Volunteer

Volunteer

Volunteer Email Signup

For current volunteers, sign up to our volunteer email list to stay informed.

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SOCIETY WISH LIST

  • Interns – Curation, Museum Studies, Computer Science, Graphic Design
  • Administrative Assistance
  • Departmental Volunteers
  • Data Entry Assistance
  • Handyman
  • Gardening Assistance
  • Docents – Hays House and Museum

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

The Historical Society has a staff of two to oversee the many programs, activities and facilities it operates. With such limited staffing, the Society depends heavily on volunteers to maintain the thousands of archival materials, operate the Hays House Museum and the new Historical Society Museum, present events year-round for our members and the community and keep abreast of all of the administrative functions required of a facility of this magnitude.

Fortunately, many devoted volunteers have proffered their time and efforts over the years to help grow the Society and maintain its day-to-day activities. Over the past two years, the number of volunteers has dwindled somewhat due to the pandemic, the aging of our volunteer population and the ongoing restoration project that forced the Society to close its headquarters and the Hays House Museum for an extended period of time. These closures also caused a considerable backlog of materials that needs to be accessioned at the same time as the Society is organizing its new museum focusing on the history of Harford County.

Volunteers are needed for each of the Society’s departments, to assist with events, to help share history with area school children and to help with numerous administrative activities. A list of the potential volunteer opportunities is described below along with possible internship positions available for college students

Volunteer Signup Form

INTERNSHIPS

College students majoring in library science, history, archival studies, museum studies, computer science, graphic design or similar programs who are interested in hands on experience should contact the Society Director, Chris Potts at Directorhshc@harfordhistory.org or call 410-838-7691. This is a unique opportunity to build your resume, learn from knowledgeable people in your field and gain valuable experience.

DEPARTMENTAL VOLUNTEERS

The Society needs volunteers for each of its departments. Do you enjoy delving into old court records, learning about the wills, law suits, criminal past, then the court records department

may be for you. Are you more of a detective, fascinated by searching old files or possibly enjoy repairing documents, cataloguing photographs and memorabilia? All of these options are available in the Archives and Artifacts departments. Then again, perhaps you are fascinated by tracing family histories, delving into the library of books about people, places and events in Harford County. The Society’s library offers a chance to peer into all of these areas and more. The Society’s art collection offers an opportunity to preserve county artwork and to orchestrate exhibits. The Textile department is always in need of people who love to sew and showcase mannequins dressed in period costumes. Or perhaps you enjoy dressing in period costume, then the Hays House Museum may be just the place you are looking for. We provide training for docents of all ages who greet visitors to the Hays House on Sunday afternoons March thru December to give tours and help with special events.

In addition to the departments, volunteers are also needed to help with technology needs. While data entry is always an issue, help is also needed in maintaining the computer network, the website, and Facebook page. Assistance with answering the phone, general typing, greeting visitors and similar administrative duties would be a tremendous help, as would the help of a handyman and gardening assistant.

As you can see, we have a job for just about everyone. If you have some time and would enjoy the camaraderie and the chance to make a difference, please consider reaching out to the Society to learn more about any volunteer opportunity that you may find interesting. Volunteer times and hours will be tailored to your needs. Some opportunities also exist for work from home.

Volunteer Signup Form