Volunteer Opportunities
Join us...
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s mission is to remember the millions who perished in the Holocaust and to educate the public about this tragic chapter in history. It takes many people to accomplish this mission, including a dedicated team of volunteers who provide visitor services, help conduct educational programs and Museum tours, or work behind the scenes. The Museum also relies on contributors to the World Memory Project, who can work from anywhere with an Internet connection.
Who is eligible to be a Museum Volunteer?
Volunteer positions are open to all individuals who meet the qualifications outlined below, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or disability. Minimum age of 16 by the start of your volunteer service.
Apply online »
What are the personal qualities of a Museum Volunteer?
Compassion to deal with difficult subject matter and those who are affected by it.
Open-Mindedness and Patience to work with a diverse public and staff.
Integrity to represent the institution and oneself with the highest standards.
Dedication to the Museum’s mission and to the values of the Volunteer Program.
Reliability to consistently keep one’s volunteer commitment to the Museum.
What do our Volunteers say?
"My way of giving back to the U.S. in gratitude" (a survivor) and "an opportunity to meet active, idealistic Washingtonians."
"The responses I receive back from children and teachers, thanking me for my help, is (are) worth every hour I volunteer."
"Feeling needed and feeling that I am an integral part of this Museum is very meaningful to me."
"I wanted to do something useful for an organization that seemed of greatest importance to me."
What do I need to do to become a volunteer?
Complete the Volunteer Application Form »
If you have any questions, please e-mail or you may call (202) 479-9737.
Visitor Services Volunteer Representatives
Visitor Services Volunteer Representatives serve as ambassadors to the public. They greet and orient visitors to the Museum’s layout and resources. They distribute daily passes for exhibition entry as well as assist with crowd control.
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Commitment of Time
Must contribute one four-hour shift (mornings or afternoons) every week or one six-hour shift every other weekend for a minimum of three months.
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Training
Must successfully complete a basic orientation and on the job training. Training is provided on a rolling admission basis. Specialized areas will require additional training.
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Special Skills
Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Customer service, retail experience, and foreign language ability are helpful.
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Apply online »
Educational Programs and Tour Guide Opportunities
Education and Tour Guide Volunteers aid the Museum in conducting numerous public presentations, including architecture presentations (What Makes this Building Talk?) and tours of both the Permanent and Special Exhibitions for school groups, law enforcement professionals, and visitors.
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Commitment of Time
Varies depending on the program. Must contribute at least one half day per week (four hours).
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Training
Must be available for and successfully complete a training program.
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Special Skills
Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Teaching or museum education experience, public service experience, and retail experience are helpful.
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Apply online »
Behind-the-Scenes Volunteers
Behind-the-Scenes volunteers work throughout the Museum and off-site, where they perform any number of jobs, from special projects and clerical work to research, translation, and transcription. Opportunities also include providing customer service and safety in our exhibitions.
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Commitment of Time
Must contribute at least 12 hours per month. Schedule is generally flexible but may include weekly or bi-weekly shifts.
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Special Skills
Depending on the position, various skills are needed such as foreign language(s), clerical, computer, research, and writing abilities.
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Apply online »