March/April 2024 Preview
The Volunteer Spirit
In diverse capacities, from gallery or informational guides to public programming support, volunteers often serve as museum ambassadors that bridge the institution to the community. Read on to learn about the motivations, challenges, and opportunities for volunteerism in museums.
Preview select articles from this issue of Museum below. Individual and Museum Tier 2, Tier 3, Ally, and Industry Members can access the full digital edition.
In this issue:
From the Editor:
Valuing our Volunteers
“This moment presents exciting opportunities for innovation and collaboration. Embracing change, nurturing a sense of community, and consistently aligning with the core values of purpose and social impact, museums can catalyze a new era of volunteerism—one that transcends boundaries and fosters enduring connections between volunteers, visitors, communities, and the museums that enrich their lives.”
» Read the full introduction to this issue from Museum’s editor, Dean Phelus.
Rethinking the Status Quo
Feature | Free to Read
by Jenny Woods, Brandi Shawn-Chaparro, and Abbey Earich
What does museum volunteer retention look like in a post-pandemic world?
Pride of Place
Feature | 🔒 Member Login
Feature | by Tracy Ovenell
The Quincy Valley Historical Society & Museum is a community jewel that runs mainly on volunteer power.
Slowing Down With Intention
Feature | 🔒 Member Login
by Claire M. D’Emic
Through reflective practice, the Green Teens volunteers at the Long Island Children’s Museum develop programming for visitors—and lifelong skills.
Welcoming Change
Feature | 🔒 Member Login
by Valentina M. Quezada
The USC Pacific Asia Museum took a trust-building approach to working with docents on an evolving education program for student tours.
In Defense of Volunteerism
Point of View | 🔒 Member Login
by Chris Morehead
Volunteers play a vital role for museums, and museums need to prioritize their volunteer programs.
A Renewal in the Rebuilding
Point of View | 🔒 Member Login
by Michelle Carpenter
Docent programs that evolve with the times will continue to serve their museums and communities well.
Mar/Apr 2024 issue
By the Numbers:
Museum Volunteers
Explore some of the data from 5,340 museum volunteers who participated in the 2023 Annual Survey of Museum-Goers. (US adult educational attainment data from US Census Bureau.)
» Explore more Data Stories from the Annual Survey of Museum-Goers.
2x
Volunteers are twice as likely as other museum visitors to say that museums have helped them gain civic empowerment.
87%
of museum volunteers have a college degree, compared with 34% of all US adults.
20%
Volunteers are 20% more likely than other museum visitors to say museums support the quality of life in their community.
70
is the median age of museum volunteers.
Like what you’re previewing?
Join as a member or renew today to get a year of award-winning Museum content, and ensure you don’t miss a beat! Print-only subscriptions are also available.
Share your thoughts about this issue of Museum magazine!
Did you miss these recent issues?
Coming Up:
May/June 2024 – Health and Well-being (our 2024 Annual Meeting theme)
July/August 2024 – Polarization
September/October 2024 – Leadership, with pitches due May 6, 2024
November/December 2024 – DEAI, with pitches due July 8, 2024
» Explore the Editorial Calendar for potential topics under each theme.