Volunteer Opportunities

Share your talents with the National Museum of African American History and Culture. There are a limited number of Behind-the-Scenes Office Volunteer and Program Volunteer positions available for residents of the Washington/Metropolitan area.

Volunteer Environment

Until the museum is built, a fast-paced office has been established in S.W., Washington D.C. Inaugural exhibitions and programs are taking place at other venues in the Washington DC/Metropolitan Area and across the nation.

Volunteer Positions

Office Volunteers

Office Volunteers work on weekdays between 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. There are no evening or weekend positions available.

• Conduct mailings
• Answer phones
• Label & file
• Hand-deliver documents
• Maintain databases
• Draft correspondence
• Conduct supervised research
• Greet guests

Program Volunteers

Program Volunteers work limited hours during the week and/or at programs on evenings and weekends.

• Assist in the creation of activities
• Prepare craft materials
• Assist with logistics
• Fold printed programs
• Set up & take down
• Assist visitors with activities

Volunteer Criteria

We are seeking bright, friendly, energetic and discreet individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Knowledge of museum work is not required, but a willingness to learn and to pitch in where required is.

Benefits

Volunteers enjoy:

• 20% discount at all Smithsonian Shops
• A free or discounted course offered by The Smithsonian Associates
• 10% discount at the National Gallery of Art and Kennedy Center Shops
• Your name listed in the annual Volunteer edition of the in-house paper, The Torch
• Non-reimbursed travel expenses directly related to days of service to the Smithsonian Institution are tax deductible (round trip cost of public transportation or use of private vehicle—allowable mileage rate), subject to IRS requirements.

Application Procedure

Strong volunteer partnerships are essential for the museum to successfully carry out its work. Our volunteer registration is currently closed, however we look forward to working with all potential candidates in the future. To receive an alert when the volunteer program re-opens, please click here.

Background Investigation

A tentative offer of a volunteer appointment is conditional, subject to your successful completion of a pre-appointment background investigation for a non-critical sensitive position.