Volunteer

Looking for ways to help?

Click on the links below to sign up for upcoming education and outreach programs, special events, and projects. If you don’t see something at interests you read the position descriptions below and contact our volunteer coordinator Paul Hildebrandt : education@goodhistory.org or 651-388-6024

Who are the Goodhue County Historical Society Volunteers?

There are no “typical” volunteers. They are men and women of all ages and from all walks of life, who volunteer for a variety of reasons – to learn, to make new friends, to share their love of history, or just to devote time to a good cause. But one thing is constant – a desire to preserve and interpret Goodhue County history, so that future generations can better understand their past and present.

Here are just a few of the ways that you can spend your time volunteering at the Goodhue County Historical Society:

Library Assistant

Explore the Goodhue County Historical Society’s resources to learn more about our shared history and promote the stories of Goodhue County. Library Assistants have the Goodhue County Historical Society’s resources at their fingertips. During each volunteer shift, library assistants will aid members of the public with research inquiries. Library Assistants will also have the option to help the Archives & Library Manager with additional interesting tasks such as exhibit and project research.

Oral History Transcriptionist

Goodhue County Historical Society seeks one, detailed oriented Oral History Transcriptionist. This individual will have the opportunity to listen to powerful local stories and interviews while they transcribe each one to script form. The Oral History Transcriptionist will help the Historical Society fulfill its mission through the preservation of oral histories which may be used to promote the history of Goodhue County during education programs or exhibits.

Archives Collection Volunteer

Archives Collection Volunteers help the Goodhue County Historical Society’s mission to preserve the natural and cultural history of Goodhue County. Volunteers will assist the Archives & Library Manager with important cataloging and researching efforts to ensure that archival artifacts (pictures, diaries, letters, books, etc.) are kept and cared for in the collections.

Tour Guide

Share your love and knowledge of Goodhue County history with students and adult visitors. If you have an interest in history, can tell a good story, are willing to walk and stand for a 60 or 90 minute tour, and have lots of enthusiasm, we’d love to utilize your talents! Tour guides not only lead students throughout the museum, but help out with hands-on programs, and work with our Education Collection artifacts as well. The History Center hosts field trips for students throughout the county each year. Tour guides work on an on-call basis mostly during the Spring and Summer months. Training provided.

Youth and Family Programs

Each month the Historical Society invites families to learn, explore, and create at the History Center. Youth and Family Programs volunteers engage people of all ages through a wide variety of activities each month. During one program, a volunteer may lead a demonstration and at the next, he or she may help facilitate visitor evaluation surveys. No matter what the task, Youth and Family Programs volunteers must feel comfortable speaking with children, initiating conversations with the public, and have the ability to multitask.

Outreach Programs

The Goodhue County Historical Society inspires interest in Goodhue County history in destinations beyond the walls of the History Center. Outreach Programs volunteers help the Historical Society fulfill its mission by promoting the natural and cultural history of the county during a several different events. The types of programs offered at each outreach destination vary and may require different skill sets, however one thing remains the same: Outreach Programs Volunteers will connect people of all ages with Goodhue County history. These volunteers should enjoy talking about history, have a deep understanding of the Historical Society, and have a positive and flexible outlook on the tasks required to execute a meaningful outreach program.

Resource Speakers

Communicate and preserve county history by passing on stories and historical information to county groups and organizations, using personal stories or resources of the Society. Good verbal and communication skills are needed. Teachers, nursing homes, clubs and organizations contact us for speakers to attend classes or meetings. Times vary.

Ground Crew

The Goodhue County Historical Society seeks Grounds Crew volunteers to provide support by ensuring the facility and exterior grounds are maintained and attractive to visitors. Grounds Crew volunteer positions are ideal for individuals that like to accomplish goals with immediate gratification. They assist with weed control, plant maintenance, seasonal raking, and maintenance items. Time commitments will vary by project and season. Volunteers working on exterior projects could expect to work between 10 to 20 hours per month from April through October.

Committee Member

The Goodhue County Historical Society seeks motivated and enthusiastic team members to join a committee. Knowledge and skill requirements will vary by committee. Generally speaking, committee members should have a passion for the work that the committee supports and be an advocate for the Goodhue County Historical Society. New committee members will receive orientation regarding the committee structure of the organization by the Execute Director and then meet with the lead staff member for that committee to learn more specifically what the committee does. Meeting frequency varies from quarterly, bi-monthly, to monthly.

You can serve on a committee to support the operations of the Goodhue County Historical Society! We have available positions on the following committees: Building & Grounds, Collections, Education & Outreach, Exhibits, Fundraising & Development, and Nominating.

For more information contact Paul Hildebrandt via phone (651) 388-6024 or e-mail education@goodhistory.org