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
- Earn complimentary admission passes
- Discounts at the Conner Prairie Store
- Flexible time commitments
- Annual volunteer only events
- 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 to become an Adult Volunteer, there are two ways to do this:
Complete an online application now
OR
Download the application, complete it and mail it to us.
Please note: this application is for adult volunteers only. If you are interested in becoming a youth volunteer, please refer to the Youth Volunteer section further down on this page.
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, Indiana Festival and Symphony on the Prairie.
- 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 (March–November)
Plant, maintain and harvest gardens in the historic areas.
- Interpreter
Receive the same intensive training as paid staff. Flexible hours. Interview & training required. Limited availability.
- Collections
Learn about history and artifacts while maintaining artifacts, researching items, as well as clerical support. Individual projects may be assigned as work at home or at Conner Prairie.
- Clerical Support & Mailing
Assist with a variety of tasks in all departments that may include monthly mailings, data entry, filing and general office support.
- Textiles/ Sewing Guild
Help create reproduction clothing & home furnishings. Sewing, weaving or knitting skills necessary.
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. Applications for the 2011 season will be available the first week of October, 2010, and due back in early January, 2011. Click here to learn more about your role as a youth volunteer. If you have questions about the program, please contact Sarah Morin, Youth Experience Manager, at Morin@connerprairie.org or call 317.776.6000 ext. 259.