Volunteer/Internships

Volunteer Program in Richmond

The Museum of the Confederacy welcomes those interested in volunteering. Volunteers provide much needed assistance and skill in any number of areas around the Museum, including assistance in the library and coordination for Celebrate South, the Museum’s major annual fundraising event. Volunteers may be anyone interested in museum studies, historical research, education, history, or the Museum. Even if you don't see something immediately on our list of volunteer positions, please feel free to fill out and send in a volunteer application, noting any special interests or talents. We will keep your application on file for a year and notify you if any positions become available. Presently, the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond has a critical need for volunteers in the following areas:

• Haversack Store
• White House Tour Guide
• Living History Interpreters
• Front Desk Representative

The Benefits of Volunteering:

• Free Parking - at the adjacent MCV parking deck.
• A 10% discount on all Haversack purchases
• Free admission to the Museum & the White House
• Free admission to special Museum events

Email Bryce VanStavern the Volunteer Coordinator for Richmond with any questions or comments or call: (855) 649-1861 ext. 111. You can also fill out an application online.

Volunteer in the Development Office! 

The Development Office, located in the White House, also welcomes volunteers. We regularly need help mailing gift acknowledgements two Thursdays a month, the next being Thursday February 14th and Thursday February 21st. We welcome volunteers to participate in either or both of these dates. No regular commitment is asked. There are also other opportunities for volunteers to perform needed development related tasks on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The hours are flexible and the work environment upbeat. You’ll learn about the Museum, and the workings of a preeminent museum development office while meeting fine folks and having fun. So please join us soon!  Contact Constance Bowden for details at (855) 649-1861, ext. 144 or by email. 

Internships available in the Development Office.  If you're looking for a position in non-profit development but lack the necessary skills and experience to get your foot in the door, this is a wonderful opportunity! Our interns will assist staff in the areas of the annual fund, membership,special events planning, and planned giving.   While we are flexible with the work hours and days, we require a three month commitment of 16 or more hours per week. To learn more about this wonderful opportunity, contact Constance Bowden at (855) 649-1861, ext. 144 or cbowden@moc.org.

Volunteer Opportunities in Appomattox

Please review the listing below to determine the areas that are interesting to you. You may choose to volunteer in more than one area.

Greeter
This person welcomes the visitors to the Museum and helps to orient them to the facility—locating restrooms, gift shop, education center, outdoor activities, etc.—and answers visitor’s questions about restaurants, lodging, shopping and other local attractions.

Administration
This person assists with copying, filing, compiling time sheets, packing lists, visitor requests, brochure distribution, group confirmations, etc.

Cashier
This individual will sell admission tickets and complete gift shop sales, in addition to answering visitor’s questions about restaurants, lodging, shopping and other local attractions.

Retail
This person will help opening up boxes of inventory received, checking the packing slip with the contents and the original order. Putting on price stickers and placing inventory into the shop storage area is also a responsibility along with moving that inventory from storage onto the gift shop shelves. The ability to lift boxes is needed.

Grounds
There is always a need for someone to police the outside area, including the parking lot, to keep it looking neat and clean. Volunteers can also help plant and maintain trees, shrubs and flowers on the grounds.

Special Events
Volunteers to help set up and take down tables and chairs, take out trash, etc. before, during and after special events would be welcome. The multi-purpose room will be available for use by service clubs and associations such as the Woman’s Club, Lions Club, Retired Teacher’s Association, etc. for meetings or receptions. The facilities of the Museum are also available for rental for reunions, parties and other special gatherings after the regular Museum hours. Outreach activities also include staffing information tables at shows and festivals offsite.

Living History
Costumed interpreters are needed to enhance a visitor’s experience by explaining the life of the soldier, civilian, slave and free black.  

Education
The primary mission of the Museum is to educate both students and adults. Formal programs will be presented and offer 3 tiers of volunteer involvement.

1. Monitor – this person will follow the group and leader through the gallery and other portions of the program to help maintain order, keep the group together and assist with any emergencies.
2. Gallery Tour – this person will guide the group through the gallery, stopping at the appropriate sections to elaborate on the exhibits. This allows for the students to focus on the SOL requirements or the adult group’s area of interest.
3. Program – this person will be able to present at least one of the three programs offered to school groups (Homefront, Medical practices and African American experience). This involves reading background material and learning the talking points of a script.

Contact  volunteer.apx@moc.org  to volunteer in Appmattox or call 855-649-1861 x 205 for more information.

You can also fill out an application online.

Internship Program

The Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond offers internships in the departments of Collections, Library, and Interpretation.
Past internship projects have included researching for exhibit content, organizing original document collections, and learning and conducting educational programs or tours. Placements are made according to a student's interests and availability, in conjunction with departmental needs. Interns can be undergraduate or graduate students interested in museum studies, historical research, museum education, and southern or military history. Interns should be self-motivators, capable of working independently, and comfortable assisting with collaborative projects. Student interns can earn between two and three credit hours toward their degree. All internships are unpaid.

Interested applicants should contact Bryce VanStavern for an application packet. The completed application and letter of intent is required for internship consideration. Application deadlines are flexible. Applications will be considered through the first week of classes for the current semester. Earlier applicants are given first choice of internship opportunities; later applicants are not guaranteed selection.

Thank you so much for your interest in becoming a part of the Museum of the Confederacy team.