How to Become a Volunteer at a Smithsonian Museum
The Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. is often mistaken as one huge building that houses all the treasures of America and the world. In reality, the Smithsonian represents over 19 separate buildings that focus on specific artifacts. There are six buildings along the National Mall. One specializes in Natural History and one on American History. There is a building for African Art and one for the American Indian. The Air and Space Museum is probably the most popular. It is advised to reside in the greater Washington, D.C. area for at least a year before attempting to volunteer at the great Smithsonian. It is possible to become a volunteer in this treasured museum.
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Instructions
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Access the Smithsonian website. You will find it listed in our Resources section. Follow the links to the Museum Information Desk Program. Read all the information provided, noting that at least a one year commitment is required. The volunteer may not get to volunteer at the museum of choice, but nearly all museums are shorthanded.
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Honor the training dates as well as the scheduled times once you are accepted into the program. This is a great opportunity, and you want to honor it fully.
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Note that the museums outside the recognized mall area, like Renwick and the National Portrait Gallery, require different Metro stops. Anacostia Museum is in the southeast and has its own Metro stop. The museum focuses on the influence of African-American culture over the last few centuries.
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Consider the Docent Program. In this, volunteers lead tours through a specific museum. Generally these volunteers focus on their field of expertise, and they complete a vigorous training and testing program.
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Note that volunteering for the Air and Space Museum at both the National Mall and the Udvar-Hazy Center out at Dulles International Airport is separate from the other Smithsonian museums. It requires accessing the Volunteer Services link on the listed website. Follow similar procedures.
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Volunteer on the weekends when the museums are at their busiest. Parking at any Metro station is free on the weekends. Metro into the Smithsonian station at the National Mall.
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Tips & Warnings
Also inquire about volunteering at other museums and galleries in the National Mall area not affiliated with the Smithsonian. The U.S. Botanical Garden, the National Gallery of Art and the National Holocaust Museum all welcome help.
Many of the Smithsonian museums allow for a ‘floating’ period during each 4-hour shift so the volunteer can be more informed; this is a great way to experience the museum at a much deeper level than an average visitor.
Don't ever be unprofessional when volunteering. Conduct yourself with an even higher professionalism that you do at your paid job. The museums are an honor to be a part of in this city.
