Volunteering at the National Archives and Records Administration
The volunteers who serve the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) are a valuable resource—a rich and enduring asset to the work of the institution nationwide. Volunteers form a partnership with the professional staff in meeting the goals established in NARA's mission statement: to serve American democracy by safeguarding and preserving the records of our Government, ensuring that the people can discover, use, and learn from this documentary heritage. We ensure continuing access to the essential documentation of the rights of American citizens and the actions of their government. We support democracy, promote civic education, and facilitate historical understanding of our national experience.
The mission of the volunteer corps is threefold:
- to assist the staff in meeting its obligation to preserve and protect the records
- to support initiatives to provide greater access to the records, and
- to provide programs and services that inform the public and customers about the holdings and reference procedures at agency facilities throughout the nation.
Comprehensive training is given to all volunteers, who are expected to give a minimum of 100 hours a year for at least 2 years. An exception is made for students who volunteer a large number of hours in a shorter period of time.
Volunteer opportunities abound at the National Archives and Records Administration. Find the facility nearest to you and join in the fun.
