskeeping
General and/ or Ship Maintenance
Visitor Surveys
Housekeeping
Distribution
Visitor Services (Day & Evening)
Interpretation
Museum Store
Maritime

Elizabeth II Volunteer Crew

Volunteer crew training is one of the most successful educational activities at Roanoke Island Festival Park. Participation is open to any Friend of Elizabeth II member who is over 14 years old and is able to devote time to ship’s maintenance and sail training. Activities include dockside work aboard Elizabeth II involving ship’s work such as cleaning, rigging and painting. Classroom and on board sessions provide an opportunity to learn terminology, marlinspike seamanship, sailing maneuvers, anchoring, docking and shipboard emergencies. Under the direction of the captain and staff, crew members exercise the rig at the dock as well, giving volunteers and visitors an opportunity to see how the sails set and lines are handled.

The highlight of this experience is the opportunity for training underway when Elizabeth II sails to other North Carolina ports. Qualified volunteers are able to sign on for scheduled legs of the voyage as well as providing support while the ship is in port.

Another featured activity is sailing aboard our ship’s boat. The Silver Chalice is used for training in Manteo and outreach to other communities where Elizabeth II is not able to travel. Her single square sail is an excellent training aid and she provides and ideal opportunity for the crew to learn to work together.

Training sessions are scheduled for the second full weekend, January through November.

Anyone interested in this program should fill out a volunteer crew application available at the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum or in the ticket office at Roanoke Island Festival Park or email FestivalParkInformation@ncdcr.gov

Next>> Employment Information