Museum Volunteer

Located at the heart of the town of Columbia, the Columbia State Historic Park Museum houses some of the most unique historical items in the park. The majority of park visitors make their way through the historic exhibits and photos within the museum, itself a historical building. Museum volunteers help to answer questions about the exhibits, provide directions and information for the park, and operate the park store for visitors to take home souvenirs of their visit. All proceeds from the museum store go to the Friends of Columbia non-profit association that support the park.

Volunteering in the park museum is included in the Columbia Docent program. However, opportunities to become a Museum Volunteer are available. Museum volunteers generally fall into one of two categories:

1. Volunteers that missed the recent Columbia Docent training and need to wait until it is provided again.
2. Volunteers that prefer to specialize in interpreting the museum and are not interested in docent based living history programs.

Museum volunteers are able to train year-round with provides a great opportunity to start when it is convenient for them. For those that are interested in advancing into a Columbia Docent position, time volunteered in the museum can be used to study and practice the art of interpretation in preparation for the training.

Active museum volunteers are limited to only volunteering in the museum and for select special events.

Volunteer Schedule – Year-round. Average 1 day per month.

Time Commitment – Minumum of 50hrs per year required.

Qualifications – No previous experience necessary. Experience or interest in public speaking is preferred. Minimum age is 18.

Training – 2 days for orientation and training. Available year-round.

Volunteer Benefits

• Receive regular email updates on the park and interpretive programs year-round.
• Earn District/Statewide Parks Pass for free entry in select parks
• Access to the online Docent Mercantile resources website
• Attend monthly docent meetings in the park
• Receive store discount in the Friend of Columbia Museum Store
• Attend annual docent appreciation dinner with guest
• Attend additional trainings and enrichments for docents.

Requirements

• Comfortable speaking in front of groups.
• Willing to learn and share knowledge of the park exhibits with visitors.
• Friendly, courteous and possess good communication skills.
• Positive attitude and willingness to work as a team member with park staff and visitors.
• Able to operate a cash register (it’s easy!)
• Minimum age requirement is 21 years old.

For more information about joining this volunteer program, contact the Columbia Volunteer Coordination Office at columbiashp@parks.ca.gov.