Get Involved

Volunteer

The Oshkosh Public Museum has a world of opportunity waiting for you! Museum volunteering is a unique way to get involved in a culturally satisfying, feel-good cause. Volunteers play a transformational role in providing an exciting and educational experience for Museum guests. As a Museum volunteer, you will learn more about Oshkosh history and special subjects and become active in a great community resource. Whatever your interests, there is a perfect niche for you and your talents in one of our visitor friendly or behind-the-scenes positions. Peruse the options below and discover the perfect opportunity for you to get involved.

Exhibit Docents

Several times a year, the Museum displays new and exciting temporary exhibits. That’s where exhibit docents come in. If you’re a people person with an up-for-anything attitude, a docent position may be the perfect fit for you. Exhibit docents are the front-line of the Museum experience and as such are responsible for interacting with and engaging guests. Docents responsibilities include socializing with guests, overseeing interactive games and displays, and monitoring exhibit galleries. While making guests feel welcome is essential to all exhibits, docents are trained specifically for each temporary exhibit and additional duties vary depending on the display. If you love meeting new people and enjoy new experiences, submit a volunteer application for our next temporary exhibit. Most volunteer opportunities are available on Tuesday through Saturday from 10am-1pm and 1pm-4pm, and on Sunday from 1pm-4pm. Volunteer training is provided.

Collections Volunteers

With tens of thousands of artifacts in our collections and tens of thousands of documents in our archives, maintaining the Museum’s collections is a huge task. Each year the Museum accepts a limited number of volunteers to assist behind-the-scenes in collections care and documentation. Collections volunteer positions are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, and require a minimum of a one year commitment. Prior collections and database experience cataloging or identifying artifacts is a plus, and a passion for history and knack for detail is a must. If you’re a history-focused undergrad looking for hands-on experience to prepare for a museum career or a graduate student working on a thesis, consider volunteering at the Museum for first-hand experience with collections.

Special Projects Volunteers

Do you have a knack for arranging trays of cookies? Do you hold the world record for fastest envelope stamper? If you answered yes to either question, you may want to consider joining the Museum team as a special projects volunteer. From stuffing envelopes to distributing brochures to helping with holiday decorations, special projects volunteers keep the Museum operating day-to-day, and as such, help the Museum in a big way. Most special projects involve behind-the-scenes work and are often best tackled with a buddy (or crew of buddies). If you would like to be added to an “as-needed” list of volunteers for special projects, please submit a volunteer application today indicating your preferences and availability.