Volunteer/Internship Opportunities
If you are interested in volunteering for any of the positions at the Historical Center or our Historic Sites please contact us at 414-273-8288.
Guest Host
Guest hosts provide exemplary guest services to Milwaukee County Historical Society visitors at all of our sites in a friendly and positive manner; engage visitors in order to understand their needs and effectively meet them; efficiently facilitate sales and transactions; correctly answer inquires for information about the Historical Center’s exhibits and programs; take reservations for Historical Society programs; and handle mailings and supply orders for Historical Society staff.
Trimborn Special Events Volunteers
Trimborn Farm is located in Greendale, just a few blocks from Southridge Mall. Help is needed for the World War II Encampment (June), Harvest of Art & Crafts (September), and the Civil War Encampment (October) each year. Activities include setup; takedown; selling admissions, food, or raffle tickets; assisting with parking; and greeting shuttle buses. No experience is necessary, but the ability to handle public groups is desired.
Trimborn Farm Docents (Tour Guides)
Trimborn Farm is located in Greendale, just a few blocks from Southridge Mall. Docents educate the public about the history of this unique Wisconsin site. You’ll lead visitors into the farmhouse, barns, kilns; schoolchildren through hands-on activities such as making butter and trying a washboard; and other visitors with drop-in programs and workshops. It’s a fun and rewarding experience. Training sessions, with all materials provided, are required. A background in history or farming is not required, only an interest in history, a willingness to learn, and enthusiasm. An ability to communicate effectively with the public is desired. You must be able to stand during duty.
Trimborn Garden Volunteers
Trimborn Farm is located in Greendale, just a few blocks from Southridge Mall. Help Volunteers are needed to work in the vegetable, herb, and flower gardens at historic Trimborn Farm. Emphasis is on the historic aspect of gardening, including the use of heirloom varieties appropriate and authentic to the historic period. You can be involved in the planning, planting, and/or tending of current gardens or new projects during the growing season. No watering time is necessary as it can be done by the caretakers.
Jeremiah Curtin House Docents
The Curtin House, an 1840s Irish cottage-style home, is open for Sunday tours from 1 to 4 p.m. from May through mid-October. Docents greet guests and provide information about the Curtin Family, and Jeremiah in particular. Curtin House is adjacent to Trimborn Farm in Greendale, just a few blocks from Southridge Mall. No experience is necessary. All training will be provided. Volunteers must be self-motivated, friendly, and comfortable working with the public.
SPARK! Program Volunteers
Trimborn Farm is very excited to be launching programming specifically designed for people living with dementia and their caregivers. Programs take place at Trimborn Farm and are limited to 6-8 people per program. The programs are designed for those with early to mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease. No experience is necessary to help with the programs, but specialized training is required prior to volunteering. The training is provided. Volunteers must be friendly, comfortable with people of all backgrounds and ability levels, and willing to go with the flow.
Kilbourntown House Garden Volunteers
Volunteers are needed to plant, tend, and/or manage the heirloom gardens during the growing season at Kilbourntown House (also known as Benjamin Church House) in Estabrook Park, Shorewood, just a block north of Capitol Drive. Watering can be done by the Kilbourntown House docent.
Lowell Damon House Docent (Tour Guide)
Docents are needed for regular shifts at the Lowell Damon House – Wauwatosa’s oldest house. The house is open on Wednesdays from 6pm – 9pm and on Sundays from 1pm to 4pm. The house is also open during special community events. Docents greet visitors, collect the $2.00 admission charge, and guide them through the house. The tours are a fun and rewarding experience. All training is provided, and no prior experience is necessary. You must be willing to learn, interested in history, trustworthy, and comfortable working with the public.
Mailing/Office Duty Volunteer
Volunteers are needed at the Milwaukee County Historical Society’s headquarters to assist with bulk mailings and light office duties such as filing. No prior experience is necessary. An attention to detail is an absolute must.
Harry H. Anderson Research Library
The Library has volunteer opportunities for individuals or student interns who can give at least one shift of 3 hours per week and are willing to commit to specific projects that may last for several months. We often have projects that involve sorting, cataloging, cleaning, microfilming or moving archival materials. Some of the work requires the ability to lift at least 20 pounds and be able to work with basic computer programs.