Volunteer
OUR SERVICE
Volunteers are essential to the everyday operations of the museum and are often the highlight of the experience for our visitors! Share in the passion of having fun, while building a greater sense of community through service.
We welcome volunteers from all walks of life to join our team! Scroll down to review our current volunteer opportunities from Docent to Museum Restoration; there is something for everyone. The museum is seeking individuals who will assist us in maintaining our mission of honoring the men and women who served their country in the U.S. Armed Forces and Wartime Merchant Marine. Military experience is not required.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age, willing to participate with a regular commitment for a minimum of four months and have a healthy team spirit attitude!
Military experience is not required to be a Veterans Museum volunteer. Our volunteers are happy to be restoring the glory!
Each month 100+ active volunteers participate in the Veterans Museum’s mission in various departments and roles.
Volunteers proudly drive the Museum’s operational success every day. We are here because and for our community.
OPPORTUNITIES
Museum Tour Guides
Museum Welcome Staff
Gift Shop Cashier
Office Support
Library Archives
Grant Writing
Event Production
Exhibit Cleaning
Exhibit Building
Membership
Fundraising
Community Outreach
Construction
VOLUNTEER APPLICATION
Are you interested in volutneering at the museum? Complete the Volunteer Application on the next page and a member of our staff will contact you. With a variety of opportunities available we look forward to speaking with you.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS?
How do I apply to be a volunteer?
Submit an online application here. Once received, applications are reviewed to see if the applicant matches a need. If it’s a promising match, the candidate is invited to an Open House where information is given and introductions are made. Candidates who are cleared are invited to train. In many cases, training is on-the-job. In others, a formal training program of a few days is required.
What will I do as a Veterans Museum volunteer?
Volunteers support museum operations in many ways. See our Opportunities List for current volunteer opportunities. In general, volunteers are the museum’s frontline staff, serving more thousands of museum guests per year. Others contribute behind-the-scenes in areas like restoration, exhibits preparation, and administrative positions.
How much of my time is required?
Each assignment asks for a monthly commitment of, generally, 20 hours per month, often with a flexible schedule. The museum is open 6 days per week!
What are the benefits of volunteering?
The benefits are numerous including a generous awards program for all of its volunteers based on the amount of time they volunteer. We also provide discounts in our gift shop, and as always, we have free parking.
Can I bring a group to volunteer?
Yes. Volunteering at the Veterans Museum provides great collaborative opportunities. We welcome corporate teams, office groups, schools, military groups, service organizations, alumni groups, associations, families, fraternities/sororities, and faith-based organizations. We prefer groups of 10-20 people at a time but can accommodate others depending on the needs of the ship at the time your group is available. To schedule a group project, please contact us at (619) 239-2300 or office@veteranmuseum.org. For best availability, contact us at least a month in advance. Please allow us at least 48 hours to reply to your message.
What kind of volunteer work do the one-day groups get assigned to?
The volunteer projects vary depending upon the group and the needs of the museum. They range from light cleaning to renovation projects. With our current “Restoring the Glory” campaign, there are numerous construction projects where help is needed.
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
We are looking for adults 18 or older. Volunteers 12-18 years old, with chaperones, are encouraged to consider a one-day group project. We also have an internship for ages 15-18 who have a genuine interest in the armed forces. Interested in this program? Contact us at office@veteranmuseum.org.