Volunteer

Volunteer Opportunities

Becoming a volunteer is a great way to explore New Mexico history while sharing your interest with others. Friends of History invites you to join us in these activities.

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First Wednesday Lecture Series

Lecture ​Volunteers

Would you like to support the First Wednesday Lecture Series to ensure continued quality presentations each month on topics of interest about New Mexico History?

The Friends of History are history buffs, lifelong learners, and professionals who offer original programs to the public as volunteers with the New Mexico History Museum.

A team of our volunteers develops and produces an annual program of public lectures, online and in-person, by historians, authors, writers and experts on the history and cultures of New Mexico and the Southwest.

We are currently seeking additional volunteers to join our team in 2025 to actively assist with the First Wednesday Lectures, a monthly series of pre-recorded and in-person talks.

  • Time obligations start at 10-15 hours per month
  • Access to an internet-connected personal computer is required
  • Volunteers can work remotely
  • Museum of New Mexico Foundation membership is not required, and there is no fee or financial obligation with the Friends of History

 

Available Roles

Lecture Producer

  • Recruit speakers for a pre-recorded presentation
  • Coordinate with speakers for short, written summaries of their upcoming presentation, a brief bio, and an accompanying photo/graphic for advertising
  • Coordinate speaker info with Friends of History email announcement manager and social media managers
  • Schedule and facilitate Zoom recording session in coordination with speaker and contracted videographer
  • Host recording session, to include introducing and moderating post-presentation Question & Answer session
  • Training and support available for each task
  • Work from home on your own computer

Lecture Website Editor

  • Update the First Wednesday Lecture Series webpage monthly
  • Training provided for developing individual lecture webpages
  • Work from home on your own computer

Anyone who is team-oriented, detail-oriented, well-organized, over 21 years of age, and has a personal internet-connected computer is encourage to apply.

Prior event planning and coordination experience is recommended but not required.

Event planners and coordinators, public relations professionals, persons with technical skills, and active/retired educators are particularly welcome.

All necessary training provided as needed.

The deadline for filing the application is Friday, February 28, 2025. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions you may have.

Apply Now


Walking Tour Docent

You are a history buff, lifelong learner, natural storyteller, a team player who enjoys independence, and someone who likes interacting with people of all ages and backgrounds. You want to make a difference and have some time to give back this year.

If this sounds like you, you’re invited to volunteer with Friends of History as a docent for our Walking Tours of Historic Downtown Santa Fe. Our docents use the training we provide and their outgoing personality to engage visitors and locals for two hours providing insights and telling stories focused on the major events and real-life characters, important landmarks and unique styles that have shaped Santa Fe and New Mexico for more than 400 years. All while walking the picturesque streets of historic downtown Santa Fe.

Santa Fe welcomes more than two million overnight visitors annually, according to TOURISM Santa Fe. Visitors come from all over New Mexico and the United States. The largest number of international visitors come from Canada, Germany and the U.K.

Friends of History is a volunteer nonprofit organization championing New Mexico since 2017. Our signature program is Walking Tours of Historic Downtown Santa Fe, supporting the New Mexico History Museum. As the only tour guides in Santa Fe who are volunteers trained under the auspices of the Museum, we’re proud to call them ‘docents.’

If you have time and heart to give, take your first step simply by attending a no-obligation information session.

Attend a virtual information session on Zoom on

February 18th or 21st
from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m.

If you find that becoming a docent is a good fit for you,
three in-person beginning training classes follow on

March 15th, 22nd, and 29th
from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 
Classes are held at the New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe

Anyone 21 years of age or older with the ability to stand and walk outdoors for two hours is welcome to attend.

REGISTER TODAY AT:
 
[email protected]

A confirmation email with a link will be sent to you if you register for a virtual session. A confirmation email with details will be sent if you register for the in-person sessions.

FRIENDS OF HISTORY
~ Make History With Us ~

Learn More

To find out more, contact us via the Friends of History volunteer application or email [email protected].

Museum Volunteering

If you would like to work on location at the New Mexico History Museum, the staff offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities including:

  • Serving as a docent on tours of the museum and major exhibitions—Assisting with care and management of museum collections
  • Helping out in specialty departments including the Palace of the Governors Photo Archives, the Fray Angélico Chávez History Library, and the Palace Press
  • Greeting visitors and guests at special events
  • Preparing educational programs and working with school groups—Helping out with administration and support services
  • Filming and photographing live events and working on AV, multimedia, and web projects