Volunteer

Unleash your inner Adventurer, Explorer, Traveler or Detective
to share the history of Sacramento’s early days
with school groups and visitors to the Sacramento History Museum.

 

Most of our volunteer activities revolve around presenting various interactive education programs on weekdays during the school year, but there are also opportunities to assist with special events on weekends and in the summer.

Prospective volunteers should be comfortable interacting with public and working with diverse groups ranging from older adults to small children.

All applicants must be 18 or older and be prepared to commit at least 40 hours over a 1-year period.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

What would I be doing? Docents present programs and guide students in related activities based on outlines developed by museum staff that are linked to grade-level state standards. Within those outlines and time constraints, docents can individualize the programs based on their own experience and interests to make them come alive for students.

How many programs would I need to learn? We ask that all docents become familiar with all programs, which involve presentations and/or guided activities. Most will pick 2 or 3 as their primary programs but being able to help with multiple programs during the busy spring field-trip season is a big help.

Must I commit to a fixed schedule? You will have the opportunity to sign up for whichever programs fit your schedule and interests 1-2 months in advance. We can’t predict which schools will schedule which programs on what days so the schedule is developed as requests are made and we have the capacity to provide them.

Do I need a history or teaching background? Not necessary! We have scientists, engineers, administrators and others who are interested in learning more about Sacramento history and want to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject with students and visitors. Training is provided as needed.

What is the cost of training? Nothing but your time and effort. Training is multi-faceted and includes outlines to provide program information, in-person program overview, shadowing experienced docents, and any other research and reading you choose to do to satisfy your own curiosity. And museum staff is always ready and willing to answer questions.

 

Want to know more about being a docent? Click Here.

Interested in finding out more about our Living History Group? Click Here

 

All interested applicants must be 18 or older.  Interested volunteers should DOWNLOAD and fill out the SHA Volunteer Application.  Please read through the application, as it contains important program information. (When you click on the link, you will need to download the form).

Applications may be mailed, emailed, or dropped off at the Sacramento History Museum, 101 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.

Questions?  Please contact Zoey Jennings, Education Manager, at zjennings@sachistorymuseum.org or (916) 808-6896.