EUGENE–The University of Oregon Museum of Natural History is looking for new volunteers to guide group tours, staff the front desk and work in the Museum Store.

"Our museum volunteers come from a lot of different backgrounds and are from high school age on up," says museum program director Patricia Krier. "If you like to be always learning something new and you’re interested in earth sciences, plants and animals, archaeology or Native American and other indigenous cultures, then this is the place for you."

The museum, located at 1680 E. 15th Ave. on the UO campus, will host its annual volunteer orientation for continuing, new and prospective volunteers from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1.

The orientation program will include a basic introduction to the museum and the volunteer positions available, volunteer training and the museum’s plans for the new academic year. Refreshments will be served.

Anyone interested in finding out about volunteer opportunities at the museum is welcome. The event is free–just call to say you plan to attend.

The Museum of Natural History serves as the official Oregon repository for archaeological materials from around the state. It also houses recent ethnographic objects and textiles, the Thomas Condon collection of Oregon fossils and other paleontological materials, and various birds, mammals and other zoological specimens from the northwest.

In support of these important collections, the museum sponsors educational programs including lectures, workshops, field trips, family events and guided tours for children and adults.

The museum, which will re-open Sept. 30 after its annual one-month hiatus for maintenance and exhibit installation, is open from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, except university holidays. A $2 donation is suggested.

For more information, contact the museum office, (541) 346-3024. A recorded message about museum exhibits and activities also is available 24 hours a day by calling GuardLine from a Touch-Tone phone at 484-2000, ext. 3447, or visit Museum of Natural History’s Internet website at <http://oregon.uoregon.edu/~mnh/index.html>.

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