Culture and Heritage Museums Mission
To communicate and preserve the natural and cultural histories of the Carolina Piedmont, inspiring a lifetime of learning.
It is our vision to create a community that greatly values natural, historical and cultural heritage.
I would like to volunteer
Current Volunteer Opportunities
Archives, Collections and Research
Preserving History
Volunteers help with processing and preserving historical records and collections in keeping with best practices to ensure that they are accessible for current use and preserved for research in the future with the goal of increasing resources for public use.
Gardening and Trail Maintenance
Enjoy the outdoors?
Even if you don't know the difference between an annual and a perennial, we always need extra hands maintaining our gardens at the Museum of York County, Historic Brattonsville and the Historical Center.
Helpers are also needed to maintain our trails at the Museum of York County and Historic Brattonsville.
Natural History Interpreter and Education Volunteers
Share your knowledge - and inspire!
Natural History Interpreter and Education Volunteers work with Museum staff to provide interpretation and educational programs for people of all ages while leading interactive presentations and programs.
Responsibilities and Opportunities
Deliver formal or informal education using Museum exhibits or outdoors.
Engage and inspire guests of all ages to learn about Museum exhibit and collections.
Facilitate hands-on activities in the Naturalist Center.
Assist with program preparation, set-up, and clean up
Assist staff in maintaining and caring for our natural history specimens and museum spaces.
Required Skills
- A customer service oriented, pleasant, professional and welcoming attitude
- An attentiveness to guests
- Good organizational skills
- An ability to work independently
- A willingness to learn relevant information
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to speak comfortably in front of groups
Volunteer Benefits
- Gain hands-on experience in educating people of various ages
- Build working relationships and network with the museum staff, visitors, and other volunteers.
- Develop communication and volunteer skills while sharing your enthusiasm for the natural world.
- Opportunity to enjoy the challenge of continually growing in your personal knowledge of natural history, education and the skills of interpretation.
Internship
Give your education a professional advantage and participate in the exciting world of cultural and natural history, research, and education at the Culture and Heritage Museums!
With a variety of positions at each of our sites, The Culture & Heritage Museums (CHM) Internship Program offers students the unique and invaluable opportunity to apply skills and knowledge in a hands-on setting. In Education, Research, Archives, Living History, Event Planning and Marketing, students work alongside museum professionals, gain first-hand knowledge about museum career opportunities, engage in meaningful educational experiences, and establish contacts beneficial now and in the future. The CHM’s structured program and part-time schedule afford students the flexibility to experience a meaningful internship while fully engaged in college activities or part-time jobs.
Living History
Have you always been interested in experiencing history for yourself? Are you curious about the lives of those who lived in the 18th and 19th Centuries?
Historic Brattonsville provides volunteers with the opportunity to explore and learn about the South Carolina Backcountry in both the 18th and 19th centuries. Volunteers will be able to learn trades such as blacksmithing, tailoring, hearth cooking, historic farming and more! Not only will living history volunteers be able to learn about the past, but also how to interpret it and work with the public.
Junior Docent
The Junior Docent Program allows young people in fifth through twelfth grade to volunteer in period costume at Historic Brattonsville.
- Learn historic skills to demonstrate at Historic Brattonsville, such as hoeing, weeding, planting, spinning, hearth cooking, woodworking, and sewing
- Provide educational activities for children and youth who visit Historic Brattonsville
- Show visitors what life was like for South Carolina children in the 1760s – 1780s & the 1840s
NOTE: Space in the program is limited, so the application process is competitive. Students apply through a written application, letter of reference, and a group interview. For more information, please contact Lisa Swetnam, lswetnam@chmuseums.org
Photography & Videography
Do You Enjoy Capturing Moments?
Our volunteer photographers get the opportunity to capture the action behind the scenes at all of our locations. Whether you prefer photographing landscapes, events, objects or even battle reenactments, we have opportunities for you to share your talents.
Playworkers
Come Play with Us!
Main Street Children's Museum needs volunteers that know how to have fun!
Volunteers welcome and interact with guests, and make sure the floors are clear of manipulatives. They also aid educators with crafts/activities in the upstairs classroom and assist with cleaning.
How Can I Help?
Are you looking for a way to volunteer, but you're not sure where to start?
We're happy to meet with you to discover how your interests and talents match our opportunities.
Mission Statement
Culture and Heritage Museums Mission
To communicate and preserve the natural and cultural histories of the Carolina Piedmont, inspiring a lifetime of learning.
It is our vision to create a community that greatly values natural, historical and cultural heritage.
