Museum Volunteer Opportunities

The upcoming year includes a variety of exhibitions and projects at the Roseau County Historical Society Museum and Research Center. Now is your chance to become part of a volunteer team of enthusiastic members.

Volunteers play an important role for Roseau County Historical Society (RCHS) bringing skills, experience, and enthusiasm to the visitors of the museum. They provide valuable support to the staff and add to the quality of visitors’ experiences.  Volunteers are vital to the museum and research center’s success.

A volunteer may assist as a receptionist, answering the phone, taking messages, and scheduling programs and activities for school groups and the public. Volunteers may act as tour guides, give special object talks, brief incoming school groups, and help with special events, with membership mailings and the newsletter.

Behind-the-scenes volunteers assist paid staff by helping with collection management and collection care by registering and photographing incoming donations, doing data entry, and working with exhibit development or design.

Research center volunteers file information from newspapers, memorial cards, etc; research for upcoming exhibits and incoming genealogy requests or enter research center information into the computer.

Applicants must be dedicated, motivated, courteous, and friendly to all and at least 16 years or older. If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding experience, contact the museum or a member of the Board of Directors.

The Roseau County Historical Society strives to match volunteer skills to a position.

We are always looking for volunteers to help with our day-to-day operations.

Volunteer Job Descriptions – Roseau County Historical Society & Museum

1. Data Entry Collections Volunteer

Position Summary:
Assist in cataloging and managing historical collections by entering data into the museum’s collection management system.

Key Responsibilities:

• Accurately enter artifact details into the database.
• Follow detailed instructions to maintain consistency in records.
• Photograph artifacts and upload images.
• Organize and handle historical objects with care.
• Work independently but communicate effectively with team members.

Requirements:

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• A step above basic computer knowledge.
• Ability to use a camera.
• Must not be color blind (for accurate cataloging).
• Comfortable handling older items that may be dusty or musty.
• Ability to lift, bend, and climb a ladder if needed.

2. Research Archivist

Position Summary:
Assist in preserving and researching historical documents, photographs, and records.

Key Responsibilities:

• Organize, scan, and digitize archival materials.
• Research information using historical documents, newspapers, and other sources.
• Interview individuals to gather historical knowledge.
• Write historical articles and exhibit content.
• Follow detailed archival procedures.

Requirements:

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Basic computer and word processing skills.
• Ability to use a scanner and archival databases.
• Comfortable handling aged materials.
• Ability to lift, bend, and climb a ladder if needed.

3. Oral History Gathering Volunteer

Position Summary:
Conduct interviews and collect personal stories to document local history.

Key Responsibilities:

• Meet with individuals to record personal histories.
• Operate audio recording and media equipment.
• Transcribe and compile interviews into historical articles.
• Lead a committee for larger oral history projects.
• Travel within the county to conduct interviews.

Requirements:

• Personable with strong listening skills.
• Independent and self-motivated.
• Experience using audio recording equipment.
• Ability to write and summarize interviews into articles.

4. Programming Volunteer

Position Summary:
Assist in planning, coordinating, and executing museum programs and events.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and coordinate museum programs and special events.
• Contact entertainers, speakers, and program participants.
• Oversee volunteers and provide direction.
• Set up and organize event spaces, including parade floats and booths.
• Report to the museum director on program progress.

Requirements:

• Strong attention to detail and leadership skills.
• Ability to travel within the county.
• Creative and resourceful in program development.

5. Newsletter Designer & Editor

Position Summary:
Create and manage the museum’s newsletter to inform and engage the community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Research and write articles for the newsletter.
• Design and layout content using Publisher or Canva.
• Organize historical stories and event promotions.

Requirements:

• Knowledge of publishing software (Publisher, Canva, or similar).
• Strong writing and editing skills.
• Attention to detail in layout and design.

6. Historian – Researcher

Position Summary:
Conduct in-depth research for various museum publications and historical storytelling.

Key Responsibilities:

• Gather historical content for radio readings, newspaper articles, website, newsletter, and museum tours.
• Uncover lesser-known stories and mysteries in local history.
• Work independently on research projects.

Requirements:

• Strong research and investigative skills.
• Proficiency in word processing.
• Ability to write engaging historical content.

7. Marketing Volunteer

Position Summary:
Support the museum’s marketing efforts through content creation, social media management, and promotional material design.

Key Responsibilities:

• Create marketing materials, including flyers, posters, and social media content.
• Manage social media accounts and create engaging posts.
• Use Photoshop or Canva to design graphics.
• Capture photos and videos for promotional use.

Requirements:

• Experience in graphic design and social media marketing.
• Proficiency in Photoshop, Canva, or similar tools.
• Strong attention to detail and creativity.

8. Video Creator/Editor Volunteer

Position Summary:
Create short, engaging videos using still images and voice-overs to tell stories about Roseau County’s history.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop a series of approximately ten 5-minute-long videos.
• Utilize museum-provided topics and historical content to craft compelling narratives.
• Edit and enhance videos with appropriate visuals, voiceovers, and effects.
• Ensure videos are accessible for museum patrons.
• Work independently and meet deadlines set by the museum.

Requirements:

• Experience in video creation and editing.
• Ability to use any video editing software of choice.
• Strong storytelling skills and attention to historical accuracy.
• Must submit a sample of previous work.
• Can work remotely with provided materials.

Additional Information:

• A stipend may be available for the right candidate (to be discussed).
• Open to all ages with the necessary skills.
• All rights to the completed videos will be turned over to the museum.

How to Apply:
Submit a resume detailing experience and an example of work to rchsroseau@gmail.com.

It all helps, even it is only an hour, a day, a week or on a regular basis.

What could be better then having a “job” that you can pick your own hours.

Become a Volunteer today!  Complete the form below and we’ll contact you.