EUGENE, Ore. – (May 25, 2012) – The University of Oregon's Museum of Natural and Cultural History, 1680 E. 15th Ave., will host an open house for those interested in serving as volunteers. The hour-long open house will begin at 4 p.m., Wednesday, May 30. Museum staff will discuss opportunities to assist with the museum's public programs and the benefits of service.

To complete their training, volunteers are asked to attend three sessions at the museum: Friday, June 8, (12:30-2:30 p.m.); Tuesday, June 12 (3:30-5 p.m.); and Thursday, June 14 (3:30-5 p.m.). Training will combine hands-on learning, lectures and discussions. Once trained, volunteers can provide support in education, exhibits and visitor services.

"Being a volunteer means becoming an integral part of stewarding our human and natural history," said Jules Abbott, museum education coordinator. "It's an engaging way for life-long learners to continue exploring while also giving back to their community. And with the Olympic Trials next month, this is an especially exciting time to be part of the museum team."

For more information, contact Jules Abbott at jabbott@uoregon.edu or 541-346-1694.

About the Museum of Natural and Cultural History
The Museum of Natural and Cultural History, 1680 E. 15th Ave. in Eugene, is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and youths 17 and under, and $8 for families (two adults and up to four youths). Museum members are admitted free. Guided tours are offered each Friday at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Media Contact: Rebecca Black, marketing and communications specialist, Museum of Natural and Cultural History, 541-346-5083, rblack@uoregon.edu

Museum on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/oregonnaturalhistory