The Museum welcomes volunteers to help with all of its activities. For members of the Museum, volunteer groups organize and run Museum events throughout the year and continuously provide support to the Museum. Volunteering is a wonderful way for members to share interests and traditions. Review our volunteer groups below and email directly to the address linked in the description.
For additional information about any of the volunteer groups, call (215) 389-1776 or email.
Visitor Services
Volunteers in this vital position are the face of the organization. Key responsibilities include staffing the front desk, greeting visitors to the Museum, answering the Museum’s main phone line, answering general questions, and helping with clerical projects. This opportunity is ideal for outgoing people with basic computer skills. For more information, please contact our Volunteer Manager.
Gift Shop
Gift Shop volunteers are needed to help maintain a quality shopping experience for ASHM visitors. Gift Shop duties include inventory management, creating advantageous displays, assisting visitors with purchases, and helping to staff the shop during special events. This opportunity would be perfect for people with experience or interest in retail, display design, and point of sales operating systems. Training is provided. For more information, please contact our Volunteer Manager.
Education Docents
School field trips are an important way for students to learn about history and Swedish culture. The ASHM provides educational experiences for children grades K-12 through programs focusing on a range of topics such as Viking explorers, the New Sweden Colony, Swedish holiday traditions, and an introduction to the beloved children’s literature character Pippi Longstocking. The Museum is developing a spring and fall seasonal volunteer education docent program and is looking for a team of dedicated and excited volunteers to help conduct tours. This opportunity would be a great fit for enthusiastic people with a flexible schedule who are good at working with children, comfortable with public speaking, and willing to learning new program material. For more information, please contact our Volunteer Manager.
Museum Exhibit Projects
The Curatorial Department is looking for volunteers who can help with exhibit installation, construction, and deconstruction. Exhibit volunteers should be comfortable with manual labor and lifting. For more information, please contact our Volunteer Manager.
Collections and Exhibit Research
The Museum houses thousands of fascinating artifacts. Sometimes more information is known about certain objects than others. Research on collection items is a great way to strengthen institutional knowledge and volunteers are needed to help with the process. Research assistance for our collections and exhibitions is always needed, and is a great opportunity for volunteers with library and online research skills and experience. For more information, please contact our Volunteer Manager.
Basic Building Repair
ASHM is looking for a volunteer to help with minor miscellaneous repairs and building projects throughout the Museum. This would be the perfect volunteer opportunity for a person who is good with tools and has basic craftsman skills. For more information, please contact our Volunteer Manager.
The Auxiliary
The Auxiliary began in 1935 and has a rich history of supporting the Museum. It hosts the ASHM Lucia Festival and Christmas Market (Julmarknad) in December, Semlor & a Movie in February, and various other events throughout the year. If interested, please contact the Museum at 215-389-1776 or info@americanswedish.org.
Midsommarklubben
Midsommarklubben is the Swedish-speaking volunteer group that hosts the annual ASHM Midsommarfest in June and the Julbord (Christmas Dinner) in December. The group meets monthly and all meetings are conducted in Swedish. If interested please contact the museum at 215-389-1776 or info@americanswedish.org.
Genealogy Club
ASHM members interested in researching their Swedish and Swedish-American ancestors began the Genealogy Club in September 1994. Meetings are open to the public and include lectures, discussions and time to share information. Email the Genealogy Club
Event Committees
We rely on committees of volunteers for many of our events throughout the year, including the Spring Ting Dinner and Auction, Pea Soup & Punch Supper, Crayfish Party and SmörgåsBeer. If interested please contact the museum at 215-389-1776 or info@americanswedish.org.