Volunteering at the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center. Volunteers are the heart of our organization and their support plays a major role in the success of the Museum because each volunteer brings a unique personality that creates an inviting atmosphere for Museum visitors and staff. Volunteers help us fulfill our mission to:

  • Collect, preserve, exhibit and interpret cultural materials which illustrate the art, history and science of Alaska and the circumpolar North
  • Maintain an active and diverse exhibition program which acquaints the community with the global spectrum of human artistic and cultural expression
  • Provide a major cultural center for Anchorage where the community and its visitors meet, create, learn and participate in the Museum programs and activities
  • Stimulate the activities of a creative population of artists, historians, anthropologists and other allied professionals

Volunteering for the Museum challenges you to make a difference in the lives of people that you come into contact with by providing support in the departments of collections, exhibitions, the library and archives, education, public art, the Museum Shop, front desk, membership, hospitality and special events, such as the Gala, Beaujolais Nouveau, Sitka Summer Music Festival, Winter Concert, Jazz After Hours and opening receptions.

Our Volunteers

  • Have an interest in volunteering and would like to make a commitment to the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center.
  • Abide by the volunteer policies and procedures of the Museum by working with their supervisor to establish a regular volunteer schedule, showing up to work on time and calling ahead of time when a shift will be missed.
  • Take the initiative to attend volunteer training, continuing education programs and events that will enhance their knowledge of the Museum and their professional skills.
  • Accept supervision and communicate with the Museum staff and volunteer leaders with suggestions and ideas about what they need to be a successful volunteer.

Volunteer Guidelines

  • We ask that you perform your job in a professional manner, perform your assigned tasks promptly, work cooperatively with staff and other volunteers and maintain a positive attitude. Please contact your supervisor if you are sick or will be out of town.
  • We recommend your attire be neat, comfortable and appropriate for your position. Please wear your volunteer nametag at all times.
  • We encourage you to take a 20 minute break for every four hours that you work. The volunteer lounge in available for your convenience. Please help us keep it clean and orderly.
  • Please keep personal phone calls to a minimum.

How to Apply:
If you are interested in gaining leadership skills, would like to donate your professional skills or would just like to have fun and make friends while committing yourself to the Museum, please complete the volunteer application form and submit it to the Museum's front desk.

Training
Once your application is reviewed, we will contact you for an interview and schedule you to complete the proper training that will familiarize you with your working environment prior to starting your position. Training may include formal classes and workshops or informal person to person meetings. Additional training will be made available to you if needed.

Volunteer Benefits
We cherish our volunteers and are grateful for their willingness to serve at the Museum. The benefits of volunteering are many:

  • An opportunity to meet new people and make lasting relationships
  • A chance to develop career and leadership skills
  • Free, unlimited admission to the Museum
  • 20 percent discount on all purchases at the Museum Shop
  • 10 percent discount on all purchases at the Museum's Marx Bros. Cafe
  • Museum guest passes
  • Free, limited volunteer parking in the Museum garage during your scheduled work shift
  • Access to the Museum Archives for checking out books from the collection
  • Continuing education programs designed to complement your position at the Museum
  • Special volunteer luncheons
  • Recognition of excellent volunteer performance

Opportunities to get Involved

Our volunteers come from many walk of life and range from students to retirees. Here are just some of the ways you can get involved as a Museum Volunteer or VolunTeen. Whether you want to use your social skills by working at special events, learn research techniques by working in collections or learn more about the history of Alaska by working in the Alaska Gallery, we have many volunteer opportunities you'll enjoy. If you think of a position of interest not listed below, feel free to make a suggestion so we can work to better fill your needs.

1% for Art Program
Assist in hosting the biannual tour of selecting public art locations around Anchorage

Archives and Library
Help with library related tasks, photo identification, as well as archiving and photographing new materials.

Art Class Assistants
Assist art educators with classes, prepare needed materials and clean-up. Assistants must be willing and able to follow directions, get your hands dirty and be creative.

Collections
Help catalogue artifacts and occasionally assist with installing them into exhibitions.

Docent
Lead tours through our permanent and special art/history exhibits on weekdays for school groups or on weekends for adults and families.

Education
Assist with children's activities, tour development, the Museum's holiday exhibit installation and the preparation of art projects.

Information Desk
Provide essential information for the new and returning visitors, including orientation of services and exhibits. You will be the first point of contact for Museum visitors.

Interpreter
Answer questions from Museum visitors about specific exhibits.

Membership
Help with data entry of membership information, Museum mailings, membership support and staffing the membership desk during special events.

Museum Shop
Assist in the operation of the Museum Shop.

Office Assistant
Assist with light office work, such as data entry and filing.

Special Events Host/Hostess
Serve refreshments during special events like the Museum Gala, Jazz After Hours and exhibit openings.

Survey Assistant
At the beginning of each month, help tabulate visitor survey results and log visitor comments.

VolunTeen Opportunities

Alaska Gallery Explorer
Help research and present a program whereby Museum visitors are introduced to some of the artifacts related to the specific content in the Alaska Gallery. This involves approaching visitors in the gallery, engaging in conversation and interpreting some of the artifacts.

Art Class Assistants
Assist art educators with classes, prepare needed materials and clean-up. Assistants must be willing and able to follow directions. Getting your hands dirty and creativity are needed for these positions.

Information Desk
Provide essential information for the new and returning visitors, including orientation of services and exhibits. You will be the first point of contact for Museum visitors.

Office Assistant
Help the Museum's education staff plan for the upcoming year. Also assist with light office work, such as data entry and filing.