The number of volunteers that help run the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton has plunged from 30 to just three after the COVID-19 pandemic.
So the museum’s director is putting out a plea for more volunteers.
Pat Smith, the museum’s director, revealed that startling loss in volunteer help in a recent story in the Clinton Daily News (subscription required):
“Believe it or not we used to have 25-30 volunteers for about 20 years,” she said. “I think most of the drop in volunteerism was due to COVID basically. So many of my volunteers have been retired older people and I think maybe they’re more apprehensive about working here after the pandemic, especially in the winter.”
Smith said some may be deterred from volunteering because they might believe the hours are similar to that of a regular job. But in the past – when there was a steady stream of people willing to volunteer – Smith said she had her volunteers work on one of two shifts, either 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Although the museum is now in its slower season, come summertime Smith said she will need more help handling the influx of visitors. […]
“Our volunteers’ jobs are to man the gift shop and greet people,” she said. “They have no cleaning responsibilities or anything like that. Mostly what I need from them is a friendly face to greet visitors with.”
She said the job can be very rewarding for someone who is outgoing. Since the museum sees so many visitors each year, many of them are from a variety of continents, nations and cultures. This makes the perfect scenario for someone who is an able-bodied individual who is 18 or older and wants to connect with people from all over the globe.
Those from the region who wish to volunteer need to go to the museum at 2229 W. Gary Blvd. (aka Route 66) and ask for the director. An applicant then would receive a form to fill out, and the museum would perform a background check before he or she is approved as a volunteer.
Prospective volunteers, however, should know the museum will be closed for the New Year’s holiday through Jan. 8.
The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum opened in 1995 and is the oldest such museum dedicated to the Mother Road. It draws 50,000 to 60,000 visitors annually.
In 2022, it received over $1 million for improvements and new exhibits.
(Image of the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton courtesy of Oklahoma Tourism)