Our volunteers’ time and talent are vital to the success of the Chicago History Museum. If you are college-age or older, have some free time during a week day or weekend day, and are looking for an interesting, enriching experience, then volunteering at the Museum may be for you.

Museum volunteers bring skills, life-experience, and energy to supporting the work of our staff as they donate their time. Training is required for each opportunity and may include seminars, artifact-handling sessions, mentoring, and other tutoring.

Commitment

Most positions request a one-year commitment in light of the training involved. The weekly hourly commitment varies per position, but most volunteers commit an average of three to six hours per week.

Opportunities

Currently, we are seeking volunteers in the following areas:

Curatorial

Curatorial volunteers work with staff to catalog and process collection materials. Volunteer needs in this area are sometimes based on the Museum exhibition schedule.

> Download the Scanning and File Preparation Assistant description

Visitor Services

Visitor Services volunteers work closely with the front line staff, help greet school and adult groups, and assist other Museum visitors. Only the friendliest applicants need apply! Weekday and Saturday opportunities are available.

> Download the Museum Greeter description

> Download the School Group Greeter description

How to Apply to Become a Volunteer

It’s easy to apply! Download the position description(s) of interest and the application. Complete the application and return it to the address indicated on the form. Once we receive your completed application, we will send recommendation forms to your listed references. When the completed reference forms are returned, your application will be considered ready for review and your material will be submitted to the appropriate volunteer project supervisor.

> Download the volunteer application

Volunteers receive the following benefits:

• 25% discount in the Museum Store
• Discounted prices to Chicago History Museum programs
• Invitations to special events, exhibition openings, and receptions
• Chicago History magazine
• Invitations to annual volunteer recognition events
• Opportunities for free and low-fee enrichment programs and excursions

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