The Iowa Historian is a monthly publication of the State Historical Society of Iowa. If you would like to subscribe, please send us a blank e-mail.
Find the Rewards in Becoming a Volunteer
The State Historical Society of Iowa relies heavily on its volunteers for support
and positive interaction with the public. They are often the first people visitors
see when entering one of our sites, and are “at the ready” with answers
to the questions that come their way.
State Historical Society staff are reviewing and updating the volunteer program,
and have developed a list of current opportunities:
Des Moines:
Library: Book and Microfilm Shelver, Library Receptionist
Information Desk: Receptionist/Greeter (weekends)
Museum Education: Education Assistants
SHSI Foundation: Data Entry/Keyboarding
SUMMER PROGRAM VOLUNTEERS: If you like to share Iowa’s history with young folks, consider becoming a volunteer for the State Historical Museum’s summer and fall programs. Volunteers read stories to children and work with them to make crafts and demonstrate historic games. Summer activities will focus on farm life, barns and quilting, with fall programming presenting Victorian era activities. Volunteers will participate in training sessions and be scheduled for specific programs.
BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR VOLUNTEERS: Have you ever wanted to help uncover the hidden treasures held in the basement of the Museum? The State Historical Museum’s wildly popular Behind-the-Scenes Vault Tours have been so successful that we are expanding the program and are now seeking volunteers to help as guide assistants and will be specially trained by our curators and collections staff. This specialized and highly important volunteer opportunity requires a person comfortable speaking to groups of 20, and someone willing to take the time to learn and become knowledgeable about the Society’s collections. Don’t miss this great opportunity to help us make the Museum’s collection more accessible.
WESTERN HISTORIC TRAILS CENTER: Western Historic Trails Center in Council Bluffs also has a variety of opportunities for volunteers to do presentations, work with school groups, write grants and seek funding, provide transportation around the grounds during special events, general filing, scrapbooks, and take photographs. If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please contact WHTC Site Manager K.C. Hummel, site manager, at 712-366-4900.
For more information on all these volunteer opportunities, contact Sarah Macht
at Sarah.Macht@iowa.gov or 515-242-5193.
