The Michigan History Center (MHC) offers volunteer opportunities in key roles such as tour guides, program presenters, gallery assistants, greeters and other services that support the center's mission. MHC volunteers are eligible for a variety of discounts and continuing education as thanks for supporting one of the state's leading history institutions.
Become a Volunteer
Volunteers help the center by interacting with visitors and offering general assistance. They make our visitors feel welcomed, engaging them during special programming, events and hands-on activities.
Become a Volunteer Docent
Volunteer docents receive additional training so they can interpret galleries, lead tours and present educational programs. In this way, volunteer docents provide visitors with a greater understanding and appreciation of the center's collections and exhibits.
Successful candidates for all volunteer categories:
Volunteers must be able to communicate effectively with people of diverse interests, backgrounds and ages. They should be willing to accept new challenges and to seek out information to answer visitor questions and satisfy their own curiosity.
Potential volunteers will need to:
Candidates are asked to attend the following training sessions:
Initial Volunteer Orientation (all applicants
Attendance at volunteer orientation is mandatory for all MHC volunteers. In this session, volunteers will learn about:
See the current training schedule.
Volunteer Docent Group Sessions
Volunteer docents receive more intensive training so that they are comfortable and prepared to present programs, lead tours and talk about galleries. A series of four group learning sessions is required to begin the volunteer docent training process. The series is offered twice a year; each session lasts about two hours. For each session, trainee volunteer docents will receive an outline of material covered as well as suggestions for further reading. Some sessions may also involve brief homework assignments. The sessions provide information on the museum's galleries, educational programs, education theory and presentation techniques.
See the current training schedule.
As a volunteer, you will enjoy:
After 100 hours of service, you will receive:
Updated 02/10/2020