leadership
Leadership & Governance
/about/leadership#leadership
Leadership Teams
/about/leadership#executive
Executive Council
/about/leadership#emeritus
Emeritus and Honorary Councils
reports
Reports
exhibits-to-go
Exhibits To Go!
electrifying-minnesota
Electrifying Minnesota
schedule
Schedule
marketing-materials
Marketing Materials
education-resources
Education Resources
education-resources-teacher-tools
Teacher Tools
suggested-reading-and-resources
Suggested Reading and Resources
fur-trade
Fur Trade in Minnesota
schedule
Schedule
marketing-materials
Marketing Materials
educational-resources
Educational Resources
images
Images
hosting-exhibit
Hosting an Exhibit
jobs
Jobs
preservation
Grants

Visitor Host Volunteer

Position Summary

Provides information and customer service to visitors at the Forest History Center. Assists with creation, setup, and delivery of hands-on educational programming as needed. Assists with behind-the-scenes tasks and planning

Responsibilities

  • Welcome visitors, provide information, and answer questions

  • Prepare, set up, and put away program materials

  • Deliver educational programming to a variety of visitor audiences

  • Participate in fieldwork, data processing, and research as needed

  • Perform other duties not typically performed by employed staff as determined by site needs and volunteer interests

  • Work safely and follow any required safety procedures

  • Show up on time, and stay through the scheduled shift

  • If shift cancellation is necessary, inform staff contact as soon as possible (if a volunteer has two no-call / no-show shifts, they may be asked to step down from the volunteer program)

Qualifications

  • Friendly, outgoing, and welcoming

  • Ability to answer visitor questions in a pleasant manner.

  • Comfortable dealing with large groups of visitors of all ages.

  • Strong verbal communication skills.

  • Is comfortable in an environment that might require flexibility and adaptability.

  • Requires minimum direct supervision.

  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.

  • Be willing to walk or bike trails

  • Enjoys the outdoors

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

Training Required

Training will be provided onsite, typically on the volunteer’s first shift.

Value to the Volunteer

Volunteers will gain experience in presenting educational programming, learn about cultural and environmental history, develop connections with Forest History Center staff and visitors, and serve the public in an educational capacity.

Time Commitment

Weekly or every-other-week commitment, Wednesday - Saturday, shifts are 3-5 hours long and can be scheduled between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, with a lunch break.


Location(s): Forest History Center


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.