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We’d love to have you aboard!
The Tampa Bay History Center is looking for energetic and committed volunteers to help create an outstanding visitor experience or provide much-needed behind-the-scenes support.
Volunteers learn new skills, work with motivated people who share common interests, and help visitors of all ages connect with the past. If you are interested in history and want to share your enthusiasm and talents, we encourage you to apply to volunteer.
Volunteers spark curiosity across the Tampa Bay area.
Members of the History Krewe are specially trained History Center docents who deliver the stories of Tampa’s fascinating bygone days. Learn more an request a speaker for your next meeting or special event.
Volunteer opportunities
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, the ability to interact comfortably with groups of visitors, and availability one day per week.
The History Center provides extensive training and ongoing learning opportunities. New docent training takes place annually in September; limited openings are available. Docents must be able to commit to at least nine months of service, from Sept. to June, for a minimum of 8 hours per month.
Education volunteers assist museum staff with 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, children’s camps, and public events. 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.
Teenage volunteers (ages 15-18) work alongside museum staff, assisting with summer camps and/or special events; serving as floor hosts in the galleries; helping with activities during public programs; or researching for various ongoing projects.
Education Volunteer
History-loving teens can volunteer to help with special projects in the Education Department. These projects can range from helping research for upcoming ventures or working with staff to create new programming for TBHC. Teen volunteers must be available at least two weekday afternoons a month.
Process:
1. Click on the “How to Apply” tab below to submit your volunteer application. Applications and subsequent correspondence must be completed by the teen applying rather than a parent or guardian.
2. To be a member of TBHC’s Teen Council you must complete the Teen Council Application below.
3. Teens must also submit a recommendation letter from a non-relative adult. Teachers, mentors, employers, etc. are all accepted. Recommendation letters should be sent to Amanda Hoffman, Programs Manager, at [email protected]
For questions please contact Amanda Hoffman, Programs Manager, at [email protected]
Volunteers in the collections department have the opportunity to assist with the inventory, processing, and cataloging of documents, photographs, and objects in a hands-on work environment. Common tasks include cataloging artifacts, data entry, basic photography, organizing records, research and writing, and other specialized duties.
Collections volunteers should have a keen interest in history, museum studies, public history, anthropology, archaeology, library sciences, American studies, or a related field. Training is provided. Previous museum, archival, or library experience is helpful, but not required.
Collections volunteer opportunities are dependent on project and space availability. Volunteers must be available at least one day per week, Monday-Thursday. We offer a limited number of unpaid college internships and are able to work with students seeking college credit. Internships are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and are not available every semester.
If you have questions about an internship or volunteering, please contact Heather Culligan, Curator of Collections, at [email protected]. All potential collections volunteers must fill out a volunteer application to be considered.
REQUIREMENTS
To join our volunteer team, we ask that you meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 15 years of age. (Teens must submit a letter of recommendation)
- Submit a volunteer application.
- Complete an interview and orientation.
- Pay a one-time enrollment fee of $40, which covers a mandatory criminal background screening. (Camp counselors must instead complete a DCF-mandated, fingerprint-required background check for approximately $45.)
After joining the team, volunteers must participate in required training sessions, which vary by department. Once training is completed, volunteers must serve at least 6 hours per month to maintain active status.
BENEFITS
In addition to the personal and social rewards of volunteering, History Center volunteers enjoy numerous benefits including free parking while volunteering, ongoing learning opportunities, appreciation events, and program discounts.
HOW TO APPLY
Fill out the volunteer application at the link below. After you submit your application, a TBHC staff member will contact you to arrange for an interview.
For general volunteer information and for adult volunteers, contact Nancy Dalence, Director of Education, at [email protected] or (813) 675-8983.
For all teen volunteer and Teen Council information, contact Amanda Hoffman, Program Manager, at [email protected], or (813) 675-8987.
Volunteer Application | Teen Council Application