Atlanta History Center has many areas available for volunteers to work with the public or behind-the-scenes, from special events to maintaining beautiful gardens to helping lead tours through our historic houses and exhibitions.
Interested in becoming a volunteer? Please fill out an application by clicking the ‘Apply Now’ button listed below. Upon completion of your application, you will receive an email with further instructions. Orientation can be completed online at any time, or you can attend the in-person orientation that is offered every fourth Saturday (excluding December) from 1-3pm.
Youth and College Opportunities
As a Summer Camp Ambassador, you will have the chance to develop skills like leadership, communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and more. The program is open to rising 11th and 12th grade students (age 15–18). AHC offers week-long summer camps in June. Students must commit to two (2) camps totaling 50 volunteer hours. Your involvement may include providing support for our Education Facilitators/ Camp counselors and interns, creating a fun yet educational environment for campers, and promoting an enthusiastic and positive attitude.
Applications are now closed and will reopen in February 2026.
The historic houses at the Atlanta History Center present a unique opportunity for volunteers to help with educating guests and share their love of local history.
The Smith Farm and Wood Cabin offer guests the chance to see what life was like for those in the past. Volunteers interested in facilitating these experiences can become Historic House Volunteers. As part of this opportunity volunteers will lead guests through activity-based demonstrations at the historic houses. These are all based on historical practices from the period of the historic houses. The position description and requirements for volunteering at the historic houses are below. New volunteers can complete a new volunteer application, existing volunteers can email volunteer services to schedule an interview for this role.
As a Junior Interpreter, students will assist with the implementation of history interpretation and related activities during scheduled activities and select program days at one of our historic houses. Junior Interpreters should be comfortable with public speaking, interacting with the public, be outgoing, flexible, and are eager to learn. Junior interpreters are expected to attend the mandatory orientation in May, monthly meetings that begin in August, volunteer at the two public programs, give a portion of the scripted tour in the Historic Houses, and prepare a speech on a topic of their choice to be delivered at the Junior Interpreter Symposium in March.
Applications are now closed and will reopen February 2026.
The Youth Ambassador Program is a unique “education through service” program designed to attract a dynamic service–oriented group of young people who have an interest not only in helping the Atlanta History Center, but also engaging their community. The program is open to 9th to 12th grade students (age 15–19). The program runs a full year from May to March. Students commit to one school year minimum of 50 volunteer hours through community outreach opportunities and AHC events. The mission of the Youth Ambassadors is to connect people, culture, and history by expanding historical knowledge, promoting discussion, and engaging Atlanta’s youth.
Applications are now closed and will reopen February 2026.
The purpose of this manual is to aid you in getting acquainted with our organization and provide guidance to staff and volunteers engaged in volunteer involvement and management efforts.
Read nowBenefits
Our Volunteer Appreciation Holiday Party takes place annually during the holiday season as a catered dinner that is intended to recognize volunteers’ dedication to the AHC experience. This event recognizes hours served and identifies volunteers with certificates of appreciation and gifts.
Volunteer Appreciation Week is a nationally recognized week in April for organizations and nonprofits alike to express appreciation for their volunteers. In order to recognize our volunteers, we will coordinate efforts throughout the week to celebrate, including a catered event, a token of appreciation, and highlights of particular volunteers through outreach activities.
- After the first 25 hours of volunteering, volunteer will receive 2 free guest passes After the first 25 hours, volunteer receives 2 free guest passes every 50-hour mark (ex. 75, 125, 175) up to 200 hours.
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After 100 hours, the volunteer will receive free AHC Swag (limited to items that are available according to the Manager of Volunteer and Intern Services inventory)
- After 150 hours, the volunteer will receive a private tour conducted by the Historic House Manager. The volunteer has a fiscal year (by July 1st of the following year) to schedule the tour for themselves and four guests (a total of 5 people).
- After 200 hours, the volunteer will receive special recognition at the Volunteer Appreciation Party in April.
Volunteer. FAQ.
We accept volunteer applications throughout the year and onboard new volunteers on an as-needed basis; please check back for more information.
Time commitment is determined by your direct supervisor and the department for which you volunteer. To be considered “active” you will need to have volunteered within the past 6 months. If you have not volunteered and have not contacted volunteer services within this time frame, you will be transitioned to “inactive” status. Inactive means that you will be taken off the email listserv, and will not be able to sign up for opportunities. To be re-activated, you must contact volunteer services directly.
The minimum age to volunteer for the general volunteer program is 16 years of age. Younger volunteers are encouraged to apply to either our Junior Interpreter or Youth Ambassador programs.
Volunteers adhere to a business casual dress code unless otherwise stated. Volunteer badges must be worn at all times during your scheduled shift.
By all means! The group leader will need to fill out the online application form, and include details regarding the group’s volunteering goals and availability in the notes section. We can offer a tailored information session and training to fit your needs.
We typically reserve shadowing experiences for interns or those planning to apply for an internship, and then it is subject to staff availability. We can typically allow for 2-4 hours for a shadowing experience.
Applications are stored for 1 month after they are submitted, unless you have responded to our email detailing upcoming information sessions or have extenuating circumstances (i.e. you will be moving to Atlanta in 3 months).
Because most of our opportunities require training and a background knowledge of our organization, acceptance for court ordered applicants is rare and will be determined on a case by case basis. We are happy to recommend other volunteer sites that might be a better fit.
Yes, by all means! We will work with you to explore opportunities in other departments.
For more information, please email volunteerservices@atlantahistorycenter.com.
More questions?
volunteerservices@atlantahistorycenter.com.
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For Students
The University of West Georgia and the Atlanta History Center partner to offer an exciting graduate-level Museum Studies Certificate program.
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