There are many opportunities for you to be involved in our exciting work. Our volunteers provide assistance in a range of activities, including research and cataloguing, greeting visitors, clerical work, and staffing the Admissions Desk. A volunteer is expected to provide a regular commitment of time, ranging from one half day to several days per week. The Museum is open to the public six days a week, and volunteers are utilized at all times. Opportunities for volunteers are always changing depending upon the needs of the museum. Please complete the online volunteer application to get started.
Job descriptions:
- Visitor Services: Visitor services volunteers are the museum’s front-line. They greet visitors, assist with membership inquiries, and help with bookstore purchases and inventory. Volunteers may also assist the Visitor Services Associate with administrative tasks as needed.
- Docents/Tour Guides: Docents and tour guides enable the CHSA to fulfill its educational mission. These volunteers will be required to attend training sessions on Chinese American history with special attention to the stories showcased in the museum’s exhibitions and walking tours. After completing training, they will lead 45-minute tours of the gallery space or 90-minute tours of Chinatown. They are expected to retrain periodically as the museum develops or changes exhibitions and programs.
- Special Events and Public Programs: The historical society periodically holds special events and programs to further its mission. These events include, but are not limited to, CHSA’s Gala, book readings, lectures, performances, and workshops. Events and programs volunteers will provide support by setting up, checking visitors in, and/or breaking down for events.
- Collections: The historical society cares for and is home to a collection of Chinese American art and artifacts ranging from paintings to postcards. After completing training with the museum’s Registrar, collections volunteers will help process objects in the museum’s collection including scanning, photographing, and condition reporting.
