Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers assist the staff by working at the research library or from home. From library-based activities to digitization and transcription projects, the time you contribute helps us to educate, inspire, and connect people through family history. For more information on volunteer opportunities, please see below.
Volunteer Opportunities
10 Million Names is seeking volunteers to help create content for 10MillionNames.org. Volunteers are needed as contributors to database projects, all of which can be completed remotely from home. Volunteers work from handwritten or text documents, extracting information into spreadsheets, or assist with proofreading data. The 10 Million Names team provides training; however, volunteers should possess a basic knowledge of Microsoft Excel. This is a great, hands-on way to learn the process of transferring printed historical material to accessible online resources. Students may also inquire about internship opportunities.
The Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center seeks volunteers interested in digitization, audio and written transcription, identification, and translation. The JHC is especially interested in 1) photo identification help from volunteers with deep knowledge of local Jewish communities and 2) volunteers with proven language skills in languages like Yiddish, Hebrew, Russian, and German to assist in translating documents from the archive.
Volunteers help create content for AmericanAncestors.org, with support from the Web team. Volunteers work from handwritten or text documents, extracting information into a spreadsheet, or assist with proofreading the data. The Web team provides training; however, volunteers must possess a basic knowledge of Microsoft Excel. This is a great, “hands-on” way to learn the process of transferring printed material to the Internet. Students may inquire about internship opportunities.
Seeking volunteers who have proofreading, indexing, source-checking, photo research, book layout/design, or project management skills to assist with book publication projects. Here is your chance to take part in creating valuable new resources for the genealogical field.
Volunteers with computer skills are needed to help with a variety of cataloging and data entry tasks. Help is also needed with inventory and retrieval of books and journals from the library stacks. Certain tasks require some bending and lifting. For volunteers with a background in bookbinding, the conservation department is always in need of those with hand skills in repairing books and manuscripts.
Seeking volunteers to serve as a welcoming and knowledgeable docent within the Family Heritage Experience, a state-of-the-art exhibition at American Ancestors. Through personalized conversation and hands-on support, volunteers will share research strategies and guide guests as they take their first steps into family history research. This in-person volunteer opportunity is best suited for those who enjoy interacting with individuals, families, and groups, are already familiar with genealogical research, and are available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
A volunteer is needed to support multiday teacher workshops at our headquarters in Boston. Volunteers help create a welcoming, organized environment for educators and assist with day-to-day needs of the workshop. Responsibilities may include:
- Greet food deliveries each morning and afternoon
- Help set up and clean up breakfast and lunch
- Label food and separate items for special dietary needs
- Welcome teachers and assist with check-in and attendance
- Distribute and collect workshop materials
- Observe and assist during behind-the-scenes sessions
- Assist with light room setup and resetting tables between sessions
- Helpful Skills: Friendly and welcoming; comfortable speaking with educators; takes initiative