Volunteer Recognition

There are many ways we recognize volunteers at the Society, including an annual fall recognition event, a trip to a historic site and an open house in the spring. But there is more to recognition than parties and events. Sometimes staff recognize volunteers by being prepared and having work ready for them; or sometimes it's as simple as staff knowing volunteers by their first names. Other times staff ask for input from a volunteer on an important project.

Here are some ways our staff say thank you to volunteers

Feed them - "We try to feed our volunteers all the pizza and doughnuts they can eat!" State Archives

Celebrate their commitment - "Each year on our volunteers' anniversary dates, my department head and I take our volunteers for coffee to thank them." Reference

Provide ongoing, consistent care - "Occasionally we take our volunteers on outings to metro-area museums, libraries and historic sites so they can learn about other collections of interest. We are also available when the volunteers arrive. We try to give volunteers good instructions to make their work easy." Museum Collections

Get them together - "Each December we partner with the Reference Department to host an afternoon holiday party for our volunteers at the James J. Hill House. Volunteers and staff get to mingle with colleagues from different work areas while enjoying a bounty of seasonal treats in the Gilded Age splendor of Hill's mansion. It's a wonderful way to meet other people with a passion for history." Education

Here's how the Society recognizes you!

A volunteer will be given free parking and pro-rated bus passes.
A quarterly volunteer newsletter describing volunteer activities will be sent to your home or is available online.
Opportunities for growth and development include free admission to special exhibit previews, tours, discounts and classes.
You will be given a nametag to wear while on assignment to identify you and your volunteer program.
You will receive an invitation to our "Mission, People and Places" orientation session.
The staff lounge on Level 1 at the History Center (next to Cafe Minnesota) is available to volunteers while they are on assignment. This is a place where volunteers can take a break or have a cup of coffee. Break areas at historic sites will be designated by staff.
Active volunteers also will be invited to the annual volunteer recognition event.
Receive a personal perk of a 20 percent discount at Café Minnesota on your purchases on the day of your volunteer shift. Remember to show your volunteer nametag before the cashier rings up your purchase.

Volunteers who contribute 50+ hours of service in one year will receive a volunteer ID card. These will be issued the month following the 50 hours of recorded service.

The ID card entitles volunteers to:

A 10% discount in the Museum Stores.
A household pass for free admission to historic sites. For all programs and events charging more than the regular admission rate, a special discount rate may be given to volunteers. Contact specific sites for details.