Volunteering at the Virginia Museum of Natural History

Congratulations to our May 2011 Volunteer of the Month: Xie Yipeng.

This museum plays an important role in the preservation and study of the natural history of Virginia.  As a volunteer, you too will play an important role in helping the museum meet our mission of interpreting that natural history to all the citizens of the Commonwealth.

Below is information about volunteer opportunities at the Virginia Museum of Natural History.  Please contact us at 276-634-4147 or dianeh.clark@vmnh.virginia.gov with any questions. 

Thank you for volunteering with us!

How to become a VMNH volunteer

• Complete a volunteer application.  You can call 276-634-4147 or email dianeh.clark@vmnh.virginia.gov to request an application, or you can come by the museum to pick one up.
• Once your application is returned to the museum, it will be screened and then routed according to your talents and interests.
• The department head will contact you for an interview.
• Once interviewed, you will be assigned a volunteer position or referred to another department.
• Volunteers may be subject to background checks.

Volunteer mission statement

The Virginia Museum of Natural History Volunteer Program engages people from all over the state of Virginia who are passionate about furthering the educational outreach, scientific research, and administrative excellence of Virginia’s only source for Virginia’s Heritage.  VMNH Volunteers can choose to participate in a wide range of intellectual, educational, organizational, and prestigious networking opportunities at the new world-class facility located in Martinsville, Virginia.

Volunteer position information

There are numerous ways in which you may volunteer at the VMNH in Martinsville. Below are definitions of the volunteer categories at a glance.

• Friends of VMNH
  The Friends of VMNH are the fundraising arm of the volunteers.  They plan and organize special events.
• Ambassadors
  These volunteers are responsible for hospitality.
• VMNH Education Volunteer Interpreters
  VMNH Education Volunteers are interpreters of the museum’s educational experience and an active group of individuals who are committed to educating and inspiring the public about Virginia’s natural history.  Education volunteers: work in an welcoming and friendly environment; help to plan and participate in periodic training workshops, social events, and group field trips; work closely with museum staff in an inclusive, dynamic, and team-oriented program; and, use their special talents, skills, or knowledge to share with people of all ages while leading interactive presentations and programs at the museum and outreach programs in the community. A short training session is provided to all new volunteers and ongoing training is provided at least once a month . Volunteers can choose from flexible times and days to work and are expected to participate on a regular basis as an Education Volunteer or a more rigorous program as a Volunteer Interpreter.
• Research Assistant
  Curators often use volunteer assistants in the laboratories and in the field.  Volunteers for this specialized work must have a serious interest in the subject matter, have a regular time commitment, and be able to function physically in the laboratory or field work environment.  Previous education in the subject is not required; however, the supervising curators must be willing to train the interested volunteer in the work to the curator’s satisfaction before the volunteer can participate in the research work.
• Collections Assistant
  Volunteer may assist collections with labeling, sorting, storing artifacts, collection handling, packing and/or rehousing, and entering information about the collection into a database.
• Museum Store
  Volunteers assist in the Museum Store with inventory, pricing, cleaning, helping school groups when they visit the store, and merchandising.
• Library
  Volunteers assist the librarian as needed.  Mostly light clerical or library aide duties.  Some tasks may require the ability to shelve books or lift moderately heavy boxes
• Greeters
  Volunteers assist in the Museum, greeting visitors and helping disseminate information appropriately.
• Office Assistants
  In the reception area, volunteers assist by manning the desk, greeting and directing visitors, and answering the switchboard.  These volunteers make an important first impression to the visiting general public as well as visitors to our staff.
• Exhibits
  The unique design of the VMNH traveling exhibits calls for artistry in design and construction.  Volunteers are called upon to help build, put up, and take down exhibits.  Individuals with a general knowledge of carpentry, silkscreening, construction, and/or strong backs are welcome and appreciated.
• Mailings
  Volunteers are used for large volume mailings by the VMNH Foundation.  The volunteers organize letters with corresponding envelopes, collate, and add additional materials to the letters as needed.  They would apply address labels and bulk rate stamps to the mailing envelopes.
• Education Assistants
  These volunteers help plan and implement special programs for children and families, such as Special Saturdays or Nature Day Camps.  They may also update materials and contribute expertise in writing or crafts.
• Special Events
  Special events volunteers assist with the planning and implementation of various museum special events, including exhibit-opening receptions, galas, festivals, and other events.
• Buildings and Grounds
  Buildings and Grounds volunteers assist with the overall maintenance and operations of the Museum and its surrounding grounds.
• Youth Volunteers
  Offers exceptional opportunities for kids ages 13 – 18.  Volunteers assist education staff with educational programming as well as in other areas of the museum.  Click here to go to the Youth Volunteer web page.