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Visitor Host

Service Summary

Visitor Services Associates work as part of a staff and volunteer team to ensure all visitors are warmly welcomed, informed and directed to destinations at the Oliver Kelley Farm. Visitor Services volunteers may also provide a great customer experience by assisting as needed with exhibit areas, golf cart, and/or gift shop.

Responsibilities

  • Warmly welcome visitors, offering a great first impression of the site.

  • Give a brief introduction of the site to visitors, making sure to include safety reminders.

  • Direct visitors, including groups, to specific areas and buildings around the site. This may include walking visitors to those areas.

  • Provide assistance to admission desk staff as requested to ensure an efficient flow of customers through the area.

  • Assist with restocking paper towels and bathroom supplies as it is needed.

  • Support efficient gift shop and exhibit area operations. Tasks may include: light cleaning of shelving and displays, and organizing and restocking gift shop merchandise.

  • Maintain and restock activity supplies.

  • Use a radio to communicate with site staff and volunteers.

  • Assist with survey distribution and collection.

Qualifications

  • Enjoys working with adults and children.

  • Assertive and respectful.

  • Has the ability to walk and stand on hard surfaces for a few hours at a time.

  • Enjoys a variety of activities and working as part of a team.

  • Achieves acceptable results on reference checks and a criminal background check.

Accessibility Information

Kelley Farm Accessibility

We strive to be inclusive hosts and to enable all individuals to fully engage. Please let us know if there are any accommodations you might need to fulfill your volunteer role.

Training & Safety

Training will be provided which will include:

  • Basic knowledge of Oliver Kelley Farm operation (hours, facilities, etc.)

  • Basic knowledge of School Programs.

  • Training will be provided on driving the electric cart.

  • Oliver Kelley Farm’s emergency and evacuation procedures.

Value to the Volunteer

We love our volunteers! Active MNHS volunteers receive rewards and other perks. Special events, educational opportunities, and discounts are just some of the ways we recognize our volunteers.

Time Commitment

Summer Schedule: June 10 - August 29, 2026

Weekdays: Wednesday - Saturday

Shift Timing: 9:30 am - 12:00 pm

Commitment: Regular Weekly or biweekly


Coordinator: Matt Eidem matt.eidem@mnhs.org; Megan Steblay megan.steblay@mnhs.org.

Location(s): Oliver Kelley Farm


Become a volunteer

Volunteers

Volunteers are essential to the Minnesota Historical Society.

You are part of Minnesota's story.

From the shores of Lake Superior to the depths of the State Archives, MNHS volunteers are everywhere.

Our opportunities are as diverse as the people and places we serve. Volunteers help us cultivate curiosity, care for collections, share their stories, and more! Don't have a history degree? That's ok. For many opportunities, prior formal education or experience is not required.

Want to see what's out there? Hop over to our Volunteer Opportunities page to see how you can help.

Perks For All Active Volunteers

  • Free admission to special exhibit previews, tours, and classes
  • Free parking & bus passes for active volunteers
  • 10% discount at all museum stores
  • Two double discount weeks in the year
  • Recognition events & special programs exclusively for volunteers
  • Access to break areas on days when you are volunteering
  • 30% food & beverage discounts at the Minnesota History Center Cafe Minnesota

Show your nametag to receive the perks.

Volunteers With 50+ Annual Hours

Volunteers who contribute 50+ hours of service during one calendar year earn free household admission to all MNHS historic sites and museums. These volunteers receive a special volunteer ID card at the end of the year, which can be used as a pass for free admission for the following year.