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Volunteer at the
Oberlin Heritage Center

Community and college volunteers assist with all aspects of our operation and work under the supervision of the Oberlin Heritage Center's staff and volunteer committee chairpersons. Training is provided where needed, and everyone is welcome to share his or her talents with us. Meet other community and college volunteers with similar interests. Individuals, families, couples, and group volunteer teams of all ages are encouraged to participate. We will try to accommodate your schedule. Some prefer to take assignments home with them to work at their own pace; others enjoy having a regular schedule here at "the office." Please tell us about your special interests and talents. We'll find a way to put them to good use!

To become a volunteer at the Oberlin Heritage Center, you can either call us at (440)774-1700, or email us at history@oberlinheritage.org. You can also download and print this volunteer information form and bring it to the Monroe House or send it to P.O. Box 455, Oberlin, OH 44074.

Check out what some of our volunteers are up to!

Volunteer opportunities available include:

• Docents
  Our docents educate guests to the Oberlin Heritage Center’s historic sites by providing information about the community’s rich heritage and sharing stories about the people who lived and worked in our buildings. Tour docents offer full walking tours of all three of our historic buildings (the James Monroe House, the Little Red Schoolhouse and the Victorian Jewett House), while room docents are stationed in just one or two rooms to guide visitors and answer questions during open house events. We encourage tour docents to consider at least a once-a-month tour commitment. Time commitments can vary to suit volunteers' schedules, but we especially appreciate docents who are willing to help with tours on a weekly or monthly basis during our regular tour hours (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm) and for group tours at other times. Check out this brochure for more info on becoming a docent!
• Help with Programs and Events
  Set up and/or clean up, greet visitors, and/or help plan Oberlin Heritage Center programs. We always welcome help in staffing information tables at community events such as Juneteenth, Family Fun Fair, etc.
• Hospitality
  Volunteers always are needed to help greet guests and serve refreshments at Oberlin Heritage Center community programs. Occasionally, we need helpers to make cookies or provide other baked goods for these events, too.
• Children's Hands-on-History and Crafts Projects
  Help in preparing for and assisting with planning and supervising children's activities during events and open houses.
  
• Gardeners/Grounds Crew
  Every year on a designated Saturday in May, we "spring clean" our grounds as part of a county-wide "Pride Day" event. We need helpers willing to weed, clear brush, plant flowers, and assist us with other outdoor clean-up/fix-up projects. We also need help with trimming, weeding, and watering flower beds and green spaces on an ongoing basis.
  
• Antiques and Decorative Arts Experts/Enthusiasts
  Help us with ongoing collections cataloging, care and exhibition projects.
• Building Preservation
  Help is always needed with the maintenance and preservation of historic buildings. Projects range from changing the light bulbs and polishing woodwork to porch painting and window restoration.
  
• Living History Volunteers
  Help recreate people and stories from Oberlin's past.
• Photographers
  Take photographs, slides or videos for events and special projects.
  
• Graphic Artists/Desktop Publishers/Writers/Editors/Proofreaders
  Help is needed with flyers, posters, and other special projects. Computer and public relation skills much appreciated.
  
• Office Helpers
  Assist in answering the phone, greeting visitors, staffing our museum store, and performing a variety of clerical tasks on a regular or as-needed basis.
  
• Mailing Assembly Team
  We meet as-needed at Kendal at Oberlin to assemble large bulk mailings. Let us know if you would be interested in being part of our fantastic "mail crew." Together, we make it fun!
• Delivery Persons
  Help us on an as-needed basis by posting flyers and delivering packets to area businesses, local members, and volunteers, etc. This requires a car (unless you wish to focus on deliveries within walking distance of the Monroe House).
  
• Researchers
  Conduct historical research at the Oberlin College Archives and other libraries for various special projects. Much of this work has to be done on weekdays.
  
• Fundraising
  We always welcome creative fundraising suggestions and strategies. One unique opportunity that some of our volunteers assist with annually is our Bed-and-Breakfast fundraiser, when we offer overnight accommodations to parents of incoming first-year students at Oberlin College. This event takes place around the third week of August each year, and typically involves a one-, two-, or three-night stay in private homes. Call us if you would like further information.