Volunteer Opportunities

Interested in architecture and history?

There are many ways to support the mission of the Architectural Heritage Center by volunteering your time and expertise. Your volunteer support is welcomed and appreciated. Our Volunteer Manager, Ita Lindquist, is the one to contact for more information. Email her or call 503 231-7264.

  • Staff the front desk at the AHC – greet visitors, answer the phone, handle inquiries,  sell memberships and take program reservations
  • Catalogue our collection and work with artifacts to prepare them for storage or exhibits – both physical and computer jobs available
  • Help out with events like the Heritage Auction, the Kitchen Revival Tour, and the Old House Fair as well as exhibit openings and other celebrations
  • Assist researchers in our new preservation library
  • Turn your knowledge of architecture and history into public programs or exhibits
  • Assist staff with web site maintenance to promote our mission
  • Join a committee – make an “in depth” contribution and work with AHC staff members on our activities and programs.  (See descriptions below.)

AHC Volunteer Committees

Help increase awareness of the AHC + promotes it’s programs

The committee welcomes volunteers with expertise in public relations, communications, graphic design, database management, direct marketing, electronic/web marketing and promotion. Call or e-mail Barbara Pierce at the AHC for more information.

The Education Committee oversees an extensive roster of programs and neighborhood tours for which the AHC is best known. Upcoming initiatives include helping with historic district nominations, offering teacher credits and publishing. Call or e-mail Val Ballestrem for more information.

The Collections/Exhibits Committee reviews and decides on acquisitions, helps catalogue the collection, and works with the Curator to plan and install exhibits. Committee members should have a background or interest in Architecture, Art History, and/or Historic Preservation. Specialized skills or knowledge of specific artifact categories is also a plus. Call or e-mail Doug Magedanz for more information.

The Fund Development Committee oversees the fundraising activities of the AHC. The committee welcomes volunteers with expertise in grant writing, donor cultivation, event planning and other fund-raising skills. Call or e-mail Holly Chamberlain for more information.

The Heritage Auction Committee works year round on this gala fund raiser held each October. The Committee, led by a volunteer Auction Chair, oversees overall planning for the event. Opportunities are also available to volunteer for subcommittees that procure auction items, sell auction and raffle tickets, create decorations, organize set-up, supervise registration, and help with the silent and oral auctions. Call or e-mail Barbara Pierce for more information.

Serve as a catalyst in the region…

  • Call attention to threatened historic buildings
  • Help inform the discussion of their preservation and re-use.
  • Build coalitions for creative problem-solving that balance needs of property owners, neighborhoods, developers, and government.

Preservation does not mean being frozen in time. New isn’t inherently “bad,” nor is old inherently “good.” But we believe a vintage building shouldn’t be demolished without careful consideration of its architectural, environmental, and cultural value, or without exploring possibilities for re-use. We also believe that in-fill construction should be compatible with the character, style, and scale of traditional neighborhoods.

AHC Programs strive to be:

  • Relevant
  • Authentic
  • Pro-active
  • Constructive
  • Practical
  • Inclusive
  • Inspirational
  • Resource-full

  • Apply to be an AHC Volunteer

    Your volunteer support is welcomed and appreciated. Please let us know how you’d like to be involved by marking the general area or specific activity and providing your contact information.

  • Areas of Interest

    The Architectural Heritage Center employs volunteers in a wide variety of positions. Please check the general areas that interest you, and check the specific activities you would like to be involved with.
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