ISHS Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities

Wanted: History Lovers

The Idaho State Historical Society is looking for a few good men and women to add to our team. Are you interested in Idaho history? Have you always wondered what it would be like to get a backstage peek at the repository of Idaho's historic artifacts and documents? Do you want to help teach the next generation about our fascinating heritage? The Idaho State Historical Society is now taking volunteer applications in all of our departments. Learn more at our Annual Volunteer Recruitment Feb. 13th, 11am, Idaho Historical Museum, 610 N. Julia Davis Dr., Boise. More information: Word document; Acrobat format.

Old Penitentiary interpreter explains "The Dungeon" to 4th graders.

You can be a part of the past, the present and the future by volunteering with the Idaho State Historical Society. Each year volunteers donate thousands of hours of their time to help the ISHS offer programs and make research materials available to the public. Volunteering with the Idaho State Historical Society will enable you to learn about history, develop new skills, and establish rewarding relationships with visitors, staff and other volunteers.

Volunteer Job Descriptions
Volunteers help the ISHS in a variety of ways at locations throughout Boise. Most volunteer positions require no previous experience and training will be provided.

Hands-on Education Programs
Working with 3rd and 4th grade students on short, hands-on activities relating to Idaho history (usually held during the fall and spring months). One morning a week is requested of volunteers. Good communication skills are necessary. (Museum)

Marionette Theater
Become a character in an early Idaho history dramatization for children. Seasons run during fall (Sept., Oct., Nov.) and spring (Feb., Mar., Apr.) one weekday morning a week. No marionette experience is necessary. (Museum)

In-Class Slide Show Presenter
Visit classrooms in the Boise Valley and narrate various Idaho history slide programs. Programs run approximately 30-45 minutes each and come complete with scripts. Volunteers must be able to carry, set up, and use a Kodak carousel projector. (Museum)

Historical Interpreter
Provide guided tours of the Old Idaho Penitentiary State Historic Site or the Idaho Historical Museum. Days and times vary as do size and age level of groups. Volunteers must be physically mobile. Good communication skills are necessary. (Old Penitentiary or Museum)

Site Host
Greet visitors at the admissions desk of the Old Penitentiary. Collect site admission and explain the site to visitors. (Old Penitentiary)

Exhibit Host
Greet visitors in exhibits at the Old Penitentiary and answer any questions they may have. Exhibits include the J. Curtis Earl Arms Collection, the Transportation Exhibit, and the Electrical Exhibit. (Old Penitentiary)

Museum volunteers catalog new artifacts in the Historical Society's collection.

Work with Collections
Assist curator, registrars, librarians, and archivists with the inventory, processing, and cataloging of various documents and artifacts in the Historical Society's collections. (Library and Archives or Museum)

Oral History
Work with the Idaho Oral History Center to collect and process interviews on a variety of topics. (Library and Archives)

Research and Writing
Would involve historical research on given Idaho history topics. Information would be used to answer patron queries and correspondence. (Library and Archives)

Office Work and Data Entry
Includes typing, filing, transcribing tapes, putting together bulk mailings, and other duties as needed. May also consist of entering information about collections into a computer database. (Library and Archives or Museum)

Retail Shop
Responsibilities include working in one of the two gift shops in the Idaho State Historical Society, The Museum Shop or The Prison Shop. Volunteer must learn to operate a cash register.

Wilma Jager processes collections at the archives and also helps with patron queries at the library (shown).

How Do I Become a Volunteer?

It's easy!

1. Download a volunteer application. (Acrobat format)

2. Complete the volunteer application and mail it to the location where you wish to volunteer.

Idaho Historical Museum
Jody Ochoa
610 North Julia Davis Drive
Boise, ID 83702-7695
(208)334-2120

Public Archives and Research Library
Linda Morton-Keithley
2205 Old Penitentiary Road
Boise, ID 83712
(208)334-3356

Old Idaho Penitentiary State Historic Site
Rachelle Littau
2445 Old Penitentiary Road
Boise, ID 83712-8254
(208)334-2844

The Museum Shop
610 North Julia Davis Drive
Boise, ID 83702-7695
(208)334-2120

3. An ISHS staff member will contact you to arrange a meeting to learn about your volunteer interests.

4. If there is a good match, a start date will be arranged.

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Idaho State Historical Society
2205 Old Penitentiary Road,
Boise, Idaho 83712
Phone 208-334-2682
Fax 208-334-2774