WE want YOU to JOIN US as keepers of Berks County’s history!
Volunteers are central to the Berks History Center’s mission. They serve as stewards of our collections, exhibits and archives. Whet
her providing front-line visitor services or completing behind-the-scenes projects, our volunteers are vital in enhancing our patron’s experience.
Our volunteer family consists of students, stay-at-home parents, retirees, and other individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Individuals will be provided with on-the-job training in their chosen department, and we welcome those with an interest in working in other departments. Besides learning new skills, meeting new people, and learning interesting things, you will be helping BHC staff preserve Berks County’s history. As a thank you, all volunteers receive free admission to the Berks History Center Museum and Research Library, a 10% discount for non-consignment items in the Museum Store, and invitations to special volunteer events.
The following Volunteer Opportunities are available at the Berks History Center:
Administrative Support:
The Administrative Office is seeking individuals interested in volunteering throughout the year to assist with a variety of administrative tasks, including stuffing envelopes, filing, shredding papers, and other duties as necessary. We are also looking for individuals who have a talent for fabrication and building and grounds maintenance.
Special Events Volunteer:
The Programming Committee is seeking individuals interested in volunteering throughout the year to assist in the planning and implementation of our special events, such as our 4 Centuries Tour and Magical History Tour and 2nd Saturday Programs. Duties can include, set up, light food preparation, ticket sales, greeting patrons, parking, just to name a few.
Education Volunteer:
The Education Department is seeking individuals interested in volunteering throughout the year, to assist with school and special group tours.
Research Library Volunteer:
The Berks History Center Research Library is seeking individuals interested in volunteering throughout the year to assist patrons in the research room and making collections accessible to the public. Library Volunteers can perform a variety of tasks including: Retrieving materials, making photocopies, helping with research, organizing and describing collections and digitization projects, as well as many other projects. For more information, please click here.
Cu
ratorial Volunteer:
The Museum Collections Department is seeking individuals interested in volunteering throughout the year with the preservation of artifacts. Curatorial volunteers can perform a variety of tasks including: artifact handling, describing and cataloging, research, exhibit production and cleaning, and some sewing projects.
Museum Store Volunteer:
The Museum Store is seeking individuals interested in volunteering through the year to assist with the sale of items, the annual inventory and the sale of merchandise.
Training will be provided and staff is always happy and eager to assist. Please consider joining us today!
Complete and return our Volunteer Application.
If you have any questions regarding this opportunities or volunteering, please call us at 610-375-4375.
REQUIREMENTS:
Due to new laws passed by the Commonwealth, the Board of Trustees now requires the following in order to volunteer at the Berks History Center and Henry Janssen Library:
You MUST be 18 years or older
The following background checks must be performed and copies of certificates need to be on file (click on each title):
Pennsylvania State Police PATCH
PA Childline – PA Child Abuse History Clearance Program
Certificates must be presented on your first day of volunteering.
For a copy of our Child Abuse Policy, please click HSBC Policies – Child Abuse Policy 062015
For a copy of our Code of Conduct Form, please click HSBC-Policies-Staff-and-Vol-Child-Welfare-Code-of-Conduct-063015