Volunteer

Every year, more than 1,000 volunteers with diverse backgrounds help the American Museum of Natural History meet its mission and goals. Find out how you can participate!

"I've been a volunteer at the Museum of Natural History for more than 10 years, and each year it gets more interesting and rewarding."

—Linda Scalbom, Tour Guide and behind-the-scenes-volunteer

Honoring our Volunteers

Every year, Museum volunteers are recognized for their efforts at a special reception. In 2020, many volunteers reached years-of-service milestones or were chosen by their supervisors to be recognized for their exceptional service. Although we were not able to gather in 2020, we would like to acknowledge these volunteers for their contributions and dedication. 

James Berlanti sits on a couch holding his certificate of appreciation.
James Berlanti, volunteer in the Education Department, Discovery Room Program
Victoria Boyt holds her certificate of appreciation.
Victoria Boyt, volunteer in Museum Highlights Tour Guide Program
Laura Jean Checki holds her volunteer certificate.
Laura Jean Checki, 20 years of volunteer service
Vickie Costa is seated in a dining space, holding a beverage in a stemmed glass.
Vickie Costa, 20 years of volunteer service
Ann Davis holds her certificate for volunteer service.
Ann Davis, volunteer in the Division of Invertebrate Zoology
Robert Demko holds his certificate of appreciation.
Robert Demko, volunteer in the Earth and Space Explainer Program
Eileen Effrat stands in the Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals, and holds a plaque honoring her 40 years of volunteer service.
Eileen Effrat, 40 years of volunteer service
Andrew Epstein with his framed 20 years certificate in view on the wall behind him.
Andrew Epstein, 20 years of volunteer service
Devon Essom sits on a couch holding his certificate of appreciation.
Devon Essom, volunteer in the Education Department, Public Programs
Christina Fagin holds her certificate of appreciation.
Christina Fagin, teaching volunteer in the Education Department
Eileen Flood stands in front of a forest painting, holding her certification of appreciation.
Eileen Flood, 25 years of volunteer service
Marjorie Gilbert holds her certificate of appreciation.
Marjorie Gilbert, 30 years of volunteer service
Ellen Hwang holds her certificate of appreciation.
Ellen Hwang, volunteer in the Fossil Explainer Program
Dan Jacobs holds his certificate of appreciation in front of the T. rex mount in the Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs.
Dan Jacobs, 30 years of volunteer service
Sally Kane holds her certificate of appreciation.
Sally Kane, 30 years of volunteer service
Betty LaBlanc holds her 25 years of service certificate in front of an object in the Museum.
Betty LaBlanc, 25 years of volunteer service
Paul Lewison stands in the Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals, and holds a certificate honoring his 20 years of volunteer service.
Paul Lewison, 20 years of volunteer service
Helena Maria Lim sits on a bench outside the 77th street entrance to the Museum.
Helena Maria Lim, 20 years of volunteer service
Ann McIntyre holds a framed certificate of 20 years of volunteer service.
Ann McIntyre, 20 years of volunteer service
Jean-Baptiste Mollet holds his certificate of appreciation
Jean-Baptiste Mollet, volunteer in the Department of Information Technology 
Suvannah Nurse holds her certificate of appreciation.
Suvannah Nurse, volunteer in Education Department, Science and Nature Program
Trudy Reitz holds her certificate of appreciation.
Trudy Reitz, 25 years of volunteer service
Nancy Schmiderer holds her certificate of appreciation.
Nancy Schmiderer, teaching volunteer in the Education Department
Gloria Scorse holds her certificate of appreciation.
Gloria Scorse, teaching volunteer in the Education Department
Myrella Triana stands in front of the T. rex skeleton, and holds a certificate honoring her 25 years of volunteer service.
Myrella Triana, 25 years of volunteer service

Becoming a Volunteer

  • The minimum age is 16; there is no upper limit.
  • You must provide a regular commitment of time, ranging from one-half day to several days per week, for at least one year (although longer commitments are sometimes required for certain positions).
  • All applicants must complete our online application.  Once you have completed the application, you may also contact us directly regarding specific openings listed below.

Current Opportunities

Butterfly Conservatory Explainers

The Butterfly Conservatory is looking for explainers to assist in the Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium which is located in the new Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation(opening Spring 2023). Volunteers should be outgoing, scientifically minded, and kid friendly. The position involves answering visitor questions about basic butterfly biology, ensuring visitors follow the exhibit protocols and helping guests enjoy their visit to the vivarium.

Volunteers are needed for the following shifts:

10-11:30am│ 11:30-1pm │ 1-2:30pm │ 2:30– 4:00pm │4-5:30pm

If interested in the opportunity above, please contact Nicole Winns at [email protected] and complete the application linked above. 

Information Desk Volunteers

Information Desk Volunteers are needed to staff information desks throughout the Museum and in the new Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation(opening Spring 2023). The ideal candidate is approachable, friendly, adept at giving directions, and enjoys interacting with people from all backgrounds.

Information Desk Volunteers: 

  • Offer excellent customer service while answering visitors inquires, delivering accurate directions to Museum facilities, theaters, Security, etc. 
  • Provide information about the Museum, its programs, exhibitions, show times, etc. 
  • Assists visitors with disabilities, giving appropriate information when requested (e.g., wheelchair locations- the 81st Street, Roosevelt Rotunda, and Garage, and the rules for borrowing wheelchairs for Museum use) 

Shifts:

10-11:30am │ 11:30-1pm │ 1-2:30pm │ 2:30– 4:30pm 

If interested in volunteering at the information desk, email [email protected] and complete the application linked above.