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
Greeter
Volunteer greeters welcome groups visiting during the week.
Last school year that included more than 40,000 scheduled students. Morning shifts vary but usually occur between 8:30 and 10:30. Once groups are in the building, greeters also have the opportunity to volunteer in other roles within the museum.
Age 18 and up.
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.
Carts include Collecting A-Z highlights such as A is for Auto, D is for Dolls, H is for Hats, M is for Music, as well as “Bugs” and “Food Stuff”.
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.
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
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.
