The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum's mission is to remember the millions who perished in the Holocaust and to educate the public about this tragic chapter in history. It takes many people to accomplish this mission, including a dedicated team of volunteers who work as Visitor Services Volunteer Representatives, Learning Center Specialist, Educational Programs and Tour Guide Opportunities, Genocide Prevention Volunteers, and Behind-the-Scenes Volunteers.
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. Minimum age of 16 by the start of your volunteer service.
Compassion to deal with difficult subject matter and those who are affected by it.
Open-Mindedness and Patience to work with a diverse public and staff.
Integrity to represent the institution and oneself with the highest standards.
Dedication to the Museum's mission and to the values of the Volunteer Program.
Reliability to consistently keep one's volunteer commitment to the Museum.
"My way of giving back to the U.S. in gratitude" (a survivor) and "an opportunity to meet active, idealistic Washingtonians."
"The responses I receive back from children and teachers, thanking me for my help, is (are) worth every hour I volunteer."
"Feeling needed and feeling that I am an integral part of this Museum is very meaningful to me."
"I wanted to do something useful for an organization that seemed of greatest importance to me."
Complete the Volunteer Application Form »
If you have any questions, please e-mail or you may call (202) 479-9737.
Visitor Services Volunteer Representatives serve as ambassadors to the public. They greet and orient visitors to the Museum's layout and resources. They distribute daily passes for exhibition entry as well as assist with crowd control. Visitor Services Volunteer Representatives may have the opportunity to work in other volunteer positions in the Education Division or in the Wexner Learning Center as a Learning Center Specialist.
Greet and engage visitors in the use of the multimedia learning center. Educate visitors about the current genocide in Darfur region of Sudan and the rotating thematic displays (current focus is Liberation). Restock brochures and ensure proper working order of computers and other equipment. Orient visitors to the Museum’s layout and its resources. Staff the Museum’s Information Desk and other Visitor Services positions.
Education and Tour Guide Volunteers aid the Museum in conducting numerous public presentations, including architecture presentations (What Makes this Building Talk?) and tours of both the Permanent and Special Exhibitions for school groups, law enforcement professionals, and visitors.
Genocide Prevention Volunteers work with the Committee on Conscience staff on a number of different activities related to genocide prevention and response, including research, outreach and education initiatives, and administrative support.
Behind-the-Scenes volunteers work throughout the Museum and off-site, where they perform any number of jobs, from special projects and clerical work to research, translation, and transcription. Opportunities also include providing customer service and safety in our exhibitions.
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