Volunteering at the Boal Mansion Museum
"This is the most interesting room in Centre County," remarked volunteer guide John Kriner, a retired school principle, about the library at the Boal Mansion Museum. Kriner is one of a host of volunteer guides (called "docents"), ranging from retirees who are still active in the community to students as young as 14 years old. They bring to life a wealth of local and international memorabilia such as a lock of hair of Napoleon, Christopher Columbus' Admiral's Desk and two pieces of the True Cross.

(Are you a student who wants to be a volunteer guide? Click here.)

As visitors drive up the long, gravel driveway of the 200-year-old Boal Estate beneath the ancient oak and maple trees, they are making a voyage of American discovery. Few realize at first glance the incredible American and international memorabilia, authentic and intact, they will experience. When they are done, visitors, including many local school children, have connected with their American heritage. They are quick to heap effusive praise and thanks on their local guides such as John Kriner and the high school and university volunteers who also help during the warmer months.


Volunteers enjoying Papa John's Pizza at the Boal Mansion for the recent United Way Day of Caring include Penn State's Sue Paterno, Brent Pasquinelli of Omega World Travel and C-Cor.Net President Dave Woodle.

 Docents also make possible special events at the Boal Mansion, attending such events as:
· Music at the Boal Mansion: fine food, champagne and music on Saturday, May 3, 2008.
· Boalsburg's renowned Memorial Day festival: food, music, crafts, on Memorial Day Monday, May 26, 2008.
· The Boalsburg Century Ball, celebrating Pennsylvania's unique connection with Christopher Columbus with contradancing, champagne and food on Saturday, Oct 11, 2008.

Prospective guides are invited for a free docent orientation tour of the Museum. Contact the Museum to schedule a time for your visit.

Are you a possible docent? Submit your name, address, phone and email address to the museum at office@boalmuseum.com or PO Box 116, Boalsburg, PA 16827 or telephone 814/466-6210. We will contact you to set up your visit to the museum to learn more about the Docent Program. Are you a possible student docent? Click here for more details about the student docent program.