Volunteer
Volunteers are a vital part of Conner Prairie’s success as a groundbreaking institution. By donating your time and talent, you help Conner Prairie build toward an exciting future. We offer volunteer opportunities that are mutually beneficial to you and the museum.
Benefits
- Complimentary admission
- Discounts at the Conner Prairie Store
- Flexible time commitments
- Annual volunteer recognition banquet & retreat
- Monthly newsletter
- Meet others with similar interests
Adult Volunteers
(Ages 18 and older)
Meet new friends, experience a unique look at history and become part of the exceptional Conner Prairie experience. Explore different ways you can volunteer your time and abilities below.
If you are interested in applying, please complete an application and mail it to us.
Contact Jody Thomas at 317.776.6000 ext. 264 for more information.
(For those under the age of 17, refer to the bottom of the page for youth volunteer opportunities.)
- Special Events
Lend a hand at special events like Headless Horseman, Conner Prairie by Candlelight and Glorious Fourth.
- Conner Prairie Store
Assist guests, operate cash register, organize displays and stock merchandise.
- Group Greeters (April–October)
Meet group leaders when they arrive at Conner Prairie, provide information, and escort them to their destination.
- School Tours (April–June, September–November)
Greet and check-in school tours; provide maps and other information.
- Historic Crafts/Maintenance
Assist woodworkers with behind-the-scenes restorations and reproductions. Previous experience necessary.
- Gardener (Mondays, March–November; 9 am–12 pm)
Plant, maintain and harvest gardens in the historic areas.
- Interpreter
Receive the same intensive training as paid staff. Flexible hours. Interview required.
- Collections
Learn about history and artifacts while maintaining artifacts, researching items, as well as clerical support. Opportunities also available in the Sewing Guild making reproduction clothing and home furnishings, and weaving. Individual projects may be assigned as work at home or at Conner Prairie.
- Clerical Support
Assist with a variety of tasks in all departments that may include monthly mailings, data entry, filing and general office support.
Youth Volunteers
(Ages 10–17)
Learning is the primary focus of Conner Prairie’s youth interpreter volunteer program. We aim to give talented young people the opportunity to become even better through Conner Prairie's enriching environment. If you are passionate about Conner Prairie, love speaking to people and enjoy the rewards of old-fashioned sweat and effort, this program may be for you! Youth Interpreters volunteer in the following ways:
- Interact with the public in modern clothing
- Portray costumed characters
- Do behind the scenes work
- Attend training sessions about Indiana history, guest service, and 19th-century period skills
Youth volunteers work a minimum of 120 hours per year. Applicants must turn in a written application and come to a short interview.
The 2009 youth interpreters have already been chosen, but applications for the 2010 season will be sent in October. To request a 2010 application or ask questions about the program, contact Sarah Morin, Youth Experience Manager, at Morin@connerprairie.org or call 317.776.6000 ext. 259. Applications will be due January 8, 2010.
Corporate Volunteers
Connect with your colleagues by volunteering together. It’s not only great for team-building it also provides Conner Prairie with much needed volunteer support. Volunteer as a department, as individuals or company-wide as a way to give back to our community. By request, we can make a special presentation on your company premises to explain these opportunities to your employees. Please consider joining our corporate volunteer team!
Contact Jody Thomas at 317.776.6000 ext. 264 for more information.
We see the value of Conner Prairie to the community and we want to see our community grow. We give to places like Conner Prairie because we see a great return on our investment of hours and participation.
-Tom Busch, Target Corp., Team Leader. Busch and nearly 50 volunteers from Target staffed the ever-popular Headless Horseman and Symphony on the Prairie performances in 2007.