Volunteering at the Morris-Jumel Mansion

 



Simon Whalley, the former music director and organist at the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin in New York, describes himself as a “culture vulture.” Unlike many travelers who enjoy spending time at the beach or major attractions, he enjoys learning about the cultural richness of the locations he visits. During his time in New York, Simon Whalley visited numerous museums and galleries, including the Morris-Jumel Mansion.

The oldest residence in Manhattan, the Morris-Jumel Mansion seeks to provide visitors from around the world with information about the cultural history of New York City. To assist with its many tours and maintenance needs, the Mansion relies on the support of dedicated volunteers. Volunteers help with a large range of tasks, from working in the museum gift shop and helping staff with public programs to facilitating projects. Volunteers can also spend their time working at the Roger Morris Park. The park serves as the Morris-Jumel Mansion’s grounds and needs volunteers to help out once per month.

The Morris-Jumel Mansion welcomes individuals who are willing to work as volunteer docents at the Mansion. Docents provide guided tours through the house and grounds. Most tours are held on Saturdays and the first Sunday of every month; however, private tours are also available during the week. All volunteer docents must complete a general house tour training before starting their work. They must also complete sessions relating to any exhibitions in the museum and are welcome to participate in monthly workshops about changes around the Mansion.

Lesser-Known Museums in New York City

 


Simon Whalley, an accomplished music director in the United Kingdom and United States, most recently conducted a professional choir and prepared musical scores as music director and organist at the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin in New York. A culture enthusiast, Simon Whalley loves visiting museums and galleries wherever he travels, and he has explored many different museums during his time in New York.

Although New York City is well-known for its classic museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim, it is also home to numerous lesser-known museums. Below are just a few of the city’s lesser-known museums:

- The Tenement Museum: the Tenement Museum teaches visitors about the city’s long history of immigration. Located on Orchard Street in a former tenement building, this museum features costumed actors and unique installations. Tours are available throughout the day which offer the opportunity to learn about the roles and stories of NYC immigrants.

- Neue Galerie: featuring early 20th century art from German and Austrian artists and designers, the Neue Galerie is often overlooked despite being across the street from the famous Met. The gallery’s exhibits are spread throughout a three-story townhouse and its prize piece is the “Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer,” by Gustav Klimt.

- Hamilton Grange National Memorial: thanks to the efforts of the National Parks Service and a local church, the original NYC home of Alexander Hamilton was carefully preserved. The structure was converted to a memorial and museum where visitors can walk through the rooms that this founding father and other significant historical figures once enjoyed.

St Mary's Christmas Card

Famous Paintings in New York

 


Previously based in New York City, Simon Whalley is a music director and organist who most recently held employment with the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin in Midtown Manhattan. While in New York, Simon Whalley took advantage of the city’s great cultural institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

New York City is a mecca of culture with many world-renowned artworks. For those visiting the great city in search of famous pieces, here is a list of where to find some of the top paintings:

1) The Museum of Modern Art was established in 1929 by a number of philanthropists who wanted to challenge traditional museums by showcasing modern art. Visitors to the museum will encounter Vincent Van Gogh’s The Starry Night, Salvador Dali’s The Persistence of Memory, and Drowning Girl by Roy Lichtenstein.

2) The Metropolitan Museum of Art displays some of the more classic works, including The Water Lily Pond by Claude Monet and The Death of Socrates by Jacques-Louis David.

3) Known for its spiraling architectural design, the Guggenheim is fun to walk through and also includes famous pieces like The Yellow Cow by Franz Marc and Van Gogh’s Mountains of Saint-Remy.