Volunteers
Throughout the years the Archives has relied on volunteers to help in carrying out our mission of service to the Church and community. Volunteers staff our reception area, work with genealogy researchers, assist in the digitization of our print and photo resources, generate searchable typescript documents from our manuscript collections, and remind us daily with their enthusiasm and dedication just what a joy it is to work here. We thank them, and we would welcome your help as a volunteer as well. If you would like to volunteer, please read the information below and submit the Volunteer Application Form here.
Who can Volunteer at the Archive?
Volunteer opportunities are available to anyone over the age of 18 who is interested in Moravian culture and regional history, or anyone who has experience working in libraries or archives. Volunteers for the Moravian Archives Southern Province support the archives by staffing the Reading Room, participating in events, helping patrons conduct research, and utilizing whatever skills they have to further the mission of the Archive.
What do Volunteers do?
Volunteers staff the Reading Room in the Archie K. Davis Center and provide support for special events. In the Reading Room, Volunteers ensure that all policies and procedures are being followed and assist researchers. Volunteers also may spend time scanning documents, running the gift shop, and various other light clerical work. For events, Volunteers can sign up for specific tasks, including but not limited to giving tours, handling ticketing, assisting elderly and disabled patrons, etc.
However, Volunteers who are interested in donating their time and skills in other ways are encouraged to apply! For example, Volunteers with archival experience may wish to work on special projects like preservation or cataloging; or Volunteers with marketing skills or an educational background may participate in public engagement events and outreach projects. If you feel like your unique background will lend itself to the Archive, please contact us!
College students looking to complete Internships or gain field experience for credit should visit the Internships and Field Experience page here.
Do I need to be an Archivist or Historian to be an Archives Volunteer?
No! People of all backgrounds and experience are invited to apply to be Volunteers. While some knowledge of Moravian culture or local history is helpful, it is not required. Our Volunteers are trained to navigate the Archives databases and provide support to Researchers, but do not need any prior knowledge or experience in archives or libraries to Volunteer.
What are the Requirements to be a Volunteer?
Volunteers commit to at least one seasonal term and must work at least one shift per month in that term. There are three Seasonal Terms every year:
Fall Season: September – December
Spring Season: January – Mid May
Summer Season: End of May – August
Volunteers must commit to at least one Reading Room shift per month for the entire season, to be scheduled with the Archives Staff. In addition to working at least one monthly shift, Volunteers working in the Spring and Fall will be asked to work at least one event. Events include Thursday Talks (held every second and fourth Thursday September-May), Christmas Fest, Archives Sunday, Easter Sunrise, and other events not held on a recurring basis.
Volunteers must complete the Moravian Archive Volunteer Orientation Day before beginning to work at the Archive. Orientation Days are held three times a year, prior to the start of each Season Term. Orientation Day is held from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. with lunch served at 12:30. Returning Volunteers who have already completed Orientation will not be asked to attend each subsequent Orientation but may participate in Orientation activities to help train new Volunteers and are welcome to attend as a refresher if they wish.
How do I apply?
- Complete the online Volunteer Application Form here. Application deadline for Fall 2023 is Friday, August 25th. For those interested in Spring 2024, the deadline is Friday, December 29th.
- Candidates selected for interviews will be contacted by phone or email after the deadline. Interviews for Volunteer positions will take approximately 30 minutes and can be conducted either virtually or in-person. This step is meant to ensure the candidates understand the volunteering role, discuss scheduling, and answer any questions the Volunteer has.
- Volunteering Candidates will be invited to the upcoming Orientation Day. Orientation Days will be scheduled to best accommodate all incoming Volunteers. Typically, there is one Orientation Day prior to each Seasonal Term. Those unable to attend Orientation should reach out to the Assistant Archivist, Sabrina Garity at sgarity@mcsp.org.