Become a Volunteer

roject Liberty Ship is entirely a volunteer organization. From our captain to our newest member, we depend exclusively on the contributions of time and energy from our volunteers to restore, maintain and operate the S.S. JOHN W. BROWN, to organize our museums, and to administer the organization itself. Project Liberty Ship urges you to become an active volunteer.

Project Liberty Ship relies heavily on its volunteers. They are not merely a part of our organization, they are our very heart and soul. As with any worthwhile organization, Project Liberty Ship is always in need of energetic, dedicated people willing to help out with the many projects at hand. Our volunteers range in age from pre-teens to senior citizens, from landlubbers to experienced sailors, from people who are "all thumbs" to skilled craftsmen.

Those of us who do so know that volunteering with Project Liberty Ship is a unique opportunity: to learn about Liberty ships, about the merchant marine, about the Naval Armed Guard, and about the role of each in World War II. It is an opportunity to assist the Project, make friends, meet the public and learn new skills. It is an opportunity to work with men and women who share a common interest in learning about, preserving, displaying and indeed bringing to life a unique part of our nation's history. Our volunteers' knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment help to make for memorable and valuable experiences for our visitors and guests. And when you consider the contributions and sacrifices that our merchant marine and Navy veterans have made in the past while serving their country aboard ships like the JOHN W. BROWN, we believe we have an obligation to give something back.

Within the Project and aboard the BROWN there are literally dozens of rewarding volunteer positions and opportunities that exist in different areas. While we particularly encourage volunteers who have current merchant marine licenses or documentation or similar experience, there are many meaningful positions that involve no maritime background. Special skills, knowledge or experience are not required, just a desire to help wherever and whenever you can. The only formal requirement is that volunteers be members of Project Liberty Ship. For your consideration we have organized our volunteer positions into categories and discuss them on a separate page. Please see our list of volunteer opportunities.

If you would like to volunteer, would like more information about becoming a volunteer, or would like to discuss specific volunteer opportunities, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator:

• by e-mail: john.w.brown@usa.net
• by phone: 410-558-0646 (Ship's Office) or 410-558-1737 (fax)
• by mail:  Project Liberty Ship
                P.O. Box 25846
                Highlandtown Station
                Baltimore, MD 21224-0546

If you are interested in volunteering, we have a job for you somewhere. Welcome aboard!