 Docents in training get to know each other while learning about airmail.
Above: Docents in training get to know each other while learning about airmail.
 Adults and children alike enjoy museum programs. Family Event Volunteers have the opportunity to interact with adults and young people.
Above: Adults and children alike enjoy museum programs. Family Event Volunteers have the opportunity to interact with adults and young people.
 A new crop of docents are recognized at the Volunteer Appreciation Celebration in November 2008. The event featured a Latin Jazz theme, spicy food, and a live jazz band.
Above: A new crop of docents are recognized at the Volunteer Appreciation Celebration in November 2008. The event featured a Latin Jazz theme, spicy food, and a live jazz band.
 A volunteer explains how to sort letters on a Railway Mail Service train car.
Above: A volunteer explains how to sort letters on a Railway Mail Service train car.
 Owney the Dog is a favorite for many museum volunteers who enjoy sharing his story with visitors.
Above: Owney the Dog is a favorite for many museum volunteers who enjoy sharing his story with visitors.
 Visitors display “mail art” postcards created at a museum workshop.
Above: Visitors display “mail art” postcards created at a museum workshop.
 Students mailed their docent a giant package of thank you notes after visiting the museum.
Above: Students mailed their docent a giant package of thank you notes after visiting the museum.
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Volunteer Positions
Docents
Share stories of American history with drop-in visitors and scheduled adult tour groups. You will develop and give independently researched tours of the museum’s exhibits. Participate giving tours at least once a month after a 4 week training course. Weekday or weekend positions are available.
Student Tour Docents
Lead fun, hands-on tours on weekday mornings for school groups from preschool through third grade. As a volunteer with our school tour program, you will be responsible for giving a scripted tour that meets area standards of learning. It’s developed to use fun and interactive techniques to engage the kids in areas of postal history, culture, and stamp collecting.
You are required to give a minimum of 16 tours in your first school year.
Family Event Volunteers
If you enjoy working with people, learning about postal history and stamp collecting, and being part of a dynamic team, this opportunity is for you! Volunteers help out at public programs throughout the year, from workshops to lectures to family festivals.
In 2011, public program volunteers will attend training, enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum’s vault, teach visitors how to start topical stamp collections, craft “mail art” creations with visitors of all ages, and explain Civil War-era postal and philatelic innovations through hands-on activities. Highlights of the year will include fun and educational festivities to celebrate the centennial of the first airmail flight as well as the issuance of a postage stamp commemorating Owney the dog, mascot of the Railway Mail Service and a longtime volunteer favorite. After all that hard work, volunteers will enjoy the annual volunteer appreciation evening as well as social get-togethers throughout the year.
This volunteer opportunity requires Saturday availability and a commitment of one year. Volunteers help out at about ten programs of their choosing each year. No prior knowledge is required, just an enthusiasm for learning about the museum’s topics and themes.
Recruitment for this volunteer position concludes on January 14, 2011, so please apply soon or contact NPMprograms@si.edu for more information.
Independent Program Volunteer
Develop and run an activity station based on proven museum models and your own research. You will share object-based stories and thought-provoking activities with walk-in visitors. Participate leading activities at least once a month after a 4 week training course. Weekday or weekend positions are available.
How to Apply for the Above Positions
You may fill out a Volunteer Application online. For questions about the Museum's volunteer program,
call 202-633-5534.
Please note the museum is not currently recruiting volunteers. You may apply at anytime but positions may not be available and training will not be held until 2012.
Museum Information Desk Volunteer
Volunteers in this program work at a museum information desk where they are on the front lines interacting with visitors of all ages on a daily basis. They not only welcome Smithsonian visitors but also provide information and answer questions about the Institution—its exhibitions, activities, and services.
More information about this volunteer opportunity visit:
www.si.edu/Encyclopedia_SI/volunteer/vis-vol.htm
The Arago Volunteer Researcher Program is a volunteer program at the National Postal Museum and is administered in coordination with the Smithsonian Behind-the-Scenes Volunteer Program. It provides volunteer researchers the opportunity to share their specialized knowledge and cumulative research with a vast audience.
More information about this volunteer opportunity visit:
www.postalmuseum.si.edu/Arago/Researchers.html
General Volunteer Information
Volunteer Benefits
In exchange for your valuable contribution of time and expertise you will receive:
- 20% discount at all Smithsonian Shops
- 10% discount on items at the National Gallery of Art and the Kennedy Center shops
- Behind-the-scenes access to the Museum
- Invitations to special programs and events
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