Volunteer Opportunities

 

Give History a Hand!


Founded in 1944 by a group of concerned citizens who recognized that rapid suburban growth could erase evidence of the county's rich past, MCHS today is a vibrant organization with a professional staff operating its museums and libraries. The strength of MCHS lies with its dedicated corps of volunteers who do everything from giving museum tours to cataloging new acquisitions to clipping newspaper articles to helping with mailings.

Keep reading to learn about some of our current volunteer opportunities and about the benefits of volunteering at the MCHS...

By becoming a volunteer at the Montgomery County Historical Society, you can...

  • share your love of history
  • know you are actively helping to save county history
  • learn new skills and meet new people
  • receive training from experts in the history and museum fields
  • participate in special workshops and programs
  • receive a 20% discount in the Museum Shop
  • attend MCHS programs for free or reduced admission
  • receive the monthly newsletter, Volunteers' Matter

Click here for a copy of the MCHS Volunteer Application.

For more information contact us at 301-340-2825 or infoATmontgomeryhistoryDOTorg.

Volunteer Descriptions

  • MUSEUMS DOCENTS: Museum Docents provide guided tours of the Federal era Beall-Dawson House Museum and the Stonestreet Museum of 19th Century Medicine in Rockville to adult and family visitors. They also staff the Museum Shop and answer telephone inquiries. A love of history and ability to work with the public are required. Training is provided. Museum hours are Wednesday to Sunday from 12:00 to 4:00. Weekday docents are asked to work two afternoons per month, and weekend docents are asked to work one afternoon per month.

  • YOUTH PROGRAMS: School Program volunteers provide tours to fourth and fifth grade students who visit the museums as part of the "Changes" school tours program. Volunteers can also go out to the schools for the in-school pre-k/kindergarten "A Visit from the Past" program. Boy and Girl Scout programs are usually held after-school, on school holidays and weekends. A love of history and willingness to work with children is required. Training is provided. School Program volunteers are asked to work two to three mornings per month as needed during the school year. Other youth program volunteers are scheduled as needed.

  • LIBRARY: MCHS’ Jane C. Sween Library contains published works as well as original documents pertaining to Montgomery County and Maryland History. MCHS has extensive holdings that include over 6,000 published works; subject, photographic, genealogical and church files, newspapers, and land plats. The library is open Wednesday through Friday from 10:00 to 4:00 and Saturday from 12:00 to 4:00.  Volunteers help keep the library holdings up to date by clipping pertinent newspaper articles, cataloging new acquisitions, doing historical research and helping library users. Knowledge of library and archival systems is desirable but not required. On-the-job training is provided. Library volunteers develop a schedule with the MCHS librarian and/or archivist.

  • SPECIAL EVENTS: Special Events volunteers help out as needed for large programs such as Happy Birthday, Montgomery County!, held in September, and for community fairs and festivals throughout the year.

Already a volunteer with MCHS? Curious about what benefits our volunteers enjoy? Click here for updates on volunteer events and activities!