Volunteer Recognition

There are many ways we recognize volunteers at the Society, including an annual recognition event, a trip to a historic site, and a special educational opportunity. But, there is more to recognition than parties and events.

Here's how the Society recognizes you!

A volunteer will be given free parking and pro-rated bus passes.
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.
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 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.
A 10% discount in the Museum Stores.

Volunteers who contribute 50 + hours of service in a calendar year will receive a volunteer ID card in December. The card will be valid for the calendar year and expire on December 31. The ID card entitles volunteers to 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.

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." History Center Museum