"The volunteer opportunities through Shawnee Town's educational programs perfectly align with my background as an educator. It was a win for both of us - the Museum needed assistance aligning its curriculum with Missouri and Kansas public education standards, and I have more than 30 years in education." - Cheryn Swanson, Education volunteer
Volunteer opportunities abound at Shawnee Town 1929! We need help with everything from living history program participants to people assisting with special events set-up. Volunteers not only help us fulfill our educational mission at the museum, but while doing so--gain a deep sense of satisfaction and self-fulfillment in the process.
Programs and Projects
NEW - 1920s Living History Program: Shawnee Town is looking for qualified volunteers who can share their knowledge and passion for history with visitors of all ages! Volunteers are needed for living history programs (Time Traveler Saturdays), school programs, and general guided tours. Our volunteers are the key points of contact with museum visitors, and are responsible for educating our general public on what life was like in the 1920s. This position is responsible for telling the story of the people who lived and worked in 1920s Shawnee, its connection to the Midwest farm economy, and its relationship to Kansas City. The reconstructed town and farm at Shawnee Town are currently being developed, and interpretive programs are being built which bring these places to life. Interpreters can be involved with historic farming and domestic programs, working in a recreated “downtown” business, working with grades K - 8 school programs, and special event programs. The program will grow constantly during the next 5 - 10 years.
Historic Collections Assistants: Volunteers are needed to clean and treat historic artifacts in preparation for use in the living history program or exhibits, as well as enter data into our computerized artifact management system. We also need help with conducting research on artifacts, local historical people, families, and businesses from the 1920s.
Artifact/Graphic Design work: We are currently replicating labels and creating new ones for our reproduced artifacts. Some of these artifacts number in the hundreds, as in the case of our grocery store and dry goods store. Graphic designers are needed to help us with each label replication and construction.
Stitch-in-Time Sewing Circle: Can you sew well and do you have an interest in historic clothing? Volunteers help sew early 20th century period clothing for museum's historical interpreters who recreate Shawnee farm and town life.
Speaker Series Host: The Speaker Series is the second Tuesday of the month, April through October; 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This is perfect for friendly, organized volunteers interested in history and education. Hosts help with setting up, welcoming guests, and clean-up during historical speaker series evenings when experts talk on historical subjects.
Special Events Volunteers
Old Shawnee Days: Ideal for outgoing volunteers who enjoy the local history and traditions. Help children with hands-on activities like planting in our farmstead garden, shopping from a 1920s catalog, doing the wash, making a leather keychain, and other crafts. Two shifts each day are needed. (
Register here if you're interested in volunteering)
Garden Party: Hostesses will make our flower power-themed garden parties extra special for young ladies and their dolls. Hostesses greet guests, serve treats, and assist them with a craft project. Two shifts on the third Saturday in June. (
Register here if you're interested in volunteering)
Time Traveler Saturdays: Training provided, ideal for educators and history buffs. Volunteers dress in early 20th century attire and engage in period activities such as cooking, gardening, washing, and animal husbandry, to help bring Shawnee history alive for visitors on Saturdays during the summer. (
Register here if you're interested in volunteering)
Shawnee Town Craft Fair: If you like crafts and festivals you’ll love volunteering at this fair featuring more than 100 artisans and food vendors. Help prepare the booth spaces, assist with registration, act as runners and help clean up. Come join us on the third Saturday in September! (
Register here if you're interested in volunteering)
Historical Hauntings: A great fit for volunteers who enjoy helping families celebrate Halloween Help decorate, greet our visitors, pass out candy, assist with hayrides, judge costumes, or assist with clean-up. We celebrate on the Saturday right before Halloween. (
Register here if you're interested in volunteering)
Christmas Around Town: Fun for friendly volunteers who enjoy the holiday season. Help decorate, welcome visitors, assist with sleigh rides, help the storyteller, be Santa’s elf, or assist with clean-up. Christmas is always the first Saturday in December. (
Register here if you're interested in volunteering)
"Volunteering at Shawnee Town gives me another level of attachment to a place I've enjoyed for a long time -- and a feeling that I'm doing something productive in my community. I've also learned photography skills that I'm using in my personal life." - Kent Zimmerman, Collections volunteer
As a volunteer, you:
- Get to be a part of exciting changes taking place at Shawnee Town 1929
- Leave a legacy
- Give back to your community
- Attend free Lunch & Learn History Sessions
- Receive the latest Museum news and volunteer opportunities
If you are interested in the
Volunteer Interpreter position click
here to view the job description. Please fill out the
volunteer application and the information will be automatically submitted. For more information contact Heather Gilpin at
hgilpin@cityofshawnee.org or call (913) 248-2360.