Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are critical to our mission. We’d love to meet with you to talk more about how your skills, interests and availability might match with our volunteer opportunities. Seeing the Museum in-person is the best way learn about our organization. You can stop by anytime during the Cabin’s open hours to speak with our team.
Museum Greeters
Welcome museum visitors and share your enthusiasm for local history
Our docents are friendly ambassadors who greet museum guests and engage them in learning about Tacoma history and life in the 1800s. Museum greeters have excellent communication and customer service skills. They must be available for at least one shift per month.
Community Outreach
Help us share the Museum with the community
We strive to serve the Tacoma community beyond the walls of the Cabin. Volunteers assist with distributing free activities for kids at Tacoma Farmers Market and Little Free Library locations in neighborhoods throughout the city.
Field Trip Assistants
Assist with fun, hands-on activities for elementary school students
The museum welcomes school visits on weekday mornings. Our field trip assistants engage small groups of elementary students in easy-to-learn arts, crafts and games.
Special Events Assistants
Help us build a stronger Tacoma community
Special event assists welcome guests and assist with creative arts and crafts activities during our annual Pioneer Fest and other community events. Volunteers also help set-up and clean-up for single-day events at the museum and in the community.
Tour Guides
Showcase Old Town's historic buildings and landmarks
Tour guides lead walking tours of historic Old Town Tacoma for elementary school students, senior groups and the community. Exploring the neighborhood and seeing historical places makes a lasting impression for our visitors.
Administrative Assistants
Provide administrative support for museum activities and events
Administrative volunteers assist with a variety of behind-the-scenes tasks that allow us to keep the museum running in a professional manner. Assembling craft kits, helping with mailers, and inspecting our field trip items are all important ways that admin volunteers contribute to the day-to-day activities of the museum.
Skills-Based Volunteers
Use your professional expertise to give back to the Tacoma community.
Professional stipends may be available.
Send in your volunteer application form today or contact us for more information.
Living History Performers
Interpret life on the Oregon Trail and in Puget Sound during the mid-1800s using historic artifacts to help our guests step back in time. Performers also can portray various people and professions from the history of Old Town Tacoma.
Craftspeople
Demonstrate your skills in weaving, spinning, quilting, woodworking or other folk crafts with children and the community. Skilled craftspeople help the Museum to bring the past to life for visitors of all ages.
Folk Musicians
Entertain children and families with old-time songs and folk music during field trips and community events. Performances can range from 15-60 minutes.
Storytellers
Use storytelling to captivate museum visitors of all ages during community events, school field trips and our summer storytime series.
Photographers and Videographers
Showcase museum events with your photography and/or videography skills. Photos and video help to convey the mission, history, and programs of the museum.
Skills-Based Volunteers
Working professionals and retirees help the Museum to build and sustain capacity with fundraising, grant writing, marketing, exhibit design, and other areas of expertise. If you have something to contribute, let us know.
Internships
Develop your educational knowledge and professional skills
Send in your volunteer application form today or contact us for more information.
Project-Based Internships
Build your professional resume
Internship projects are available in several subject areas - museum studies, history, education, performing arts, marketing, social media and technology.
Examples of past internship projects include:
* Research local history topics for publication
* Conduct oral histories
* Design museum exhibits
* Create an online historical walking tour
* Develop new interactive programming for elementary school students
* Nonprofit management and board governance
University or College Credit Available
Educational credit may be available for students.
Project-based internships are generally 5-15 hours per week. Days and hours are flexible. Internship dates are flexible, depending on your class schedule and availability.
