Volunteers in Washington, DC Area
Volunteers at the National Archives Buildings in Washington, DC, and College Park, MD, perform the following functions:
Docents give tours and document workshops that introduce the general public to the priceless holdings of the National Archives, from the Charters of Freedom (Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights), to outstanding maps, photographs, films, videos, sound recordings, and electronic records. They also conduct school programs for classes visiting the National Archives or as an outreach service to the school. In addition, there is a community outreach program that presents programs about the National Archives and American history to community groups.
Visitor services aides work with visitors in the rotunda of the National Archives building and at the information desk in the museum lobby. These volunteers welcome visitors and provide them with information about the Charters of Freedom, the other holdings of the Archives, long and short term exhibitions, and programs. They also answer questions about other area attractions.
ReSource Room volunteers work with visitors in the National Archives' new Learning Center. They provide visitors with information about education programs and materials. Volunteers help engage visitors in activities and increase civic literacy by responding to questions related to historical topics and to techniques for Teaching With Documents.
Staff aides work behind the scenes assisting archival staff on special projects and reference services for which there is no funding or professional staff available. Under the supervision of an archivist, they may work with records, perform indexing duties, make descriptive lists, perform holdings maintenance and data entry, or they may provide reference and administrative services.
Genealogy staff aides welcome and assist genealogy researchers, many of whom are using the resources of the National Archives for the first time. Prior experience and training as a genealogist are required, and comprehensive training in using archival sources is provided.
Contact: Volunteer Program StaffThe National Archives and Records Administration
Washington, DC 20408
Phone: (202) 357-5272
Fax: (202) 357-5925
volunteer@nara.gov
