Join the History Center Volunteer Team!
The History Center is looking for energetic and committed volunteers to help create a great experience for visitors or provide behind-the-scenes support. By contributing your time to the History Center, you can learn new skills, work with motivated people who share common interests, and help visitors of all ages connect with the past. If you have an interest in history and want to share your enthusiasm and talents, we encourage you to apply to become a volunteer.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Docent (Tour Guide) Program
Do you have a passion for history? Do you want to learn more about the Tampa Bay region, and share your knowledge and enthusiasm with others? If so, apply to become a docent at the History Center. Docents help fulfill the museum’s educational mission by leading tours for groups of children and adults. No previous history knowledge or education is required. The only prerequisites are a willingness to learn, ability to interact comfortably with groups of visitors, and availability one day per week (Mon.-Fri.) from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. during the months of Sept.-May. The History Center provides extensive training and on-going learning opportunities. Our fall 2013 training class is full; we are not accepting applications for new docents at this time. Please check back in 2014.
Education Dept.
Education Program volunteers assist museum staff with developing and facilitating hands-on programs for a variety of audiences, such as preschoolers, K-12 students, adults and families. Programs include Scout workshops and tours, preschool class programs, and children's camps. Volunteers must be comfortable engaging people of all ages, from preschoolers to seniors. Experience and interest in facilitating arts and crafts and other hands-on activities is a plus. Schedule is flexible; volunteers work on an as-needed basis.
Collections Dept.
Do you seek adventure? Do you enjoy living on the edge? Have you ever wanted to push yourself farther than you ever thought was humanly possible? Then joining the armed forces is probably a good bet for you. But if you like working in a comfortable environment doing curatorial tasks, then perhaps you’ve got what it takes to be a volunteer in our collections department. A limited number of openings are available beginning in September. Volunteers must be available one day per week (Mon.-Fri.) from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., or 1-4 p.m. For more information, contact Travis Puterbaugh, Curator of Collections and Research, at travis@tampabayhistorycenter.org or at 813-228-0097 x 8987.
Teen Program
Teens volunteers (ages 15-17) work alongside museum staff, assisting with summer camps and special events; serving as floor hosts in the galleries; and helping with children’s craft activities during public programs. Volunteering at the History Center provides students with a unique opportunity to learn what happens “behind-the-scenes” at a museum, make new friends, and to gain valuable experience in a work setting. Students ages 15-17 are eligible to volunteer. Teen volunteers should be self-motivated, energetic and upbeat. Experience working with younger children is a plus. All of the summer 2013 positions have been filled; we are not accepting applications at this time. Please check back for opportunities in fall 2013.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Volunteers must participate in all required training sessions, which vary by department. Once training is completed, we ask that volunteers serve at least 6 hours per month to maintain active status. All applicants are subject to a background screening prior to being accepted into the volunteer program.
BENEFITS
In addition to the personal and social rewards of volunteering, History Center volunteers enjoy numerous benefits including free parking while volunteering, on-going learning opportunities, appreciation events, program discounts, and more.
HOW TO APPLY
Click here to fill out a volunteer application. Once your application is submitted, our volunteer coordinator will contact you via e-mail or phone to arrange for an interview. For more information, contact Julie Matus, Curator of Education, at matus@tampabayhistorycenter.org or 813-675-8981.