Volunteer

Bring Portland stories to life as a docent or host at Pittock Mansion. Both long-term and holiday season volunteers are welcome and appreciated. For more information, or for a volunteer application, please email lhasenmiller@pittockmansion.org.

DESCRIPTION Docents lead three 50-minute tours per day through the Mansion, and may assist in operating the original Otis elevator.

TRAINING Docents attend a training session, receive the Guide’s Guide and Gate Lodge Families to read and study, shadow other docents, and practice until they feel comfortable leading tours.

Please note: Guiding Mansion tours can be physically demanding, requiring considerable walking, multiple sets of stairs, and the ability to project one’s voice.

DESCRIPTION Hosts sit in or circulate through the Mansion, greet guests and answer questions about Pittock Mansion. Hosts also assist visitors with the operation of the original Otis elevator.

TRAINING Hosts attend a training session, and receive the Guide’s Guide and Gate Lodge Families to read and study.

Please note: Hosting in the Pittock Mansion is the least physically demanding volunteer position. All floors of Pittock Mansion are accessible by elevator. Hosting provides an opportunity to engage with visitors at greater length than guiding tours.

DESCRIPTION The Hands-On History host uses the Artifact Carts to engage visitors in hands-on learning. The Artifact Carts consist of historic objects that visitors can pick up and use. The host helps guests learn about the objects and what life was like around the time Henry and Georgiana Pittock lived in the Mansion. Each shift, the Hands-On History host chooses which Artifact Cart they’d like to share with visitors, “Home Technology and Architecture” or “Kitchen Gadgets and Gizmos.”

TRAINING Hands-On History hosts attend a training session and receive the Guide’s Guide, Gate Lodge Families, and the Artifact Cart guides to study and learn. This training emphasizes information in the Artifact Cart guides, and the objects on each cart.

Please note: Hosting the Artifact Carts is the least physically demanding volunteer position as volunteers are welcome to sit or stand in one place for the duration of their shift. Hosting the Artifact Carts provides an opportunity to engage with visitors at greater length than guiding tours.

DESCRIPTION Hosts sit in or circulate through the Mansion, greet guests and answer questions about the decorations and the history of Pittock Mansion. They also assist visitors with the operation of the original Otis elevator, and with photos with Santa in the Library or Music Room.

TRAINING Hosts attend a training session, and receive the Guide’s Guide and Gate Lodge Families to read and study.

Please note: There aren’t any guided tours during the holiday season due to increased number of visitors.