Help us make history by volunteering.
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. If you are interested in our volunteer program, please view the details below:
For questions, please email volunteerservices@atlantahistorycenter.com.
The application period for our Junior Interpreter and Youth Ambassador programs will open in February, 2023 for the 2023—2024 program.
Youth. Ambassadors.
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 in helping Atlanta History Center and engaging their community. Youth Ambassadors will gain experience in administration, guest services, curation, public history programs, and much more. The program is open to 9–12th grade students (ages 15–19).
Junior. Interpreters.
Junior Interpreters assist with the implementation of living history interpretation and related activities during daily operations and programs at the historic houses. Junior Interpreters should be comfortable with public speaking, interacting with the public, be outgoing, flexible, and eager to learn. During May through September, the Junior Interpreters spend two days a month at the historic houses and present informative content to varied audiences using interpretive techniques that they will be trained. During the months of October through March, Junior Interpreters spend one day a month at the historic houses and also commit time to a research project on a historical topic of their choice. Throughout this time Junior Interpreters are taught best research practices and presentation methods. There is a final presentation date at the end of March for Junior Interpreters to share their research with staff, friends, and family.
Summer Camp. Junior Counselors.
The application period for our Junior Interpreter and Youth Ambassador programs will open in February, 2023 for the 2023—2024 program.
Our Summer Camp Junior Counselor program gives students, ages 13–18, the opportunity to assist experienced camp counselors with our History Camps at our main campus in Buckhead. This program also allows students, ages 16–18, the opportunity to assist experienced camp counselors with our Writing Camps at our Midtown campus. Students will help with day-to-day operations, including preparing snacks, setting up activities, and assisting with games, and have a chance to work with Atlanta History Center’s education staff to create a fun environment for young campers.
Volunteer. FAQ.
- Submit Application: Complete and submit the online application with your information and interest in volunteering.
- Virtual Orientation: The volunteer coordinator will review your application and reach out to schedule a virtual Volunteer Orientation Meeting. These meetings are scheduled twice a month to help potential volunteers learn more about our volunteer program. Orientation meetings introduce applicants to the structure of our program, volunteer expectations, and the type of volunteer services we need. Information sessions are hosted twice a month on Zoom and last about one hour. They are held on the 1st Tuesday at 10 am, and the 3rd Saturday at 10 am, every month.
- Online Onboarding: After attending Orientation, applicants may begin the onboarding process, which requires a background check and setting up a volunteer account through our volunteer portal, Volgistics. Volgistics allows you to view volunteer opportunities, sign up for shifts, and track hours.
- Tour and Guest Engagement Training: Next, new volunteers will RSVP to attend a Tour and Guest Engagement Training on campus. The purpose of this is to acquaint volunteers with locations of exhibits, departments, and programs on campus, as well as receive a brief training in proactive engagement with guests. Volunteers will also receive a welcome folder with reference information and our Rules of Civility, and sign a volunteer liability form while on campus. These trainings are offered twice a month and last about one hour. They are held on the 2nd Wednesday at 10 am, and the 3rd Saturday at 11:30 am every month.
- Volunteer! While we cannot guarantee an open position immediately, we will begin to help familiarize you with staff and departments so that when a position becomes available, you will be ready to go! Additional training may be needed based on the department and role in which you are assigned.
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.
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Museum Studies Certificate
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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