Museum Volunteers

Volunteers (including interns) will assist in maintaining and operating the Birmingham Historical Museum & Park as an educational institution and cultural resource. For several years, members of the historical community have been working to establish a museum for the promotion and preservation of Birmingham's unique history.

Birmingham Historical Museum & Park Volunteer Form

The Allen House along with the John West Hunter House are available for public tours Wednesday - Saturday 1:00 - 4:00 PM.

The Hunter House, built in 1822, the oldest house in the community, was the residence for one of the first pioneer families to live in Birmingham. The house is fully furnished in the décor of the 1820s through the 1890s.

The Allen House built in 1928 was a private resident of Harry and Marion Allen until the early 1970s. Harry Allen was Birmingham's mayor following the City's incorporation in 1933. The Allens raised two children -- James and Eleanor -- in this home. In 1969, Mrs. Allen offered to sell the house and property to the City. Following voter approval, the purchase was completed. The house, up until December of 1999, had been used primarily to host weddings and other events.

The following are descriptions of just some of the many volunteer opportunities available at the Birmingham Historical Museum & Park. Please note that some positions will require your presence during public visiting hours. Those positions that don't require direct public contact will have hours that are much more flexible. Ideally, we are looking for a weekly commitment of a few hours or more by our volunteers. However, with everybody's hectic schedule, we understand that a monthly commitment may be more realistic. We are delighted that you have considered devoting your valuable time investing in your museum of local history.

Docents & Tour Leaders:

• Take admission fee
• record visitor information including name and address
• maintain daily head count
• distribute visitor surveys and flyers for upcoming events
• provide tours either at Hunter and/or Allen Houses

 Volunteer Administrative Assistant:

• Assist Museum Director in recruiting, interviewing and scheduling volunteers
• Person(s) should be enthusiastic, friendly, organized, possess problem solving abilities, some computer experience is helpful and willingness to try anything at least once

Exhibits Preparator:

• Assist in the development and installation of exhibits
• job may require some bending, lifting, computer knowledge and other hand tool experience

 Collection Conservator:

• Ideal for those interested in working hands on with museum's three-dimensional collection including textile collection
• Work may include light cleaning, performing minor repairs, painting, documenting, researching, and establishing ideal storage of museum artifacts

Historical Records & Archive Assistants:

• Work includes working to maintain historical records in museum's library
• Identifying and labeling subject matter found in historic photographs, engravings and manuscripts
• Additional sorting, classifying of all manuscripts and like items will also be required
• Assist outside researchers and staff answer questions regarding genealogy and local history

Registrar Assistant:

• Will utilize museum records and books, materials from the Baldwin Library, Internet and personal knowledge to help document the significant of the museum's collection items
• Registrar Assistant plays a major role in maintaining the organization of the museum's collections including the assigning accession numbers and development of all corresponding records
• The Volunteer Registrar Assistant modifies object records in PastPerfect Museum Software, a windows-based program used my the Museum staff and volunteers to keep track of the artifacts.  Volunteers not comfortable with computers are able to create records on paper, which will then be data entered into the program at a later date.

Handy People:

• Your skills may be needed on a variety of projects both inside and outside of the museum
• Minor repair, changing light bulbs, organizing the recyclable, repairing lamps, minor furniture repairs

Gardeners:

• Green thumbs and those who enjoy working among the plants can join those already working the gardens and landscape around the Hunter and Allen Houses

Historians, Genealogists & History Buffs: 

• Remember we are always interested in your stories, recollections about Birmingham and those who grew up here or in the surrounding area

There are many more volunteer opportunities that need to be filled. The Museum has special events, including educational programs, exhibit openings, lectures, et cetera, where your assistance in keeping the museum buildings open will be necessary.

Please click on the link below to print and fill out the volunteer form, and return it to the Museum so you can get started on this rewarding opportunity!
BHM&P Volunteer Form