VOLUNTEER

Two women looking through viewfinders with slides of historic building in Portland, Oregon

If you are interested in any of the volunteer opportunities below, contact us!

AHC VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

Visitor Services Representative

As a front desk volunteer, you’ll get to interact with the public and share your knowledge of our exhibits, as well as Portland as a whole. Front desk volunteers are often the first interaction that a member of the public has with us—all it takes is an appreciation for our mission and a desire to interact with our community!

The AHC gallery is open Thursday through Saturday 11:00am to 5:00pm. There are two volunteer shifts:

  • Mornings from 10:45am-2pm &

  • Afternoons from 1:45pm-5:15pm

As a Front Desk Volunteer, you will:

  • Greet visitors to the museum and AHC, track visitation, and provide information about the AHC’s current and upcoming exhibits and other programs

  • Share information about the AHC’s historic West Block building (1883) and answer questions about the AHC’s neighborhood, the Central Eastside Industrial District

  • Open and close the galleries (dependent on shift)

  • Be aware of security and emergency procedures

  • Answer multi-line telephone, transfer calls to staff, take messages, and respond to inquiries about AHC accurately and politely. Answer routine email inquiries.

  • Take program registrations, sell memberships and merchandise, record daily transactions, and close out the register

  • Assist with programs, outreach, fundraising, and administrative tasks that match your skills and interests

We’re looking for folks who have:

  • Basic computer skills

  • Ability to learn the basics of our contact database and to handle credit and cash transactions

  • Comfort interacting with public visitors, staff, and other volunteers; a professional manner and appearance

  • Dependability and consistency working scheduled shifts

  • Capable of working independently, but good judgment in knowing when to ask for help

  • And of course, an interest in architecture/design, art, culture, history or historic preservation!

All Visitor Services Volunteers will be set up with onboarding training as well as ongoing support from AHC staff. We look forward to working with you!

Walking Tour Docent

Lead a walking tour! This is a great opportunity if you have an interest in exploring the history and architecture of Portland neighborhoods and sharing that knowledge with others. Training sessions are provided.

Other Opportunities

  • Fundraising and marketing assistance

  • Special events planning and management

  • Community-sourced/volunteer-driven programs, such as movie events, pop-up exhibits, and more

  • Graphic design and photography