Volunteer
Museum volunteers provide captivating floor experiences, behind-the-scenes expertise, skilled clerical work and bright friendly smiles to the Museum's guests. Volunteering is a great way to share your knowledge, learn about the Museum's rich history and make a host of new friends.
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Give Your Time and Your Talents
Can you picture yourself volunteering at the Museum? The Volunteer Office will process applications in fall 2010 for adult (age 18 and up) and teen (14-17) volunteers. Both programs are designed to accommodate the volunteer's schedule, requiring a commitment to volunteering a minimum of 40 hours per calendar year, and no less than once every three months. Prospective volunteers must submit the appropriate volunteer application and attend a new volunteer orientation before beginning their volunteer service. Museum volunteers enjoy many perks: FREE admission to the Museum and Omnimax films, food and retail discounts, vouchers for friends and family and FREE parking!
How To Become a Volunteer
We will be accepting new volunteer applications in September 2010. Please return to the website in September to complete an online application. If you have questions about our volunteer programs, please e-mail Rachel Carter, Volunteer Resources Coordinator at rachel.carter(at)msichicago.org.
Opportunities
U-505 Facilitator
Would you like to guide guests through the history of World War II? The Museum's new 35,000-square-foot U-505 Submarine exhibit is the ideal volunteer opportunity for those with a passion for history, submarines and world-class exhibits. Volunteers move through the gallery, answering questions on artifacts, naval technology and the sub's capture and journey to Chicago.
Great Train Story Exhibit Facilitator
Escort guests on a trip from downtown Chicago to Seattle, Washington at the Great Train Story model exhibit. Built in HO scale, The Great Train Story contains 34 running trains, 1400 feet of track and more than 500 scale structures and custom-made buildings. Volunteers are provided resources and materials to lead informal mini-tours, challenge guests to "spy" numerous spots through the layout and facilitate a cart activity to explain the differences in past and present rail cars.
U-505 "Cartifacts"
Imagine handing someone a piece of a historical war memorial. U-505 Cartifacts volunteers lead a cart presentation designed to explain the history and uses of artifacts found on board the submarine. These artifacts include a sonar sensor, a firearm magazine, a torpedo gyroscope and the binoculars from the conning tower.
Collections "A La Carte"
Science and industry have come a long way over the years and "A La Carte" volunteers are here to prove it. This unique activity cart promotes hands-on learning and out-of-the-box thinking as guests are asked to examine objects no longer in use and determine how many years ago they were thought of as "cutting-edge technology."
Science Connections
Science Connection facilitators incorporate hands-on activities to further examine the science found throughout our exhibits. Current Science Connections topics include genetics, space, naval technology, flight and microscopy.
Museum Sci-Finders
Sci-Finders engage guests within exhibits and facilitate science learning on a more personal level. Sci-Finders should actively approach guests, ask inquisitive science questions and escort them to their destination.
Special Interests
Are you interested in a specific area? Do you possess expertise in something not covered in our current volunteer program? Please let us know and we can look into matching you with the appropriate Museum area.
- Museum Hours
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- extended hours through September 6:
- Daily: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Open every day except Christmas Day
- Museum Location
- Getting Here
- Happening Now
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Smart Home: Green + Wired
Chicago's greenest home re-opens with a fresh look and new technology.
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Hubble
Take an unprecedented voyage through distant galaxies with the first space-based observatory.
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Legends of Flight
Soar along with pilots in search of the "ultimate flying experience."
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- Coming Soon
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Jim Henson's Fantastic World Member Preview
A private viewing night for members to experience this new exhibit.
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Jim Henson's Fantastic World [COMING SOON]
A rare peek into the imagination of this brilliant artist, puppeteer and filmmaker.
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Member Day Trip: DuPage County Coroner [SOLD OUT]
Go inside the DuPage County Coroner’s Office to learn how forensic science helps solve crimes.
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about the museum
Opened in 1933, the oldest science Museum of its kind in the Western Hemisphere attracts approximately 2 million visitors per year.