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1. How do I apply?
You may apply online by filling out the full application and selecting your interview date. Please provide a working email address you can check on a regular basis in order to receive email communication and newsletters and to check your museum volunteer schedule
2. How often are volunteer interviews conducted?
Interviews for volunteer positions occur throughout the week and even on weekends. Once you apply to volunteer, you will be able to select an interview time that works best for you.
Based on your interview selection date, it may be 2-3 weeks from the date of your intitial application when you are interviewed. If you cannot come in for your selected interview date or need to change it, please call the Volunteer Central hotline at 317-334-3115 to cancel. You will be contacted via email or phone to schedule another interview date. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, if you cancel, or do not show up for an interview date two times, we will assume you are not interested.
3. What do I need to bring to an interview?
- Driver's License
- Social Security number
- Calendar
- Notebook and pen
4. If I am interviewed, does it mean I automatically become a volunteer?
Unfortunately not all potential volunteers actually receive a volunteer placement. We have specific needs and requirements throughout the museum and not all candidates qualify. Some departments within the museum will require a second interview via phone or in person. All initial placements are considered temporary in case you or your supervisor decide that the placement is not right. Because we want you to have a meaningful experience, if your initial placement is not a good match, we will attempt to make an alternate placement for you.
5. If I want to apply but work full or part time elsewhere, are there still times in which I can volunteer?
Yes. The museum is open 7 days a week from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and 6 days a week from the Monday after Labor Day through the first of March. The museum is also open the first Thursday of every month for free from 4-8 p.m.
6. Does every volunteer opportunity require working with children?
No, but it is important for our volunteers to really enjoy working with children, understand this is the world’s largest and best children’s museum which serves over a million children and families per year, so children are our number one priority!
7. Is there an age requirement?
Adult volunteers are 18 years of age and over.
8. May I complete court ordered community service at the museum?
No, currently we do not accommodate court ordered community service assignments.
9. If I have the opportunity to become a museum volunteer how often will I volunteer?
Volunteer Services staff will help you determine your initial schedule and your specific department will help to complete it. Some volunteers work once or twice a week, whereas some volunteers are here only for special events. Some departments have a minimum schedule of twice a month. Dependability is a must but flexibility is possible.
10. Is there a mandatory length of time for a short term volunteer experience?
You must be able to complete a minimum of 20 volunteer hours within a month.
11. Will I have to attend training if I am placed as a volunteer?
Yes, there are a variety of trainings required for volunteers.
- Day One training
Offered weekly Tuesday or Friday from 9:30 a.m.–Noon, or Saturday one time per quarter. This must be completed prior to your first day as a volunteer. - All staff two day orientation
Offered monthly on Wednesdays and Thursdays, or Saturday once per quarter. This must be completed within the first 3-6 months of your volunteer placement. - Department Training depending on where you are placed.
- "How to Be a Museum Volunteer"
Offered online or via a DVD that can be checked out. - When the museum is opening a new permanent exhibit, you will also be required to attend a "101" training session specific to the exhibit, typically offered prior to the opening date.
12. If I become a volunteer, can I be terminated from my volunteer assignment?
Volunteer Services follows consistent staff policy practices and reserves the right to terminate a volunteer if museum policies or standards are violated and corrective action is not taken.
