Volunteering and Internships

Volunteers

Volunteers work throughout the institution and make it possible for thousands of visitors to explore the MdHS’s collections, conduct research in the library, enjoy public programs and the Museum Shop, and discover all that the MdHS has to offer.

MdHS volunteers receive a wide range of benefits including opportunities to attend free classes and lectures, receive recognition at volunteer events and receptions, and enjoy discounts at events and the Museum Shop.

Placement is determined based on the volunteer’s interests, skills, and experiences and the institution’s needs.

To become a volunteer, or inquire about volunteer opportunities not listed below, please call 410- 685-3750, ext. 323.

Educational Outreach Division

  • Volunteer Guides: Lead adult groups on tours of the MdHS permanent collections. Flexible scheduling Wednesdays through Sundays. Training sessions for new tour guides begin annually in September.

Library

  • Archives Assistant: Help improve access to and preservation of historical documents.
  • Cataloging Assistant: Edit and update library records in the MdHS online public access catalog.
  • Library Inventory Volunteer: maintain and document collections of photographs and printed materials or create lists of folder titles for manuscripts collection.

Imaging Services

  • Assist with the cataloging of photographs of and reproductions of MdHS collection materials.

Museum

  • Research objects in the MdHS museum collection and potential donations to the collection.
  • Respond to inquiries about the MdHS collections.
  • Assist with exhibition research and installation.

In addition to these positions, there are opportunities for volunteers to serve in administrative support positions in almost all areas of the MdHS, including the museum, photo services, library, finance, and administration departments.

 

Interns

The Maryland Historical Society offers internships to meet the needs of students and the institution. Interns, working in just about every department at the MdHS, have the chance to learn first-hand about careers in museums, libraries, educational outreach, and the administration of a non-profit organization.

MdHS interns are assigned directly to staff members who serve as the intern’s supervisors and mentors and work on diverse and challenging projects that have a direct impact on the institution.

Educational Outreach Division Opportunities Include:

  • Assist in the development and promotion of educational programs.
  • Research primary sources for teacher and student resource kits.
  • Lead educational activities at adult and family public programs.
  • Provide customer service, ordering assistance and behind-the-scenes support in retail operations.
  • Assist Maryland Historical Magazine editor with tracking book reviews, incoming submissions, fulfill MHM orders, image research, fact checking and other pre-production tasks.

Collections Division Opportunities Include:

  • Work with museum curator and registrars to assist with object and exhibition research, writing, and installation.
  • Complete preservation survey and database of the MdHS print. Assist the Special Collections staff with identifying duplicates & preparing such for de-accession and sale, including research into the provenance & valuation of individual prints.
  • Work with the Special Collections Librarian to rearrange several important manuscript collections & revise the finding aids.
  • Process several small World War I and World War II collections including soldier's diaries, air raid warden log books, and other fascinating materials.
  • Assist in creating inventories and finding aids to the rich collection of World War I and II propaganda posters, and travel and advertising posters, many of which are currently prominent in the public consciousness and will carry out basic passive preservation procedures. Intern may also research and submit a proposal for a poster exhibit in the library galleries.
  • Assist in the completion of an annotated guide to the business/corporate records housed within the MdHS' collections.
  • Assist with hands-on photography (studio, on-site shoots, events, dark room, etc.) and general clerical tasks.
  • Assist with the cataloging of photographs and reproductions of MdHS collection materials

Administration Opportunities Include:

  • Draft press releases, develop targeted media lists, maintain and measure media clipping file, organize and maintain image files, communicate with the media, and develop marketing pieces.
  • Assist with writing, audience development, research, and mailings.

In addition to these positions, there are opportunities for interns and volunteers to serve in administrative support positions in almost all areas of the MdHS. For imformation Call: 410- 685-3750, ext. 323.

MdHS