Help us make a difference in the community we serve

Volunteers at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley play an important role in fulfilling our mission of preserving and enriching the cultural life and heritage of the Valley. Share your time and talent as an Administrative Volunteer, Education Department Volunteer, Garden and Grounds Volunteer, or Special Events Volunteer.

Volunteer needs vary throughout the year and as various opportunities arise, they are posted here in the “How Can I Help?” section.

Being a Volunteer has its Perks!

All volunteers receive:

  • 15% discount off MSV membership
  • 10% discount in the Museum Store (does not include artisanal items)
  • Free admission to the museum/gardens on the day of volunteering

If you are interested in volunteering to help with our Garden Lights event, November 15–December 1, please email Jennifer Ritenour at jritenour@themsv.org.

How Can I Help?

Current Volunteer Opportunities at the MSV are listed below. If you are interested in helping with any of the activities, please send an email to jritenour@themsv.org.

Volunteers are Needed to help Maintain the Gardens at the MSV

Do you enjoy working outdoors? Help maintain the MSV gardens by volunteering. MSV garden volunteer positions require the ability to sit/kneel on the ground, pull bins of yard waste short distances, use garden pruners requiring hand strength and dexterity, and move about for three hours at a time, in various temperatures.

Garden Maintenance Volunteer
Time: Wednesdays & Fridays, 8–11 a.m.
Location: Glen Burnie Gardens
Duties include mulching, pulling weeds; planting bulbs, perennials, and annuals; and other similar gardening tasks. Gardening experience preferred but not required. Volunteers must wear close-toed shoes and bring a water bottle. Sunscreen is recommended. Volunteer groups will be managed by a member of the MSV Gardens and Grounds staff. Volunteer shifts will be canceled in the event of rain or extreme heat.

Volunteers are Needed to Assist with Education Programs and Tours

Do you enjoy working with people? Help young guests during these MSV programs. These positions require the ability to stand and walk for up to four hours.

Student Tour Facilitator
Time: varies, but generally between 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Tuesday–Friday
Location: MSV galleries building and gardens
Participation in MSV student tours has nearly doubled over the past year! Help MSV educators facilitate some of the larger student groups. Duties include “bringing up the rear” of student groups, helping reseat areas for the next group, and light engagement/mingling during less structured times.

Volunteers are Needed to Support the MSV Staff at Events

The MSV offers a wide range of events including our Gardens at Night concert series, MSV at Night, exhibit premiers and so many more.  Join our team of events volunteers and help us create a memorable experience for our MSV community.

Event Volunteer
Time: TBD (depending on the event schedule)
Location: Event specific
Event volunteers may be asked to direct patrons, collect tickets, help direct cars in designated parking areas, distribute brochures, and assist with a variety of additional tasks specific to the event.

Volunteers are Needed for Light Clerical Work

We are putting together a group of regular volunteers to assist with administrative tasks.  If you would like to donate your time, but prefer to be indoors, consider joining our clerical volunteer team.

Clerical Volunteer
Time: Thursdays 10-12
Location: Galleries building – check in at the front desk
Clerical volunteers will be asked to prepare mailers, to fold pamphlets for upcoming events and exhibits, and complete light filing and sorting.

Volunteer Training

MSV volunteers may be asked to participate in an orientation to campus safety and security, a building and campus overview, in addition to training for tasks as assignments are made. Volunteers participate based on the MSV’s schedule of programs, events, garden activities, and administrative needs.

Volunteer Application

(Cell or Home)
Street Address(Required)
Availability(Required)
Please select the volunteer position/s you are interested in (check all that apply).(Required)
Are you comfortable with extended periods of walking, kneeling, standing?(Required)
Do you consent to undergoing a background check?(Required)
I can attend a volunteer training session at the MSV prior to beginning.(Required)
I authorize the taking and sharing of my photograph on the MSV's website and social media platforms.(Required)
Final Agreement(Required)

This page is for existing volunteers. Those interested in submitting an application to become a volunteer should submit an application.

MSV Volunteers will have all access to this portal once their volunteer application has been approved. Please click “Apply to Volunteer” on the left menu to fill out an application.