Special Support Programs

Volunteer Opportunities at the Smithsonian

Special Support Programs

Special Support Programs offer volunteers an opportunity to enhance the museum experience for visitors in various ways, from assisting with hands-on activities to providing staff with administrative support. Contact the following museum/office for more information. Note: An asterisk * indicates weekend opportunities are available.

Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum*

Opportunities are available to work at the information desk and behind the scenes. Minimum age is 18 years old.

Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum
Education Department
Smithsonian Institution
2 East 91st St., MRC 553
New York City, NY 10128
212.849.8309

Freer and Sackler Galleries*

Volunteer opportunities are available to assist with implementing various public programs, such as demonstrations, gallery talks, hands-on activities, and ticketing for films and performing arts programs.

Freer and Sackler Galleries
Department of Education and Public Programs
Smithsonian Institution
MRC 707, PO Box 37012
Washington, DC 20013-7012
202.633.0445

National Air and Space Museum*

Opportunities are available at its two facilities - the flagship museum in D.C. and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.:

• Discovery Stations*: Volunteers engage visitors in hands-on, informal learning and help visitors discover how astronauts eat in space, what meteorites can tell us, the principles of flight, and much more!

  Flagship contact:
  Discovery Station Program Coordinator
  Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
  Education Department
  Independence Ave. and 7th St., NW
  MRC 305, PO Box 37012
  Washington, DC 20013-7012
  202.633.2544

  Udvar-Hazy Center contact:
  Discovery Station Program Coordinator
  Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
  Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
  Education Department
  14390 Air & Space Museum Parkway
  MRC 326
  Chantilly, VA 20151
  703.572.4113
  

• Visitor Services Program*: Volunteers work at the Welcome Desk at either location to help orient visitors; answer questions about the museum; and as an ambassador to the museum, ensure that each visitor's experience is enjoyable.

  Visitor Services Program
  National Air and Space Museum
  202.633.2214
  E-mail: NASM-VisitorServices@si.edu
  www.nasm.si.edu/getinvolved/volunteer/visitorservices.cfm
  

National Museum of American History, Behring Center*

Hands-on activities provide visitors of all ages with opportunities to experience the museum in an exciting and interactive way. Learn more.

National Museum of Natural History*

Volunteers who work with the Office of Education and Outreach are the essential link between our visitors and our scientists' research. Check out the list of opportunities waiting for you.

National Museum of the American Indian*

Opportunities are available at its three facilities listed below:

Volunteers assist staff on a variety of projects, including cultural arts and educational programs for the public, special events, and behind-the-scenes activities. Offices needing help include the Film & Video Center, Resource Center, Photo Services Registration, Exhibitions Department, Community Services, Visitor Services, and the Executive Offices.

On the National Mall in D.C.
and the
Cultural Resources Center in Suitland, Maryland,
Volunteer Coordinator
National Museum of the American Indian
4th St. and Independence Ave., SW
MRC 590, PO Box 37012
Washington, DC 20013-7012
202.633.6800

At the George Gustav Heye Center* in New York City
Volunteer Coordinator
National Museum of the American Indian
George Gustav Heye Center
One Bowling Green
New York, NY 10004
212.514.3700
E-mail: GGHC-Volunteer@si.edu

National Postal Museum*

Public Program Assistant*: Play a vital role in facilitating fun and educational experiences at events throughout the year. Volunteers lead hands-on activities, interact with diverse visitors, and much more. Opportunities are available on weekends or weekdays. Attend at least six programs per year.

Department of Education
National Postal Museum
Smithsonian Institution
MRC 570, PO Box 37012
Washington, DC 20013-7012
202.633.5533 (voice); 202.633.9849 (TTY)

National Zoological Park*

The Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) provides many opportunities for volunteer service in a variety of programs and special exhibit areas. Learn more at nationalzoo.si.edu/support/volunteer.

The Smithsonian Associates*

The Smithsonian Associates (TSA)* creates opportunities for lifelong learning through an array of public programs that include lectures, performances, seminars, courses, and study tours. Volunteer opportunities include:

• Office Volunteers assist staff during the work week. Assignments include data entry, registration, and administrative tasks.
• Event Volunteers* assist staff weekdays, weekends, and evenings. Assignments include selling or checking tickets at the door, distributing handouts, ushering participants to seats, and other duties as assigned.
• Youth Teacher Assistants assist staff with the summer youth program while fulfilling the school's community service hours. Assignments include providing support to staff and instructors and serving as role models for younger children. Minimum age is 15 years old.

Volunteer Coordinator
The Smithsonian Associates
Ripley Center, MRC 701
PO Box 23293
Washington, DC 20036-3293
202.633.8596
E-mail: volunof@si.edu