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Volunteering at The Huntington

Adult Volunteers ::: High School Volunteers


Volunteering at The Huntington is a great way to learn about plants and culture, meet people with similar interests, and share your knowledge and enthusiasm with visitors!  Volunteers are a vital and valued resource at The Huntington.


Thinking about becoming a Huntington Volunteer?  Did you know...

  • You don't have to have an art degree, a green thumb, or a background in history.
  • Our volunteers range in age from 14 to 80 +
  • You'll receive training specific to your volunteer assignment.
  • Volunteer opportunities are available year-round, both on weekdays and weekends, in a variety of areas.
  • You can volunteer once a week or once a month.
  • You'll receive benefits like discounts in the bookstore and cafeteria, early entrance to the grounds, and invitations to special events and parties.


Adult Volunteers

General Descriptions of Volunteer Opportunities for Adults

  • Docents

Docents (volunteer teachers) conduct educational lessons for students and adults in the Huntington and Scott art galleries, in the Library exhibits, and the Gardens. Instruction by the curatorial staff is presented in six to eight weekly sessions. An additional ten to twenty hours of home study is required. After completion of a docent course, a two-year commitment to lead educational lessons at least once a week during the school year, and attending monthly meetings is required.

  • Botanical Volunteers

Botanical volunteers work in the offices, gardens, and nurseries. Garden volunteers assist the curators with weeding, occasional planting, light trimming, and pruning. They arrange stock, make plant labels, work in the nurseries, and propagate and pot plants for the annual Huntington plant sale.

  • Special Projects Volunteers

Special projects volunteers take on specific tasks such as addressing invitations, preparing school packet information, or office tasks. No minimum time commitment is required and a wide selection of jobs is available.

  • Service Volunteers

Service volunteers work throughout the institution in areas such as the Visitors Information Center. Time commitment requirements for Service Volunteers vary, but a two-year commitment to volunteer at The Huntington is required.

For more information on volunteering, contact Mikki Heydorff at mheydorff@huntington.org or 626-405-2126.

 

How to Apply - Adults

Print and fill out the Adult Volunteer Application Form below and mail to:

The Huntington
Attn: Volunteers
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108

Adult Volunteer Application Form


 

High School Volunteers


General Descriptions of Volunteer Opportunities for High School Students
High School Volunteers work in the Conservatory for Botanical Science, facilitate activities at Discovery Carts, support Education Staff during Family Events, Festivals and Workshops and have the opportunity to work as camp counselors during the Huntington Explorers summer camp! There are also special projects throughout The Huntington that are available on an as-needed basis. Huntington staff provides High School volunteers with an orientation and appropriate training course(s). Volunteers must complete an application, interview, attend all classes, and be available to volunteer for a minimum of 6 months. Monthly hours of service will vary according to the program.

  • Discovery Cart Program

Discovery Carts are educational carts that offer interactive and fun activities for children and their families who visit The Huntington. Cart locations are the Desert Garden, Japanese Garden and Lily Ponds.  Discovery Carts take place Saturday afternoons and run September – February and March – June.  This is a unique program for our High School Volunteers as they facilitate the carts and activities on their own.  (Training Required)  Time requirement is about 2 Saturdays per month for 4-6 months.

 

  • Conservatory Program with Rachel Vourlas and Irma Reyes

The Conservatory for Botanical Science here at The Huntington is nationally recognized for its excellent exhibits. They are interactive for both kids and adults and offer a unique view into plants. Time requirement is a minimum of 2 sessions per month for 6 months. 

 
Preparator:  The Conservatory Preparator is a reliable individual primarily responsible for preparing the exhibits for visitors prior to public hours. Preparators ensure that visitors get the most out of their Conservatory experience by keeping the exhibits in good working order. Training required.
 
Facilitator:  The Conservatory Facilitator is a people-focused individual primarily responsible for facilitating visitors’ experiences with informal science education.  Facilitators help visitors, including family groups, direct their own explorations of Conservatory exhibits and collections. Training required.

 

  • Youth and Family Program

Youth and Family Programs primarily take place on weekends.  High School Volunteers assist teachers and work with kids.  Time requirement is about 2 per month for 2 months.

 

Children’s WorkshopsWorkshops are scheduled bi-monthly on Saturday mornings and allow youngsters an opportunity to learn from the experts and try their own hands at projects. High School Volunteers assist the teachers and help with setup and cleanup.

Girl Scouts: Guided Girl Scout Badges take place once/month on Saturday mornings. High School Volunteers assist with check-in and distribution of materials.  They also circulate, reinforcing points of interest and topics while helping to keep the girls focused on their guide.

Festivals/Family Programs:  Several times a year The Huntington offers special events related to current exhibitions. Weekend festivals feature music, dance, crafts, demonstrations, and other activities. Family Weekend programs are free with general admission, and no reservations are required. High School Volunteers assist in running the event, passing out programs, directing visitors, managing craft tables, etc. 

 

  • Explorers Camp Program
    For 3 weeks between the months of July and August, The Huntington offers a day camp with classes geared for children 5-12 years old.  High School Volunteers have the opportunity to be camp counselors assisting teachers and working with kids.  High School Volunteers must be available for all 5 days per week and can choose to work am/pm or full day. Training required.
  • Continuing Education Program with Jennifer Phillips and Alexandra Vergun
    These are adult programs and concerts. They take place primarily on weekday evenings.  High School Volunteers often assist with registration and set-up, answer questions, and direct guests. This opportunity is offered to qualified volunteers who have completed their initial 6 months of volunteering.  (No minimum time requirement at this time.)

 

  • Special Projects
    Throughout the year various projects with Huntington staff become available.  They are opportunities for volunteers to get involved and work with different areas and staff throughout The Huntington.   Some examples of Special projects are working out in the gardens, office mailings, plant sales or setting up exhibits for school programs.  Some projects may have a minimum time requirement while others may not. 

For information on the High School Volunteer Program, please contact Mollie Swaner at mswaner@huntington.org or 626-405-3429.

How to Apply - High School Students

Print out and complete the High School Volunteer Application Form below and mail to:

The Huntington
Attn: Mollie Swaner (EDU)
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108


We accept applications year round and begin orientation and training for new volunteers during the months of March and September. In order to volunteer for September 2008, please submit your application by August 25th.


New Volunteer Orientation: September 19th
(must complete application and interview prior to orientation.)

High School Volunteer Application Form

 

The Volunteer Application Form can be read and printed using Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not already have a copy of Acrobat Reader installed on your system, you may download a free copy from Adobe.

 

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The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens
1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108 Tel: 626-405-2100
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