Thank You, Fells Volunteers!
Become a 2025 Volunteer
Volunteering is a Fells tradition. It began with a small group of passionate volunteers in 1988 and over the years the ranks of Fells volunteers have ebbed and flowed with approximately 180 dedicated individuals. Fells volunteers are active, dynamic and creative individuals who possess the time, talent, and expertise to help further our vision of the John Hay Estate at The Fells.
Interesting opportunities await in horticulture, interpretive programs, preservation, development and special events.
Volunteers work behind the scenes in our Gatehouse office where our small year-round staff is often in need of help with special projects. Flexible hours are available and computer skills are desirable but not mandatory.
Do you enjoy teaching or have special knowledge in horticulture or ecology? Our Education Department would like discuss with you how you might assist. We also need help with installing, monitoring and taking down historical and art exhibits in the Main House.
Our Education Department also needs volunteers who will host programs, including preparing meeting space, setting-up, breaking down, speaker presentations and other hosting needs.
For volunteers with an interest in learning, our Education Department also needs help with historical research, archiving, organizing resources, cataloguing and writing.
Hospitality volunteers are always in demand to assist with volunteer events, receptions and other special fund raising programs and functions.
If meeting and greeting people is your strong suit, then working in the Main House could be just for you. Open seasonally Memorial Day weekend through October, volunteer Greeters are needed to welcome visitors to the Main House, answer questions and assist guests in our Welcome Center.
Have an interest in History? Volunteer Docents lead daily historic tours of the Main House. Docents are provided with training and Docent manuals by the Education Department staff.
Are you a “jack-of-all-trades?” We rely on handy men and women to help maintain our historic buildings and service our machines and equipment. Join our Tuesday morning crew or sign up to be on-call.
Do you like getting dirty and digging in the earth? There are positions for garden volunteers to assist our horticultural staff Wednesday and Friday mornings from April through October. Volunteer Garden Docents are also needed to lead daily tours of the gardens and grounds.
Want to help out with our 2025 Signature Events? We are currently recruiting volunteers for Artists Weekend, Fairy Festival, and Hay Day so if you’d like to volunteer for any of these events, please email Malissa Butkovich at mbutkovich@thefells.org
Volunteers also work on special fundraising events, like our Plant Sale and biennial Auction. Every year we recruit scores of volunteers to plan, coordinate and staff our Christmas at The Fells event (CATF).
Interested in Volunteering for Christmas at The Fells?
We are looking to fill the following roles from November 7 - 16, 2025.
Room Monitors – Guide guests through the home, answer visitor questions, and keep an eye on decorations.
Front Door Greeters – Welcome visitors, check tickets, and assist with same-day sales. Fells staff will handle all credit card payments.
Holiday Boutique Helpers – Assist shoppers, tidy displays, restock items, and support checkout alongside Fells staff.
A Few Helpful Details
Please arrive 15 minutes early to check in and be ready for your shift.
A special volunteer parking area will be available in the apple orchard field — no more hunting for spots!
A reminder email with full event details will be sent out closer to opening day.
Learn more about Christmas at The Fells here.
Click Here to read more about volunteer opportunities.
Click Here to sign up to volunteer using SignUpGenius!
To learn more, contact Malissa Butkovich, Outreach Director at 603-763-4789 x6 or email mbutkovich@thefells.org