Visitor Engagement Volunteer

Save to Favorites

The Indiana State Museum is the crossroads of everything interesting, educational, and unique about the state. It’s a gathering place, a learning center, and family-friendly entertainment, all within a unique architectural treasure. With original works of art, hands-on exhibits, and an atmosphere that invites exploration and discovery, the museum is an ever-evolving experience that offers something different and surprising at every visit. It is top-notch entertainment and education that enables us to see the world through Indiana eyes. We invite you to become a part of this exciting museum as a volunteer.

Interested in becoming a volunteer? Submit an adult application. Youth (ages 16-18) may submit a youth application. To apply, visit us at www.indianamuseum.org/about. Scroll down to the volunteer section.

Current opportunities:

Outreach Ambassador

You will promote the Indiana State Museum & Historic Sites (ISMHS) at a variety of outreach events across the state. Generate interest in all current and upcoming programs, events, and exhibitions at the ISMHS.

Hoosier Hour Performer

Do you enjoy performing? As a member of the Hoosier Hour, you will perform as a 1940’s radio show host. Performances occur at various locations across the state, including the Indiana State Museum, Indiana State Fair, festivals and floats in parades. This is great for someone who loves to perform in front of crowds of all sizes.

Liar’s Bench Presenter

Can you tell a lie? As a Liar’s Bench Presenter, you’ll work alongside the Manager of Interpretive Programming and Performing Arts to present several stories about an artifact. It’s up to the audience to decide which of the stories you tell is true. This is a good opportunity to present rare artifacts in a fun and clever way.

Accompanying Pianist

You will play the piano during select plays and performances. The Manager of Interpretive Programming and Performing Arts will work with you on musical selections and accompaniments.

Prop Constructor

Construct props and other items for 19 Scenes, a series of plays created to celebrate the 19 th state. You will be responsible for the research, acquisition/construction and maintenance of props for the performances. Enjoy performing? You will also be responsible for creating sound effects during the Hoosier Hour radio show.

Reptile Theater Performer

Engage and entertain guests in a musical theater performance where students learn about the various classes of reptiles and attributes that each have in common.

Costume Designer

Are you handy with a needle and thread? Assist the Manager of Interpretive Programming and Performing Arts in designing costumes for the performing arts department. With your sewing skills, you will create designs or work from established ones. Research clothing styles to fit certain periods. Costumes are needed for a variety of shows, and range from elf costumes to men’s period suits.

1 St Person Interpretation

Historical characters, ranging from Levi & Catharine Coffin to Abraham Lincoln, are a popular outreach program at the ISMHS. You will perform as your own character, wearing your own costume, to interpret a specific setting or topic. You will need to research the timeframe to develop the character so that you best show his or her daily life (i.e. what tools or instruments they may have used) to help the audience imagine what their life was like.

Special Events

You will provide support during special museum events, such as Celebration Crossing, Canal Nights, Pinewood Derby, Art Fair and GeoFest. Special events provide volunteers with unique opportunities to interact with guests such as helping a younger visitor race her Pinewood Derby car down our two-story track, participating in festive activities at our holiday programs, or engaging with visitors as you answer questions.

You will assist visitors of all ages with a variety of interactive activities in the Naturalist’s Lab. Use general knowledge of Indiana’s natural history, including biology, geology and paleontology.

Program Support Team

The Program Support Team is an important part of our volunteer program. You will assist with preparatory and behind-the-scenes work for various museum departments - from preparing materials for activity tables/workshops to administrative support.

Marketing Assistant - Festivals & Fairs

You will work alongside the Community Marketing Coordinator to promote the ISMHS at festivals and fairs across Indiana. Engage audiences to promote upcoming programs, exhibits and special events. You will be required to assist with set-up and tear-down of events.

Information Desk Greeter

Be the warm, friendly "face" of the museum. Provide visitors with needed information and assistance. You will be asked to meet and exceed the expectations of all our guests by providing professional, courteous and knowledgeable service as a representative of a team that is committed to excellence.