Volunteer Information

We have temporary, youth, and ongoing volunteer opportunities available. If you are interested in short-term volunteer opportunities for community service, extra credit (university-level) or are a high school student interested in donating your time, then we may be able to accommodate you!

Please review the Volunteer Information links below. Not all submitted applications will result in volunteer placement; however, you will be contacted regarding your application regardless.

Temporary Volunteer Information

Looking to volunteer on a one-time basis or for a maximum number of hours? We may have placement for you. Click below to find out more info!

•Temporary Volunteer Information & Application

Upon completion and submission of your volunteer application, please download, complete and forward the appropriate supplementary documents to volunteers@detroithistorical.org.

• A background check is required, at DHS’ cost. We will send you a link via email to complete the background check.

Youth Volunteer Information

In an effort to accommodate the increasing need for youth to engage with community organizations by providing volunteer services, the Detroit Historical Society is proud to introduce its formal Youth Volunteer program. Learn more and apply below.

• Youth Volunteer Information & Application 

Upon completion and submission of your volunteer application, please download, complete and forward the appropriate supplementary documents to volunteers@detroithistorical.org.

• Youth Parental Consent Form (volunteer applicants under 18 years of age)

Ongoing Volunteer Information

Ongoing volunteers assist in various capacities with the following museum activities: Staffing at Special Events like galas, golf outings, and other fundraisers. Facilitating our Behind the Scenes tours. Assisting at the Collections Resource Center with collections and curatorial work. Helping maintain our Glancy Trains exhibition. Acting as gallery guides at Detroit Historical Museum and Dossin Great Lakes Museum. Participating in the Black Historic Sites Committee. Assisting at Membership Events like the monthly Member Reception. Helping the Accounting team with light filing or shredding. And more!

A special note about Gallery Guides: Gallery guides are present in our museums during open hours. Gallery guides add value to the patron experience; they are the vital circuitry that connects the ideas hatched backstage to real, interpersonal experiences on the museum floor.  Gallery guides are enthusiastic, creative, and enjoy sharing their knowledge and excitement about Detroit history with the public. Many of our gallery guides have a background in education and American history, but those who do not tend to have a love for the City of Detroit and its history. Whether an enthusiast or an expert, all new guides receive training on the Society's artifacts, galleries, and research areas, as well as on techniques for conducting effective tours. Gallery guide candidates must complete four shadowed tours, work one-on-one with the Manager of Education on exhibition content, and read our comprehensive exhibition interpretation manuals. Training of new guides takes about 4-6 weeks, depending on the candidate’s availability. Gallery guides are also asked to maintain a commitment of eight hours of time per month, at a minimum. Guides continue their education throughout their service by attending  meetings, participating in study groups, attending gallery talks, and taking trips with fellow guides to regional museums and tours.

If you are interested in any of the above activities, please complete the below:

Questions? Comments? Concerns? Please feel free to contact the Volunteer Manager at volunteers@detroithistorical.org.