Media Only - Restricted

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 20, 2016

Contact: Christiana Hanson, 517-241-6852

Michigan Historical Museum seeks volunteers to help share Michigan's history

Orientations for volunteers will be held on Jan. 27 and 30

The Michigan Historical Museum in Lansing is looking for those with a passion for Michigan or an interest in our state's history to help share that history with museum visitors. Orientations for new volunteers will be held on Wed., Jan. 27 and Sat., Jan. 30 at the museum.
Volunteers can assist with special events or other public programming, welcome visitors and assist with collections. They can also interact with visitors in the exhibit galleries, lead education programs for school groups or assist behind-the-scenes with administrative tasks. In-depth knowledge of Michigan's history is not required.
Scheduling is flexible and can include weekday or weekend hours. Volunteers receive a museum store discount, free parking and special learning opportunities as well as the chance to enjoy social occasions together. Those who contribute a minimum number of hours also receive a museum membership.

Anyone interested in volunteer opportunities should attend one of two orientation sessions: Wednesday, Jan. 27 from 2 to 4 p.m. or Saturday, Jan 30 from 10 a.m. to noon. For those interested in the possibility of presenting programs to school groups or sharing Michigan's history in the museum's exhibit galleries as a docent, additional training will be required through five weekly sessions following orientation. Details on this training will be provided at both orientation sessions.
Volunteer docents have an interest in Michigan history or a simply a desire and ability to engage both children and adults.
"I'm constantly learning new things about Michigan and realizing how rich this state's history is," said volunteer Cora Walby. "Besides being able to spend time in the museum learning about Michigan's history, I'm able to spend time with some wonderful people. The other volunteers, docents and employees are genuinely interested in educating visitors about Michigan and want them to enjoy their time in the museum."
To learn more about the program, please call 517-241-6852 or email hansonc@michigan.gov.
The Michigan Historical Center is part of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Its museum and archival programs help people discover, enjoy and find inspiration in their heritage. It includes the Michigan Historical Museum, 10 regional museums, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve, and the Archives of Michigan. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/mhc.

/Editors' note: An accompanying photo is available below for download. A suggested caption follows.
Docent: Have a passion for Michigan or an interest in our state's history? The Michigan Historical Museum is looking for volunteers to help share Michigan history with museum visitors./

Docent.jpg

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.