30,000 hours of heart: We celebrated our incredible volunteers for National Volunteers’ Week 2026

In June, National Volunteers’ Week 2026 gave us a chance to say thank you but gratitude for our volunteer crew runs all year round.

Last month, we celebrated the extraordinary people who make the museum possible. Volunteers’ Week 2026 was our opportunity to gather, share some cake, and say a proper thank you to the remarkable crew of volunteers at the heart of the Museum.

Our Tea & Cake afternoon brought volunteers together to mark the occasion, and staff members added something a little more personal: handwritten notes of thanks on special message cards.

“Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm and knowledge every day in the museum. It wouldn’t be the same without you.”

“Dearest Volunteers! Thank you so much for giving your time and helping us create a wonderful experience for our visitors. You are all world class!”

Room for Reward Scheme Celebration

Rooms to Reward is a unique volunteer-recognition charity created to say ‘thank you’ to inspirational volunteers who give up their time to make a difference. Hotels, and holiday park partners donate their unsold rooms, charities nominate volunteers for a break, and Rooms to Reward make it happen!

So, nominated volunteers can have a break in a brilliant selection of accommodation, around the country, for free! They have 1 year to use their voucher and can choose where they stay, from the list of partners.

Rooms to Reward have deemed NMMC eligible for 4 nominations each year so this year during Volunteers Week we announced the awards for this year – Geoff from our VE team, Lynne from our Library team, Paul from our boat team and Adele from our Learning team. Congratulations to them all.

As an independent museum and charity, National Maritime Museum Cornwall operates without government funding for our day-to-day activities. That means our small but dedicated staff team works side by side with a volunteer force whose contribution of over 30,000 volunteer hours contributed every year is extraordinary. Their collective generosity keeps our doors open, our stories alive, and our visitors inspired, from Cornwall and far beyond.

Could you be part of our crew?

Volunteering at National Maritime Museum Cornwall offers a chance to immerse yourself in the rich maritime heritage of Cornwall, connect with a warm and welcoming community, and make a meaningful difference every time you come in.

You don’t need to know anything about boats. Full training is provided and we welcome applications from everyone. Whether you’re seeking hands-on experience, new friendships, or simply a rewarding way to spend your free time, there’s a role here for you.

Volunteering