Hunter Museum of American Art

One of the things I enjoy most about my job is working with volunteers. During the week, and sometimes on weekends, you will find volunteers greeting visitors, working on special events and programs, giving tours, working in the library and assisting staff with administrative duties.

The history of Hunter volunteers goes back to 1951 when a small group of dedicated volunteers from the Chattanooga Art Association took an important step to promote art in Chattanooga. Mrs. States Rights Finlay, the first president of the association, wrote a letter to the Benwood Foundation about obtaining the home of the late George T. Hunter to be used as an art museum for their growing collection. Today you know this beautiful classical revival home as the heart of the Hunter Museum of American Art – the Mansion.

During the late 1960s, the volunteer corps continued to grow with the establishment of the new Board of Trustees and an Associate Board of Volunteers. As the collection grew so did the need for docents to handle school tours and the new Museum Store created more job opportunities for volunteers.

As you can see, volunteers have played a very important role these past 50+ years. The need continues to grow and today the Hunter has between 85 to100 volunteers and averages 3500 volunteer hours annually.

Eileen Henry Haun, Development and Volunteer Associate

Want to volunteer at the Hunter? Email Eileen Henry-Haun.