Volunteer
    at the GRPM

    Give back to the community, learn new skills, meet new people, and explore ever-changing exhibits.

    Volunteers take on several unique roles from the Education department to the Archives. They work as Education Assistants in K-12 programming during the school year and as Camp Curious assistants during the summer. They direct art and craft activities for Public Programs, act as interpreters in the Streets of Old Grand Rapids shops, and staff artifact-based Discovery Carts. They even provide assistance to our Collections team on specific projects. 

    If you are interested in finding out more about the possibility of joining our Volunteer Team, please review the information below and fill out our very brief application. Each volunteer role has specific criteria, and we are happy to discuss them with you. Our staff will follow up to schedule a phone interview.

    Volunteers must be 14 years of age or older. Those under 14 are considered if they can provide a parent/guardian to stay on-site.

    Current Opportunities

    Volunteer Application

    Discovery Cart Volunteers

    Volunteers interact with guests by facilitating a mobile, artifact-based Discovery Cart exhibit. Carts are related to larger exhibits throughout the museum and volunteers may choose the cart that best matches their interest. All educational material and training is provided. Scheduling is based on volunteers’ availability and is especially open to volunteers 14 years old and up on weekends.

    Current topics include: Veterans, Meteorites, Construction Zone, Musical Instrucments, and more! 

    Exhibit Interpreter

    Volunteers share the story of 1890s Grand Rapids by staffing shops in our Streets of Old Grand Rapids exhibit. Options include Voigt Herpolsheimer Department Store, Rudell Drug Store, Van Dort Print Shop, the Firehouse, and our Porter lathe. All necessary training is provided. Most volunteers work one day per week as their schedule allows.

    Ages 18 and up.

    Education Assistants

    Volunteers assist as teachers’ aides with GRPM educators in providing programs to visiting school groups. Classes are 60 to 90 minutes long and cover a variety of topics in science, history and culture. Exact shifts vary but are between 9:15 and 3:15 on weekdays during the school year.

    Ages 18 and up. 

    Public Programs

    Staff periodic public program events such as Winter and Spring Breaks, Art & Nature Saturdays, and summertime’s Camp Curious. Best for those looking for a non-weekly schedule, who still want to be part of the Museum. Schedule varies depending on public program events calendar.

    Ages 14 and up.

    Community Science: Angler Counts

    Help document the number of fishing activities in the Grand River so we can better understand the effects of river restoration efforts! Each count takes approximately 1 hour to complete. 

    Training is required. The next angler counter training session will take place on August 6 at 6 p.m.

    Those under the age of 16 need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

    Register Now

    Volunteer Benefits

    • Free Parking
    • Complimentary membership after volunteering 12 shifts
    • Discount in Curiosity Shop & Cafe
    • Training & continuing education
    • Invitations to recognition events

    If you have questions, please email Mo Fleming at mfleming@grpm.org,  Austin Stanage at astanage@grmuseum.org, or call 616.929.1753.

    Volunteers 18 and older require a background check.Â