“It’s an opportunity for me to step into the past for an afternoon."
Judith – Volunteer

“As a retired teacher, I really enjoy connecting with the children as a docent in History Quest and at the school house. They are so curious about the past and very focused on the presentation. A true joy to teach!"
Patty - Volunteer

People like you are an essential part of the Chippewa Valley Museum.

What makes us say that? We work with hundreds of volunteers each year across all sorts of projects. Whether you’re a person who wants to use skills you’ve already developed or want to learn something new, there’s a place for you here.

Fill out a Volunteer Interest Form to get started.

Here’s what you can do:

  • Visitor Services

    Greet people, provide general information, operate ice cream parlor | 3-4 hours per shift when museum is open to guests.

  • Special Events

    Help at fun events and programs for adults and children, like the 4th of July, Fiber Arts & Folk Life Festival and others | 2-4 hours per event with weekend and evening hours available.

  • Docent/Guide

    Give tours at the museum to school groups and other tour groups (Free training available) | 1-4 hours per tour with mostly daytime hours.

  • Curatorial

    Prepare and catalog artifacts, data entry, prepare artifacts for exhibit and storage, research | 3-4 hours per session during business hours.

  • Library

    Catalog and scan historic photographs, catalog books and archival materials, data entry.

  • Marketing

    Projects could include: Social media updates, web site updates, putting together mailings, designing surveys, and more | 1-4 hours per project.

  • Design/Shop

    Build exhibits, painting, metalworking, woodworking | 4 hours per project during business hours, some special projects can occur off-site.

  • Teen Guides Program

    Each year, several students (ages 13-17) volunteer with the museum as Teen Guides during the summer months. Application packets are sent out to local middle and high schools in the spring. More Info

  • Museum Board of Directors
    Join 14 other community leaders to provide oversight and direction, review and set policy, and connect the museum to community resources. Three-year term with potential for renewable terms. Board meets second Tuesday of every month with potential for committee work. 1-3 hours a month.

    Should have an interest in local arts and culture and/or history and a passion for promoting the community’s regional identity. Background or experience in one of the following areas preferred: law, fundraising, business management, human resources, facilities, education, healthcare, or banking and finance  

    Application here. Send application and email with interest to Museum Director Carrie Ronnander, c.ronnander@cvmuseum.com
  • Foundation Board of Directors
    Oversee the museum’s managed and unmanaged assets and help develop new assets to support the museum. Three year term. Meets 4 times a year, first Tuesdays in February, May, August, and last Monday in October. Background in fundraising, development, finance, marketing, and/or business management preferred.

    Foundation Board application here. Send application and email with interest to Museum Director Carrie Ronnander, c.ronnander@cvmuseum.com

* Times are typical of volunteer opportunities in that area.

Our volunteers are important to the mission of the museum, so whatever project you’d like to be part of, we’ll provide the training you need. For more about volunteering in any role, call Tim Hirsch at the museum, (715) 834-7871, or email at t.hirsch@cvmuseum.com.

    Claudeen, a volunteer docent, leads a class in the Sunnyview School

    Suri adds water to the History Quest exhibit

    Gene demonstrates an old fashioned toy

    Volunteer Recognition dinner, an annual event