Volunteer Opportunities

There are many opportunities to volunteer your time and talents at the Mahoning Valley Historical Society!

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please contact the Curator of Education at (330) 743-2589 or education@mahoninghistory.org

Archives and Library

Collections Projects

· Word processing and transcription of historic diaries, documents, military records;

· Alphabetize donor lists and aid Archivist with data entry of museum donations;

· Enter data from Yearbooks, Civil Court Files, City Planning Collection, legal ledgers, and military ledgers including Tod Post #29 (Civil War);

· Sort, photocopy and file newspaper clippings and family collections;

· Aid in organizing family collections, new donations and photographs;

Research Aid

· Locates files, photographs, books and other documents for use by researchers

· Assists Archivist with patrons during regular hours of operation, including weekends

· Researches answers to mailed inquiries from patrons in other cities and states – includes county and local history and genealogy.

Education and Public Programming

‘Museum in a Suitcase’ Presenter

· Present suitcase programs to students at local schools when available (mileage refunded);

· Work closely with Curator of Education to develop additional suitcase programs, and supplement existing ones.

Education Projects (Great experience for retired teachers and education majors)

· Work closely with Curator of Education to create and implement history-based workshops, classes and children’s programs;

· Aid Education Department in development of Education Collection (artifacts for use in educational programs and hands-on activities);

· Develops educational materials such as pre and post visit activities for schools based on current exhibits;

· Aids Curator of Education in installation of interactive education components for exhibits.

Curatorial Volunteer (Requires additional interviews/screening and three professional references)

· Research and catalog various types of artifacts including nineteenth century textiles, tools, Native American collections, glassware, artwork, etc.;

· Aid Manager of Collections and Registrar in safely boxing artifacts in archival boxes;

· Create padded hangers and dust covers for clothing collections (involves sewing);

· Aid curatorial staff in computer data entry of artifacts into collections software.

Exhibit Research and Fabrication (Great experience for those interested in art, architecture, museum work and fashion merchandising)

· Work closely with Manager of Collections and exhibit team to research exhibit content (includes collection research);

· Aid in installation of exhibition (involves installation of graphics, artifacts, and artwork in galleries; if interested, can involve some building of exhibit furniture.)

Business and Media Archives of the Mahoning Valley

· Helps to implement fun and interactive activities, such as craft tables, at MVHS open houses and family events.