CHM Volunteer

Volunteer positions are typically available for applicants that are college-age and up.  (Occasionally projects and opportunities arise where applications are accepted from high school age applicants.)

If you are interested in volunteering at the Chicago History Museum, please fill out and submit the volunteer application below. 

Applicants should indicate if their interests are primarily in volunteer activities that include interacting and engaging with museum visitors, or behind-the-scenes activity.  Note: The museum's greatest need for volunteers is with museum visitors (daily museum visitors, and program attendees); while behind-the-scenes opportunities arise, they are fewer than visitor-facing volunteer opportunities.

After you complete and submit the volunteer application, the volunteer office will keep your application on file for at least 6 months.

If a position that matches your application becomes available, you will be contacted about next steps--which would likely include an interview, and contacting of your references. 

If the museum is actively recruiting for a particular position(s), they will be listed or attached below, and you will be prompted to indicate if you are interested in one of the current opportunities.  If no current opportunities are listed, we will keep your application on file, and contact you if an opportunity that matches your interests and skills becomes available.

Note:  All volunteer applicants who are considered for placement must submit to a background screening. 

Time Commitment - In light of the placement process, time spent on volunteer orientation and training, most CHM volunteer positions require 6 months to a year commitment, at least. The Chicago History Museum is busiest during holiday vacations and commemorative holidays : holidays -facing volunteers should be readily available to volunteer on busy days. Spring is the busiest season for student field trips, so  volunteers who engage with students and teachers visiting on field trips should be readily and even extra available during the spring season. 

Weekday or weekend?  Day or evening? Visitor-facing opportunities are available during weekdays and weekends--hours occurring mostly during the daytime.  However, volunteers who help with public and member programs will have opportunities that occur in the evenings. 

How many days per week?  How long is a shift?Most CHM volunteers commit to about 1 shift per week.  A shift is typically 3 - 4 hours.  For example, volunteer gallery interpreters (docents), are at the museum on average 1 day a week, for about 3 hours.  (Accomodations can be made when volunteers take vacations, or need time off for a personal matter.) 

Additional questions may be addressed within any posted volunteer opportunity description, and/or during an interview to determine placement.

Meanwhile, thank you for your interest in volunteering and support of the Chicago History Museum.