Jobs, Internships & Volunteering Opportunities
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Volunteering in Washington, DC

Volunteers have a number of activities to choose from at the National Archives Building in Washington, DC.

These activities include:

The National Archives Building in Washington, DC.

Volunteer in College Park, MD

Docents give tours and document workshops that introduce the general public to the priceless holdings of the National Archives, from the Charters of Freedom (Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights) to outstanding maps, photographs, films, videos, sound recordings, and electronic records. They also conduct school programs for classes visiting the National Archives or as an outreach service to the school. In addition, there is a community outreach program that presents programs about the National Archives and American history to community groups.

Visitor Services Aides work with visitors in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building and at the information desk in the museum lobby. These volunteers welcome visitors and provide them with information about the Charters of Freedom, other holdings of the Archives, long- and short-term exhibitions, and programs. They also answer questions about other area attractions.

ReSource Room Volunteers work with visitors in the National Archives' new Learning Center. They provide visitors with information about education programs and materials. Volunteers help engage visitors in activities and increase civic literacy by responding to questions related to historical topics and to techniques from our Teaching With Documents program.

Staff Aides work behind the scenes assisting archival staff on special projects and reference services for which there is no funding or professional staff available. Under the supervision of an archivist, they may work with records, perform indexing duties, make descriptive lists, perform holdings maintenance and data entry, or may provide reference and administrative services.

Genealogy Staff Aides welcome and assist genealogy researchers, many of whom are using the resources of the National Archives for the first time. Prior experience and training as a genealogist are required, and comprehensive training in using archival sources is provided.

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Frequently Asked Questions

May I volunteer at both buildings in the Washington, DC, area?

Yes! Complete only one application and send it to the location you would like to spend most of your time at. Discuss the options during the interview.

Are there other ways to get involved as a volunteer?

Yes! The National Archives Volunteer Association (NAVA) can use help on the board and on its committees that organize tours, programs, and special events.

Will I have to go through a background check?

Yes! The National Archives is a Federal agency.

What is the minimum age for volunteering?

16

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To apply:

Fill out the Washington, DC Volunteer Application and e-mail, fax, or mail it to the Volunteer Program staff.

See How to Download and Complete the Volunteer Application Form
If you require an accessible version of the Volunteer Application form, please contact the Volunteer Program Coordinator at (202) 357-5272.

Contact:
Volunteer Program Coordinator
The National Archives and Records Administration
 Room G9
Washington, DC 20408
Phone:   (202) 357-5272
Fax:   (202) 357-5925
volunteer@nara.gov

red information iconPlease note: the e-mail address volunteer@nara.gov has been experiencing technical difficulties since Tuesday, October 13. The address will be working again the afternoon of Monday, October 19. If you have sent any correspondence during the period of difficulty, please re-submit it after the 19th.

How to Download and Complete the Volunteer Application Form

  1. Save the Form to Your Computer:

    Do one of the following in the Apply section:
    • Use your mouse to right click the form link then select "Save Target/Link As..." from the menu that appears.
    • Open the form and save the form to your computer by selecting File / Save As.
    Note the filename and where you saved the file.

  2. Open the File on Your Computer:
    Locate the file on your computer and open the file using Adobe Reader.

  3. Fill Out the Form:
    Enter the appropriate data in each box or field. To move from one field to the next, press the Tab key. You can also use your cursor to move from field to field. Place your cursor in the field you want to fill in, then left-click. Some fields limit the maximum number of characters you can enter and may automatically advance to the next field. Save the Filled Out Form.

  4. Submit the Form:
    Use the Contact Information to either:
    • Attach the file to an e-mail
    • Print the form and fax it
    • Mail the form

If you have questions, please contact the Volunteer Program Coordinator.

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The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD 20740-6001
Telephone: 1-86-NARA-NARA or 1-866-272-6272