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Welcome Plaza Visitor Host

Service Summary

Welcome Plaza volunteers work with staff to facilitate school field trip check-ins, including wayfinding and greeting groups as they arrive onsite. Volunteers also help direct groups to the different stations in the Visitor Center and Historic Fort.

Responsibilities

  • Create a welcoming environment for all visitors by greeting and interacting with them upon arrival and departure.

  • Provide wayfinding and directions to areas within the visitor center (store, restrooms, etc) and historic fort.

  • Answer general questions about the site experience, available programs, and building & site information.

  • Direct school groups to various interpretive stations across the site.

  • Report any inappropriate behavior or guest concerns to site supervisors or managers.

  • Attend shifts as scheduled. If illness or an emergency require a last-minute absence, notify your supervisor immediately so a substitute can be sought.

Qualifications

  • Appreciation of and respect for working with children and educators.

  • Friendly, outgoing, respectful, and customer service-oriented.

  • Ability to assert self; can speak up and be heard, yet talks to everyone in a respectful manner.

  • Ability to give clear and simple instructions to large groups.

  • Flexible and adaptable to a dynamic and changing setting.

  • Ability to register for and sign in/out of shifts on a computerized system/iPad.

  • Ability to be on your feet, standing, or walking for the majority of your shift.

Accessibility Information

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.

Visit the Historic Fort Snelling accessibility page for more information.

Training & Safety

Attend volunteer training event.

Value to the Volunteer

Volunteers in this role will be able to participate in a high energy environment while working directly with school children to provide them with a positive field trip experience. You will gain a familiarity with Minnesota history, Historic Fort Snelling, and the Minnesota Historical Society.

Parking is free to volunteers during their shifts.

Perks for all active volunteers can be viewed on the bottom of the MNHS Volunteer News webpage.

Time Commitment

One shift per week or one shift every other week.


Coordinator: Adi Hanany (Site Supervisor) adi.hanany@mnhs.org

Location(s): Historic Fort Snelling


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.