Volunteering at the Charles River Museum

Since its founding, the Charles River Museum has relied on the vital support of a dedicated volunteer community. As active participants in our work, volunteers are essential to our mission of preserving America’s industrial heritage and inspiring visitors to cultivate their own innovative thinking.

We ask for volunteers who can make a sustained commitment for a specific timeframe. 

Who Can Be a Volunteer?

We appreciate all interest in volunteering and welcome diverse applicants of all ages and backgrounds. To maintain the quality of our programming and ensure the safety of our collections, we conduct a thoughtful selection and onboarding process.

We look for individuals who are excited about our mission and who have specific skills and availability that match our current organizational needs. Our past and current ranks have included high school and college students, retired machinists, educators, early-career museum professionals, and corporate groups. The goal is a mutually beneficial partnership. We aim to match your unique interests and expertise to where they can make the most significant impact.

What Do Volunteers Do?

Our volunteers contribute to nearly every aspect of what we do as a research and educational institution. Some work in curatorial and archival administration, helping us care for and organize our collection. Others work directly with visiting school groups, students, and the general public. Still others roll up their sleeves in our working machine shop.

The most important thing is finding the right fit -- matching each volunteer's skills, interests, and availability to where they can make the greatest impact. If you are curious about a particular area, we want to hear from you. Please note that availability within specific departments may vary based on current needs.

We are especially interested in welcoming new volunteers interested in:

  • Being Tour and Gallery Guides

  • Developing Educational Programming for School Groups

  • Facilitating STEM Workshops at the Museum and Off-Site

Where Do I Start?

If you are interested in learning more about volunteering with us, please fill out the form and we will reach out to you directly.

Thank you!

Interested in volunteering? Please fill out the form below.

Please note: the Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation requires all volunteers to submit a CORI and SORI background check. There is no fee on behalf of the applicant. Screening must be completed prior to the start date