Volunteer FAQ's

At the Ohio History Center in Columbus, our volunteers are engaged in very aspect of the Society from the Library, to Educational Programs, and even working behind the scenes in our administrative offices. We currently have Volunteers working in Archaeology, Collections, the Library, State Archives, Digital Services, Education Programs, Public Programs, the Ohio Village, Museum Floor, Marketing, Publications, and the State Historic Preservation Office to name a few! Please check with the Volunteer Office for available opportunities.

Volunteers at the Historic Sites and Museums participate in areas such as Interpretation and Education, Administration, Collections, Research, Special Events, and Sales. Please check with individual Sites regarding the application process and available opportunities.

All Volunteers (18 and older) must first complete an Adult Application Form. Applications are available on the website here or can be sent to you via email or mail. Please contact the Volunteer Department at (614) 297-2392 to receive an application by email or mail. Once a completed application form is submitted to the Volunteer Department, a phone interview will be scheduled to discuss areas of opportunity and interest. After the phone interview, placement will begin, references contacted, background check conducted, and a meeting with the department supervisor may be scheduled.

Please note that all volunteer positions now require a successful background check. Potential candidates must complete a background check prior to acceptance into the Volunteer Program. Ohio BCI and FBI Background Checks are conducted at the Volunteer Department Mondays - Fridays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm for a minimal fee.

 Successful candidates will then be asked to attend an orientation session prior to their first day.

The Ohio History Connection is always on the lookout for energetic Youth and Teen Volunteers for several of our departments including Public and Educational Programs and Visitor Studies. Interested applicants must be at least 12 years old to volunteer and at least 14 years old to volunteer in the Ohio Village. A parent or guardian must accompany all volunteers that are under the age of 14 years old.

To apply, download the Youth Application Form or request one from the Volunteer Department via mail or email. A parent or guardian MUST sign the application. Once a completed application is received a phone interview will be scheduled to discuss areas of opportunity and interest. From there, references will be contacted and a meeting set up with the department supervisor. All successful candidates will be asked to attend an Orientation session on their first day.

The Ohio History Connection welcomes Youth, Teen, and Adult Volunteers ages 12 and older. Volunteers under the age of 14 will be required to volunteer with a parent or guardian during their shifts. Ohio Village Volunteers must be at least 14 years old.

No, we do not! The Ohio History Connection is unique in that it does not require a set amount of hours to participate in the Volunteer Program. Ohio History Connection has long term, short term, and special event volunteers. Long term volunteers provide regular departmental support on a year round basis. Short term volunteers work seasonally or with specific programs. Special event volunteers participate less than five times a year.

Yes, the Ohio History Connection requires ALL volunteers and interns (ages 18 and older) to complete a successful background check. OHS can easily perform Ohio BCI and FBI background checks in the Volunteer Department, Monday - Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm or with an appointment. The price for Ohio BCI (Ohio resident for at least five years) is $22.00 and the price for an FBI check (Ohio resident for less than five years, or permanent address outside of Ohio) is $46.00. This can be paid in the form of cash or check made out to Ohio History Connection and will be refunded if/when a volunteer completes 20 hours of service in the first six months.

Yes, Ohio History Connection does offer paid and unpaid internships as well as Federal Work Study positions throughout the year. Availability of paid internships is limited. Unpaid internships can be completed for experience as well as school credit. To apply for an internship please submit a cover letter, resume, and list of references to Danielle Rennick at drennick@ohiohistory.org or by fax to (614) 297-2293. Please note some positions will require additional documents for the application to be considered complete.

Additional information available on our Interns page.

In addition to having a rewarding experience as a volunteer, there are also several benefits of being an Ohio History Connection volunteer!

• Free admission to the Ohio History Connection and Ohio Village (open seasonally)
• Museum Store Discount
• History Lovers Level Membership (available to volunteers that complete at least 60 hours in a calendar year)
• RSVP membership for Volunteers 55+ years of age
• Newsletters
• Fun, Friends, and Great Events!

For questions regarding Volunteers at the Ohio History Connection please contact Danielle Rennick, Lead Volunteer Coordinator at (614) 297-2392 or drennick@ohiohistory.org. The  Volunteer Department is open Monday - Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Phone Number

(614) 297-2392

Fax Number

(614) 297-2293

Mailing Address

Attn: Volunteer Department

800 East 17th Avenue, Columbus OH  43211

Our Historic Site Volunteers participate in a wide variety of activities across the state of Ohio. Many sites are managed locally so please contact the Historic Site or Museum directly if you are interested in volunteering. Positions and requirements vary upon location.

Click here for a list of Sites and Contact Information: Historic Sites and Museums  

     If you think you would like to play base ball with the Muffins or Diamonds, we would love to hear from you. Before each new playing year begins, the Muffins and Diamonds accept new members. In addition to ballists (players), we are very interested in recruiting volunteers as sideline interpreters, scorekeepers, and umpires—no prior experience necessary. 
    New members are asked to participate in the winter seminars at the Ohio History Connection. The winter seminars seek to familiarize new and returning members with types of interpretation, base ball of the 1860's, the time period of the 1860's, vintage base ball as it is being played today, and the Ohio History Connection, the Ohio History Center and Ohio Village. 
    For information on joining the Ohio Village Muffins/Diamonds Program or the training seminars contact Susan Brouillette at the Ohio Historical Center in Columbus. She can be reached at 614-297-2616 or via e-mail (sbrouillette@ohiohistory.org).