VMHC Volunteer

Position Description

Updated October 27, 2022

Title: VMHC Volunteer

Division: Guest Engagement

Reports to: Director of Education

Position summary:

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. Our volunteers have the opportunity to gain exposure in the inner workings of a museum and contribute valuable visitor services to our guests. Qualified volunteers should possess a flexible attitude for dealing effectively with the public, proficiency with computers, and an understanding that reliability is critical. Please note that these applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and you may not be contacted immediately.

Education Docents:

Docents conduct gallery tours and provide classroom programs in the VMHC's education center. These volunteers should possess a love of Virginia history, be comfortable working with different audiences (public and private schools, home-schooled groups, and community groups), and be willing to commit to the training required. Monthly time commitments are flexible, but docents are required to attend monthly meetings. The education department hosts docent recruitment and training as needed, but not necessarily on a standing schedule.

Guest Services:

Guest Services volunteers greet and welcome visitors, answer questions, and direct visitors to galleries and exhibits. Volunteers should be knowledgeable about current and upcoming exhibitions, programs, and events in the building. Some Guest Services volunteers might also help in the shop or with processing transactions, at the discretion of the Manager of Guest Services. Shifts are available every day. The ideal candidate will be able to commit to at least two shifts per month.

Special Event Volunteers:

These volunteers are "on call" and are contacted if there is an upcoming event for which extra staffing is needed. Events are normally held in the evening or on weekends and include Virginia History Day, July 4th Naturalization Ceremony, BrewHaHa Craft Beer Festival, special evening lectures, etc. All volunteer applicants will automatically be added to the Special Events Volunteers list, unless directed otherwise.

Application:

If interested in this job opportunity, please apply and upload your resume to

The Virginia Museum of History & Culture is owned and operated by the Virginia Historical Society - a private, non-profit organization established in 1831. The historical society is the oldest cultural organization in Virginia, and one of the oldest and most distinguished history organizations in the nation. For use in its state history museum and its renowned research library, the historical society cares for a collection of nearly nine million items representing the ever-evolving story of Virginia.

The Virginia Historical Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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