Opportunities From: Volunteer River Counties

Volunteer Research Assistants support the daily operations of the Dunton Library for Genealogy & History at the Lancaster Virginia Historical Society by assisting patrons in-person and virtually to search and use all publications, catalogs, finding aids, electronic resources, and other materials in the Library collection to answer questions about local history and family genealogies.

Research experience is helpful, but training is provided and you will work with an experienced volunteer until you are comfortable! An LVHS staff member will also always be nearby in Museum office.

Typical duties include:

Providing walk-in patrons with guidance and access to Library materialsLooking up resources to answer phone and email inquiries Collecting and recording money for library use, copies, membership, and book sales Using the computer and internet, photocopier, scanner Opening the Library building in the morning and securing it at the end of the day

Volunteers may use Library resources for personal research during “down time” while on duty or during other regular library hours.

Flexible scheduling, typically 1 to 4 days per month, with 4-hours shifts on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 11:00-3:00.  3-hour shifts of 10:00-1:00 or 1:00-4:00 are also possible.

Please contact us: 804-462-7280 or history@lancastervahistory.org

We look forward to hearing from you!

Do you have an interest in local history? Would you enjoy meeting and talking with out-of-town visitors as well as other locals about Lancaster's history and heritage?

Volunteer Assistants, also sometimes called Docents or Receptionists, support the daily operations of the Museum at the Lancaster Virginia Historical Society by serving on the “front-line” of visitor services.  Museum Assistants help visitors with introductions to self-guided tours of the exhibits and historic buildings, book shop sales, general LVHS information, and local tourism materials. 

Typical duties include:

Greeting and orienting visitors and collecting admission feesProviding visitors with an overview of the Museum buildings (Lancaster House, the Old Clerk’s Office, and the Old Jail). and reviewing the self-guided tour materials. Explaining and answering questions about site history and current exhibitsSelling gift shop items and handling cash, check, and credit card transactionsProviding local tourism brochures and informationAnswering the telephone Assisting LVHS office staff with light clerical tasks such as folding brochures, assembling mailings, addressing envelopes, etc.

Volunteers may also opt for additional training to give guided tours. Flexible scheduling, as few as 1 to 4 days per month with 3-hour shifts Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays. Shift time of 11:00am-2:00pm is preferred, but 10:00-1:00 or 1:00-4:00 is possible. We also occasionally need Museum Volunteers at other days/times including weekends for special visitor open houses and group tour bookings.  

Please contact us: 804-462-7280 or history@lancastervahistory.org

We look forward to hearing from you!

The Lancaster Virginia Historical Society hosts public and members-only receptions with food for special events such as exhibit openings, lecture programs, the Christmas Open House, Annual Membership Meeting, Volunteer Appreciation Day, and Fundraisers like the Spring Gala.  Volunteers on the LVHS Hospitality Committee help plan these functions from choosing the dates and developing the invitations to planning the menus and decorating with flowers and greens. Hospitality Volunteers also help staff the kitchen, bar, and greeter table at special events, assist with set-up and clean-up, and often make in-kind contributions of food, wine, and supplies. 

Members of the Hospitality Committee typically like to cook, decorate, and pay attention to detail in scheduling and planning the receptions.  They usually enjoy working as a team. Time commitment varies according to the schedule and type of event.  Volunteers do not need to be available for every function.

Please contact us: 804-462-7280 or history@lancastervahistory.org

We look forward to hearing from you!