Volunteer
    at the GRPM

    Our team offers volunteer opportunities suitable for individuals of all ages!

    Volunteering at the GRPM brings the opportunity to connect with the community, learn more about the Museum’s worldwide collections and interact with other like-minded people. The GRPM volunteer program is filled with enthusiastic individuals who enjoy working with children and visitors of all ages.

    Review the information below on volunteer opportunities and let us know what interests you! 

    Current Opportunities

    Apply Today

    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.

    Camp Curious Assistants

    Camp Assistants are needed for GRPM’s annual Camp Curious! The GRPM is offering over 150 separate camp shifts between June 16 and August 7. One volunteer is needed at each shift to assist instructors in providing interesting, fun, hands-on learning adventures for students from pre-K through high school.

    Camp options are mornings (9-12 a.m.) and afternoons (1:30-4:30 p.m.). Each shift is 3 hours long. Topics include engineering, underwater worlds, art, nature, space, and more.

    Training is provided. Free parking and discounts in the Cafe and Curiosity Shop. Fantastic opportunity for high school students.

    Ages 16 and up.

    Seasonal Opportunities

    Community Science Angler Counters

    As part of a combined effort with Encompass Socio-ecological Consulting LLC, John Ball Zoo, and the Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds, Volunteer Angler Counters work seasonally to document the number of anglers in a 2 mile section of the nearby Grand River. Training is provided. Volunteers are asked to do 2 counts per season. Data gathered will help document the long-term changes that occur when the city of Grand Rapids begins the river rehabilitation. Age 18+ (16+ if accompanied by a parent/guardian) Please pre-register by email to mfleming@grpm.org

    The next training session will take place on February 25, 2025 at 6 p.m.

    Learn More

    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