Volunteer

As a community-based organization, the GLBT Historical Society relies on the dedicated efforts of a legion of enthusiastic volunteers. You can get involved with the exciting and important work of preserving and interpreting LGBTQ history! Donate your time for projects and tasks that appeal to your skills and interests.

Why become a volunteer?

Volunteers have a unique opportunity to learn about the GLBT Historical Society’s history, operations and collections, contribute to preserving LGBTQ history for generations to come and meet people from all over the world. In addition, volunteering comes with a number of benefits, including the following:

• Free one-year membership to the GLBT Historical Society, along with accompanying North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) benefits.

• 30% discount on merchandise in the museum store and online.

• Invitations to biannual volunteer appreciation parties and additional celebrations.

Please read the descriptions below for information about available volunteer opportunities and how to apply. If your application meets our needs, we will contact you about next steps, including interview, orientation and training.

Already a volunteer? Log in here to view your schedule, sign up for shifts, and more!

Museum Volunteers

Becoming a Front Desk Museum Volunteer is a great way to gain new life and job skills, further your knowledge about interesting queer topics, and serve the LGBTQ community! Volunteers are essential to providing access for everyone who comes to the museum.

Front Desk Museum Volunteer duties include: 

• Facilitating day-to-day museum operations;

• Providing a warm and welcoming presence to visitors; 

• Answering general inquiries; 

• Interpreting exhibits and artifacts in their unique perspectives; and  

• Assisting with ticket, membership and merchandise sales.

Our museum volunteers are: 

• Friendly and outgoing;

• interested in LGBTQ history and community; 

• Experienced in or expanding their skills in retail and customer-service, front-desk and reception operations; and 

• At least 18 years old.

Initial commitment: We ask for a minimum commitment of at least six months and a minimum of two 2-hour shifts per month on days the museum is open. Volunteers may take on additional duties and hours with supplemental training. In compliance with state and city health regulations, we have implemented extensive safety and cleaning procedures; learn more about these here.

Archives Volunteers

NOTE: We currently have limited capacity to host onsite volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering in the archives please reach out to Kelsi Evans for more information.

Volunteers in the archives help our staff process collections, create finding aids and catalog records, sort ephemera and periodicals, and assist with collection surveying and digitization. We are looking for volunteers who have experience working or researching in archives, or who have or are completing a graduate-level degree in library and information science or related fields. Volunteers in the archives must be at least 18 years old and commit to at least six hours per week during our normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.) for a period of at least three months. If you are interested in becoming an archives volunteer, please email your résumé and cover letter detailing your interest and any relevant work experience to Kelsi Evans, director of archives and special collections.

Working Groups

The GLBT Historical Society’s Working Groups are advisory and operational bodies that carry out designated functions focused on key initiatives. Volunteers on the Working Groups commit to a more sustained level of involvement in the society. Click here for more information about the Working Groups.