OROVILLE — There’s a hard-working small group of 35 women and men whose volunteer work keeps the doors of the city’s five museums open to the public, and they’re looking for others to join their efforts.

“Members of the Oroville Teachers Association are invaluable,” said Hannah Thompson, curator of Oroville’s cultural facilities, “They are the lifeblood of museums. They are the only reason museums stay open. We couldn’t do what we do without them. They are so important.”

On Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Bolt’s Antique Tool Museum, 1650 Broderick St., the volunteer association is hosting an education program and an informational and orientation event for those curious about the program and are interested in becoming a teacher.

During this orientation, guests will get an overview of each of the city’s five museums – the CF Lott Home, the Chinese Temple, the Bolt Museum of Ancient Tools, the Pioneer Museum and the Feather River Nature Center – as well as what a typical or special day the event assumes for a volunteer. Refreshments will be served and no pre-registration is required.

“There are a variety of volunteer roles available,” Thompson said. “The hope is that this will help those interested in deciding whether museum volunteering is right for them.”

Thompson as well as current faculty will be on hand to answer questions and share their experiences volunteering at the city’s museums.

“If you enjoy history, especially local history, telling stories about and meeting new people, I would encourage you to become a teacher,” said Darlene Morris, senior teacher at CF Lott Home. “I really enjoy giving tours and teaching our guests the history of the Lott family, the house, what it was like here back then and what happened in the house.”

In addition to organizing museum tours, teachers also help plan events; research, archive and catalog collections; creation and planning of exhibitions; and facilitate educational programs.

“I love dressing up in period costume when I volunteer,” said Victoria Arista, teacher at CF Lott Home. “I also enjoy sharing the history of the museum. It is rich and beautiful. Keeping it alive for people is my passion.”

Still relatively new to her position as curator of city facilities, Thompson, who began her job in July, holds a master’s degree in art history from UC Davis and has worked at several museums in California, including the Cocker Museum of Art in Sacramento and was an art teacher. history at American River College also in Sacramento.