Volunteer

Volunteering at the Virginia Historical Society is a great way to learn more about history while helping to preserve the past for the enjoyment of future generations. Meeting new people, learning and sharing information, and making a real contribution to the Society are just a few of the benefits volunteers can receive for their time and effort.

Volunteer positions are open to all individuals who meet the qualifications outlined below, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or disability.

WHO? Volunteers must be friendly, outgoing, enjoy working with the public, and have an interest in Virginia history.

WHAT? Volunteers can work with visitors or behind the scenes.

WHEN? All volunteer opportunities (unless noted by a *) are available Monday–Friday between 9 am and 5 pm.

Public Space Volunteer Opportunities

Tour Guide/Docent
Volunteers assist the education staff and give guided tours to adults and students relating to current exhibitions and history boxes. We are currently not accepting docent applications at this time.

Behind-the-Scenes Volunteer Opportunities

Groundskeeping
Volunteers may assist horticultural staff with the general care and upkeep of the grounds at the Society's headquarters.

Virginia House Volunteer Opportunities

All volunteer opportunities at Virginia House are available Monday–Friday between 9 am and 4 pm. For garden volunteers, evening hours are currently available on Wednesdays between 5 pm and 8 pm.

Gardening
Volunteers may assist the horticultural staff with the general care and upkeep of the extensive formal and naturalistic gardens and grounds at Virginia House.

Special Project
Volunteers needed to work at the historic Virginia House estate in restoration of the woodland gardens. These positions require manual labor including clearing and creating garden beds, cleaning pools, etc. Please contact Tracy Bryan, Site Manager, at 804.353.4251 or tbryan@vahistorical.org for more information.

Interested?

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at the Virginia Historical Society, please contact:
Dana Fariss
Volunteer Coordinator
Virginia Historical Society
P.O. Box 7311, Richmond, VA 23221-0311
Phone: 804.342.9643
Email: dana@vahistorical.org

Apply online:
• Go to the online application

You can also download a printable volunteer application:
• Print a volunteer application (link opens in new window)

Volunteer Benefits

Free admission to the galleries and research library at the Virginia Historical Society.

Free admission to Virginia House, a reconstructed 16th century manor home that overlooks the James River.

Invitations to the Society's exciting schedule of cultural and academic programs, including Banner Lectures, the annual Alexander W. Weddell Lecture, exhibition openings, and gallery walks.

Subscriptions to Virginia's distinguished historical quarterly journal, the Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, and to the Society's semiannual newsletter, History Notes.

A 10 percent discount on all purchases made in the Museum Shop.

An invitation to the Annual Garden Party at Virginia House (after 50 hours of volunteer service).