Ohio History Center Volunteer FAQ

Answers to the most common questions about becoming a Volunteer at the . For all other inquiries, please contact the Volunteer Office at 614.297.2392 or by email at [email protected].

What can I do as a Volunteer at the Ohio History Connection? At the Ohio History Center in Columbus, our volunteers are engaged in vary aspect of the Center 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, Special Events, the , Museum Floor, Marketing, Publications, and the State Historic Preservation Office to name a few! Please contact the Volunteer Office or check out the volunteer webpage for available opportunities and how to apply.

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.

How old do I have to be to Volunteer? 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. Volunteers ages 12–13 are able to participate in Ohio Village and Public Program Signature event opportunities, and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian ages 21 and older during their volunteer shifts and they too will need to complete the adult volunteer application.

What is the Application Process? All Volunteers must first complete the online application, which is available on the website here. Once a completed application is submitted to the Volunteer Office, you will be provided a questionnaire and a follow-up phone call will be scheduled to discuss areas of opportunity and interest. Individuals interested in Ohio Village volunteer opportunities will be scheduled for training. After the phone call, placement will begin, a meeting with the department supervisor may be scheduled and a background check conducted. 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 HR Office by appointment only at no cost to the volunteer. Successful candidates will then be asked to attend an orientation session within the first 2 months of starting. All successful candidates will be required to attend an Orientation session to continue volunteering.

Does Ohio History Connection require a certain number of hours to Volunteer? No, not necessarily! 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. Long term volunteers that have no hours and have not volunteered with us in over a year, will be considered inactive volunteers. Volunteers completing a certain amount of hours do receive additional benefits.

Does Ohio History Connection require a Background Check to Volunteer? Yes, the Ohio History Connection requires ALL volunteers and interns (ages 18 and older) to complete a successful background check. OHC can easily perform Ohio BCI and FBI background checks in the HR Office, Monday - Friday by appointment only.

Does the Ohio History Connection offer Internships or Federal Work Study positions? Yes, Ohio History Connection does offer unpaid academic and non-academic internships to university students and continuing education individuals, as well as Federal Work Study positions throughout the year. The Ohio History Connection offers Federal Work Study positions for Columbus State Community College, and Central State students that have federal work study as part of their award package. Availability of paid internships is limited. Unpaid internships can be completed for experience as well as school credit. Please note some positions will require additional documents for the application to be considered complete. Additional information and how to apply is available on our Interns page.

What are the Benefits of being an Ohio History Connection Volunteer? In addition to having a rewarding experience as a volunteer, there are also several benefits of being an Ohio History Connection volunteer! These benefits may change from time to time, based on OHIO HISTORY CONNECTION needs and at its discretion.

• Free admission to the Ohio History Center (on normal operating days) • Discount in the Ohio History Center Museum Store • Discounts on fees for workshops, lectures, special events and tours sponsored by the Ohio History Connection • Free passes to selected events • Volunteer Referral bonus prizes • Visions newsletter • Free volunteer membership for volunteers donating 60 hours or more in a calendar year • Volunteers receive free volunteer t-shirts • Friends, Fun, and Great Events!

Who can I contact? For questions regarding Volunteers at the Ohio History Connection please contact the Volunteer Office at 614.297.2392or [email protected]. The Volunteer Office is open Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

How do I volunteer at a Historic Site? 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 for a list of Sites and Contact Information: Historic Sites and Museums