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The park is fortunate to have people willing to volunteer their time to assist with daily park operations and visitor services, participate in the "Park Watch" program, and provide time and labor for preservation and rehabilitation projects in the park.
Are you interested in becoming a volunteer at Gettysburg? It’s an exciting time to join the Gettysburg staff as we transition into a new museum and visitor center facility. There is currently a waiting list for volunteer training and positions as we explore and define the types and number of positions that we will need to fill. There is so much to do, and we want to be able to bring you on board, equipped with the proper training and ready to serve the millions of visitors who come here each year from all across the globe.
First things first; Let us tell you more about volunteering with us. Then we’d like to know more about you, and your skills and interests.
What does a Visitor Services Volunteer do?
There are basically three types of visitor services volunteers: Interns, Information Desk VIPS, and Ambassadors. Interns are college students who spend the summer season with us, preparing and presenting two programs, helping out at the Information Desks, completing a special project, and gaining valuable career experience for the future. Our summer interns receive park housing and attend extensive training at the beginning of the season. They work 40 hours each week during the busy summer season. The summer intern cohort is selected by January 1, and requires a resume and cover letter.
Information Desk Volunteers are the backbone of our Volunteer Corps, and work at least a 4-hour shift per week at one of the park’s Information Desks – Visitor Center, Cyclorama Center, West End Station. They answer visitor questions, provide orientation on how to visit Gettysburg, and generally serve the visitor and assist the ranger on duty. Most work all year round.
The third type of Visitor Services Volunteer is our new Ambassador. Ambassadors work mostly outside, in the parking areas and National Cemetery, to promote ranger programs and inform visitors of certain park policies and procedures. Ambassadors also rotate into the museum exhibits for part of their shift to answer questions and provide another friendly contact point. Like desk volunteers, ambassadors work at least one four-hour shift per week during the late spring, summer and fall seasons.
What are the requirements of a Gettysburg volunteer, and what qualities make the best kind of volunteer?
The members of our Gettysburg Volunteer corps are reliable, friendly and professional individuals who care about and are dedicated to the mission of Gettysburg National Military Park – to preserve and protect the resources associated with the battle of Gettysburg and the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, and provide understanding of the events that occurred here.
Our volunteers attend training once a year, and are oriented to their work station during the first few weeks “on the job”. We provide a stipend to purchase a uniform, and rely on them to report to their duty station in a timely and consistent manner, giving us as much notice as possible when they are unable to make it. The best volunteer does not sign on for 20+ hours per week for a year; rather they show up for 4 to 8 hours each week for 5 or more years! Come join our volunteer family if this sounds right for you.
How do I sign on to become a future Gettysburg volunteer?
We’d like to know more about you, your skills and interests. Please direct a letter or e-mail to:
Volunteer Program
Attention: Barbara J. Sanders
Division of Interpretation & Protection
Gettysburg National Military Park
1195 Baltimore Pike, Suite 100
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Be sure to include:
● all of your contact information (address, phone, e-mail);
● brief description of past/present employment & volunteer experience;
● the type of volunteer work you are interested in;
● your availability, and the # of weekly hours you would like to work;
● answer: What are some of your objectives for working as a volunteer?
If you have further questions please contact Education Specialist Barbara Sanders by phone at 717-334-1124 extension 3151, or by email at e-mail us.
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