Volunteering with the Office of Historic Alexandria
Volunteers work with the public and behind the scenes to support the work of Historic Alexandria. For the most up-date-list of opportunities and days of the week needed, see the volunteer application. Historic Alexandria also offers internship opportunities for students interested in career experience.
When considering applying, please consider the following:
- Age Requirement: 16 and older. Students in 4th through 6th grade may be interested in applying for the Junior Docent program.
- Time commitment: While volunteer shifts vary, they are typically a minimum of three hours.
- Training: All volunteers receive a general orientation. Additional training based on the position is often required.
- Process: After submitting a volunteer application, a staff member will be in touch to begin the placement process.
Volunteer Benefits
Active volunteers enjoy the following benefits through the Office of Historic Alexandria:
- Free admission to all museums in the City of Alexandria
- Quarterly newsletter
- Invitations to special events
- Book club with experts
- Discounted tickets to public programs
- Discount in museum shops
- Annual volunteer recognition party
Junior Docent Program
The Junior Docent Program provides a space for students to build confidence and public speaking skills by sharing historic content with visitors of Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. Applications for the Junior Docent program are due in March. Students in grades 4-6 are eligible to apply. Those accepted will be required to attend weekend training during the school year and volunteer for at least three Sundays during the summer between 1:45 and 5:15 p.m. For more information, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator through Alex311.
Local NPR station WAMU covered the Junior Docent program in August of 2024. You can see pictures and hear the full story to learn more about this program.
Other Ways to Support Historic Alexandria
Whether or not you volunteer, there are other ways to support history in Alexandria.
- Join a Friends Group.
- Subscribe to Alexandria eNews.
- Shop in our Museum Stores, in person or online.
- Make tax-deductible contributions to our museums or through our Friends groups.
- Tell us about objects, documents or photographs that you may have that are relevant to local history. Consider a donation to museum collections.
- Share your memories and stories of living and growing up in Alexandria, through The Alexandria Oral History Center.