Mills County Historical Museum Volunteer

Programdescription:

The Mills CountyHistorical Museum offers a variety of volunteer opportunities from Greeter toDisplay Management to caring for Artifacts, helping with Events, Decorating andany specialty area of interest. Training is available and some volunteer workcan be done remotely. Depending on volunteers area of interest help is neededwith database input for collections, research for localhistory or artifacts, assisting with storage and preservation of photographycollection, assisting with exhibits research, labeling, arranging, etc. Additionally, volunteers may choose tovolunteer with for front desk hours where you greet community members andprovide museum overview, answer phone and help with copying tasks. There are also opportunities to provide museumtours and assist with special events.

Location:Mills County Historical Museum (20 Lake Drive, Glenwood, Iowa)

Duties Front Desk Support:

Attendingtraining for specific areas of interest.

Greetand assist visitors.

Maintaina clean and welcoming front desk area.

Provideinformation about the museum.

PromoteMills County Historical Museumthroughout the community.

Duties Research Assistant:

Attendingtraining for specific areas of interest.

Assist staff with archival researchand cataloging historical materials.

Compileinformation for exhibits and educational programs.

Organizeand maintain research files and resources.

PromoteMills County Historical Museumthroughout the community.

Duties Exhibit Docent:

Attendingtraining for specific areas of interest.

Lead guided tours of the museum,sharing knowledge about exhibits and the history of Grinnell.

Engage with visitors, answeringquestions and encouraging discussion.

Set up and take down exhibits asdirected.

PromoteMills County Historical Museumthroughout the community.

Duties Special Events:

Attendingtraining for specific areas of interest.

Assist in planning and executingmuseum events.

Support event setup, registration,and logistics on the day of the event.

Decorate museum for holidays andactivities.

PromoteMills County Historical Museumthroughout the community.

Special Areas of Interest:

Bring your special interest in Agriculture/machinery,clothing, weaving/sewing/quilting, childrens toys, old storefronts, military,Glenwood Resource Center, railroad/trains, photography, pioneer life, and more. You can take ownership of a display area, workthere and sharing your knowledge.

Skills required:

RSVP volunteers must be 55 years of ageor older.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Passion for history and community engagement.

Ability to listen and solve problems.

Ability to work independently or as partof a team.

Flexibility to take on various tasks as needed.

Benefits:

Gain hands-on experience in museumoperations and public engagement.

Opportunity to learn about MillsCountys history and heritage.

Develop new skills and build anetwork within the community.

Receive training and support frommuseum staff

Develop lastingrelationships with other volunteers.

Supplemental lifeand accident insurance while volunteering (see brochure).

Supervision: Supervisionis provided by the Museum Director.

Operation information: We are a non-profit volunteer-based organization with amission to preserve and share the history of Mills County, Iowa, throughartifacts. Throughout its history, the Grinnell HistoricalMuseum has been operated by volunteers. The Museum offers its volunteers aunique opportunity to utilize their historical skills and interests in theservice of the community. They match assignments with thevolunteers available time and interests and provide training.

For moreinformation, please contact RSVP Volunteer Coordinator at 712-521-8132 or emailsheri.bowen@volunteeriowa.org