Volunteer

A volunteer in period costume at Wheatland.
Volunteers give guided tours of President James Buchanan’s Wheatland often in period costume.

Volunteers help make history happen at LancasterHistory! More than 300 stalwart volunteers give tours; process archival materials; help patrons in the library; plan and execute events; research questions posed by the public; give presentations; oversee our investments; give tours at President James Buchanan’s Wheatland; and tend the Louise Arnold Tanger Arboretum.

LancasterHistory offers a variety of opportunities that provides meaningful experiences in a vibrant, professional setting.

Benefits of Being A Volunteer

As a volunteer, you will enjoy: a 20% discount on purchases made at The Museum Store, invitations to events and socials, including the Annual Volunteer Appreciation Picnic typically held in August or September, and free or reduced admission to LancasterHistory programs and events (if applicable).  For young volunteers, your time will be a valuable supplement to your resume or a worthwhile opportunity to fulfill community-service requirements.

Current Opportunities Available

We are currently looking for volunteers for the following positions. Please review each opportunity thoroughly before applying.

APPLY NOW

If you are unable to complete the online volunteer application, you can also download, complete, and mail or drop-off a paper volunteer application [PDF, 179kb].

Application Process

Different volunteer positions have different requirements or processing periods. Those interested in volunteering at LancasterHistory should consult the PDF of the current opportunities available (above) prior to applying to make sure it is the right opportunity for them. After reviewing the PDFs, please fill out an online volunteer application. Your application will then be reviewed by the appropriate staff member and they will then reach out to you for more information in a timely matter. Please note that the submission of a volunteer application does not guarantee acceptance.

As a volunteer, you may also have to successfully complete and provide documentation of the following:

Volunteer Clearances

Potential volunteers must successfully complete a Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance and a Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check before beginning volunteer work at LancasterHistory. A Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Criminal History Background Check is also required for volunteers who have lived in the State of Pennsylvania for less than 10 years. There are costs associated for obtaining each clearance. A LancasterHistory staff member will guide you through this on-boarding process. Volunteers are then required to renew their clearances every three years (36 months).