Volunteer
Opportunities
Volunteer
Opportunities
Volunteer
Opportunities
Volunteers are a vital part of our institution
Thank you for your interest in helping Cincinnati Museum Center provide quality services, programs and education for the community! Without this special group of dedicated people, Cincinnati Museum Center would not be able to fulfill its mission to “inspire people of all ages to learn more about our world through science, regional history, and educational, engaging and meaningful experiences.”
Join us to find out about our current volunteer opportunities and how you can become part of our team! No prior volunteer experience is necessary—just enthusiasm and an avid interest in the activities and programs we offer.
Adult Volunteers
Our adult volunteers fulfill operations duties, including greeting, wayfinding, and coverage of the museums across all gallery spaces. Our volunteers work collaboratively and aid the Cincinnati Museum Center collections teams, office team members and exhibits teams. Scroll down for adult volunteer positions. Ages 18 +
Youth Programs Volunteers
Our youth volunteers fulfill operations duties, including greeting, wayfinding, and coverage of the museums across all gallery spaces. Our volunteers work collaboratively and aid the Cincinnati Museum Center collections teams, office team members and exhibits teams. Click here to find out more. Ages 13-18.
Benefits
- Being a part of a FANTASTIC Cincinnati Museum Center team
- Becoming involved in an environment of life-long learning
- Free admission to all permanent CMC exhibits and access to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
- Free parking
- Discounts at food locations
- Invitations to select exhibit previews, special events and lectures
- Professional development, training opportunities and work experience
* Please note: for all positions, volunteers must attend a general orientation and participate in additional departmental training. Volunteers are provided with the necessary tools and resources to be a successful part of the Cincinnati Museum Center Volunteer Team.
Adult Volunteer Opportunities
Community Collaborations Volunteer (18+)
Department: Community Collaborations
Volunteer Title: Community Collaborations Volunteer
Purpose: Community Collaborations team brings Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) closer to the Greater Cincinnati community by actively engaging at street fairs and festivals across the Tristate and during CMC hosted events at Union Terminal. Community Collaborations volunteers will represent CMC as they seek to provide a welcoming environment to all event attendees, present programming that generates excitement about science and local history and support vulnerable audiences as they engage with CMC.
Volunteers will be expected to work with a wide variety of individuals of varying age ranges and backgrounds. Community Collaborations Volunteers will connect with the people of Cincinnati’s 52+ communities and the vulnerable communities within.
Community Collaborations Volunteers will be trained in cultural competency, in museum programming, and how to represent CMC. Volunteers will help at specialized events held at Union Terminal, the large annual Theme Day Programming, community events and other community engagement opportunities.
Location: Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave, Cincinnati, Ohio and throughout the community.
Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as an ambassador for Cincinnati Museum Center at local festivals and events and community focused events at Union Terminal.
- Speak knowledgably about Cincinnati Museum CenterRun educational programming Create a welcoming environment for all guests.
- Be knowledgeable about CMC’s offerings such as Featured Exhibits, Memberships, Museums For All and more!
Requirements:
- Active CMC Volunteer
- Willing to be trained on CMC offerings and a variety of programs
- A basic understanding of cultural competency, empathy, and belonging and a willingness to learn more
- Must possess strong communication and customer service skills to effectively present programming
- Must be comfortable working with and engaging in a variety of Cincinnati neighborhoods and with vulnerable, diverse audiences
- Must be comfortable working outside in a variety of weather scenarios
- Must have reliable transportation
- Maintain discipline to complete tasks independently
Reports to: Gwen Elliott
Benefits:
- Free admission to CMC’s 3 museums & the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
- Free parking at Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal.
- Discounts at Union Terminal’s cafes and the Museum Store.
- Invitations to select exhibit previews, special events and lectures.
- Professional development and training opportunities.
Length of Appointment: Ongoing
Time Commitment: training (2-6 hours a month), monthly event opportunities in community and/or at Union Terminal (range 2-8 hours per event).
Dress Code: CMC uniform t-shirt will be provided; additional shirts will be available for purchase.
Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old.
Museum Camps Classroom Aid Volunteer (18+)
Department: Community Engagement and Programs – Museum Camps
Volunteer Title: Museum Camps Classroom Aid Volunteer
Purpose: Museum Camps Classroom Aid volunteers will work at Museum Camps throughout the summer and will assist the Museum Camps Instructors with facilitating programs both onsite at Union Terminal and our offsite camp locations (Cincinnati Observatory). The applicant will be responsible for assisting instructors with activities and classroom management, supervising campers while instructors are on breaks, assisting the coordinators with distribution of materials and assisting in preparing and organizing program materials for the next week of camp.
Background: Museum Camps offer day camps onsite at Union Terminal and offsite at the Cincinnati Observatory Museum Camps offer a different theme each week of the summer and activities ranging from but not limited to Little Artists, Dino Discovery and STEM based camps. Grade bands range from kindergarten to 6th grade.
Dates: Summer; May 26, 2026 to August 7, 2026
Hours: Up to 20 hours/week
Location: Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave, Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati Observatory, 3489 Observatory Pl, Cincinnati, OH 45208
Key Responsibilities:
- Aid Museum Camp instructors lead programs and supervise campers as needed
- Assist Museum Camps Coordinator as they run program materials to classrooms and prepare materials for future camp weeks.
- Aid in classroom coverage for instructors’ breaks.
- Attend all Museum Camps training sessions; May 26 to 29; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Support classroom management and behavior needs
- Support camper safety by adhering to Cincinnati Museum Center’s (CMC) policies. Reinforcing campers to follow safety standards.
- Create an inclusive atmosphere and support individual camper accommodations as appropriate.
- Other duties as assigned
Requirements:
- Experience working with children in an informal or formal education setting.
- Must possess an outgoing personality and interact with children well.
- Must have strong leadership skills.
- Be able to prioritize and self-regulate in stressful situations.
- Comfortable providing reasonable accommodation for campers.
Reports to: Emily Bertolo, Director of Museum Camps
Benefits:
- Free admission to CMC’s 3 museums & the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
- Free parking at Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal.
- Discounts at Union Terminal’s cafes and the Museum Store.
- Invitations to select exhibit previews, special events and lectures.
- Professional development and training opportunities.
Dress Code: Museum Camps t-shirts provided.
Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old.
Adopt-A-Class Educator Volunteer (18+)
Department: School & Teacher Partnerships
Volunteer Title: Adopt-A-Class Instructor
Purpose: Lead groups of fifth graders through an Innovation class as part of CMC’s Adopt-A-Class partnership.
Location: Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal Classrooms.
Key Responsibilities:
- Teach 45-minute sessions to groups of no more than 30 fifth graders at a time
- Guide participants through an introduction to the idea of innovation, including identifying some examples of Cincinnati innovation
- Communicate the importance of innovation in all career paths
- Guide students, working in small groups, through a consumer product prototype brainstorm-build-presentation
- Perform the above while maintaining a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all guests
Requirements:
- Familiarity and experience with group management techniques while teaching
- Ability to stand for one hour or more
- Occasional instances of lifting supplies or tables/chairs may be necessary (items may weigh 10 pounds or more)
- Ability to access Google Drive to sign up for teaching shifts
- Ability to notify School & Teacher Partnerships of sudden absences by calling or texting Sr. Director of School & Teacher Partnerships (phone number will be provided)
Reports to: Volunteer & Intern Services, Sr. Director, School & Teacher Partnerships
Time Commitment: Typically, 1.5-4 hours per volunteer shift; with 1-3 shifts a month, seasonally from November-March.
Benefits:
- Free admission to CMC’s 3 museums & the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
- Free parking at Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal.
- Discounts at Union Terminal’s cafes and the Museum Store.
- Invitations to select exhibit previews, special events and lectures.
- Professional development and training opportunities.
Dress Code: CMC issued black t-shirt or other professional attire.
Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old.
Cr(eat)e Culinary Studio Volunteer (18+)
Department: Program Development, Learning
Term: Long-term opportunity – due to extensive training, we ask for a minimum 1-year commitment.
Volunteer Title: Cr(eat)e Culinary Studio Volunteer
Purpose: Do you love food, cooking and education? If so, you may be the perfect candidate to lend your time and talents to our new Cr(eat)e Culinary Studio. We are looking for dedicated, passionate helping hands to assist Cr(eat)e Culinary Studio staff in engaging with guests through hands-on cooking programs, maintaining a safe, clean environment, and helping to track guest registration and participation during programming events.
Background: Cincinnati Museum Center’s (CMC) Programming Development team oversees the development, implementation and evaluation of programming initiatives across the institution.
In late 2023, CMC opened the Cr(eat)e Culinary Studio featuring the Kroger Food Lab to provide a home for our programming that combines CMC’s work in science, history, and early childhood with cooking and food traditions. This space has allowed us to work with children, families, teens, adult and public audiences, including partnerships with guest chefs, nutritionists, community partners, doctors and nurses.
Our initial suite of Cr(eat)e programs includes Junior Chefs (Children and Caregivers, ages 7+), Homeschool Cooking Club (ages 7+), Adult programming, free teen cooking classes and a variety of pop-up/drop-in style events that are open to all ages.
Location: Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal – Cr(eat)e Culinary Studio, located off of the Rotunda.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist staff with a variety of programming elements, including cook station setup, sanitization and cleanup.
- Engage with children, teens and adults as they participate in cooking programming.
- Reinforce safety protocols, such as knife and food safety procedures.
- Assist staff with attendance and waiver and guest management during pop-up events.
- Engage effectively and vibrantly with all guests, cultivate memorable experiences and create a sense of radical welcome.
- Create safe learning environments for all abilities.
- Participate in regular training and professional development as needed.
- Embody CMC’s Quality Standards: Credible, Effective, Engaging, Welcoming and Safe.
- Support a Learning Through Play approach by stimulating imagination, creativity and critical thinking in children and families.
Requirements:
- Interest in cooking, food traditions and culinary science.
- Ability to use age-appropriate engagement techniques for a variety of age groups.
- Ability to access MyImpactPage.com (MIP) to self-manage your volunteer schedule and required training materials or otherwise arrange access through Volunteer & Intern Services.
- Ability to notify museum managers of sudden absences by calling a designated call-off number.
- Ability to balance focusing on needs of individual culinary students and whole group.
- Ability to move around culinary studio, lift up to 20 lbs., set-up and clean up equipment and studio space.
- Food service and culinary background a plus.
- Serve Safe training a plus, but not required.
Reports to: Manager, Cr(eat)e Culinary Studio
Time Commitment: Varies depending upon programming schedule.
Benefits:
- Free admission to all permanent CMC exhibits and access to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
- Free parking at Cincinnati Museum Center locations
- Discounts at food locations
- Invitations to select exhibit previews, special events and lectures
- Professional development, training opportunities and work experience
Dress Code:
- All staff, whether paid or volunteer, should follow the museum uniform policy when working in museum galleries or when working with guests directly.
- All staff, whether paid or volunteer, must display name badge on their shirt or on a lanyard. Badge must be visible at all times.
- A current CMC branded shirt that is clean and neat in appearance should be worn at all times. A long-sleeved shirt in either black or white may be worn under a CMC branded uniform shirt.
- Only CMC branded jackets/fleeces should be worn over uniform shirts.
- Shirts featuring exhibits, OMNIMAX movies, or events that are no longer available to the public are considered out of uniform.
- Pants, shorts, and skirts may be worn and must be either solid black or solid khaki in color. Denim/jean material is acceptable. Shorts and skirts must be at least mid-thigh in length. Leggings without skirts or shorts are considered out of uniform.
- Closed-toe, non-slip shoes.
- Long hair must be tied back.
- CMC will provide Cr(eat)e apron to wear during shift.
- These policies apply any time you represent CMC at Union Terminal, in the community on behalf of CMC, or are otherwise wearing a CMC branded shirt in public.
Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old.
APPLY TODAYHuman Resources Special Projects Assistant (18+)
Status: Unfilled
Term: 1-2 years
Department: Human Resources
Background:
Prior experience with handling data, using excel. Prior HR or Payroll experience. Organized and detail-oriented.
Location: Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal – 1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45203
Key Responsibilities:
- Work on multiple HR projects
Requirements:
- Comfortable to use computer and familiar with EXCEL
- Able to handle Confidential documents with discretion.
- Ability to notify supervisor of sudden absences.
Reports to: Abijita Debata
Time Commitment: 8-16 hours a week
Dress Code: N/A
Age Requirement, if any: 18+
APPLY TODAYAuschwitz: Not long ago. Not Far away. Volunteer (18+)
Volunteer Title: Auschwitz: Not long ago. Not Far away. Volunteer
Department: Museum Engagement
Background: Auschwitz: Not long ago. Not far away. portrays the complex reality of the notorious camp while sharing firsthand stories from those who survived, and those who perished. When guests enter the exhibition, they will confront one of history’s darkest periods… but they will also be part of an ongoing remembrance and will leave bearing the weight of society’s responsibility to combat hate and evil everywhere.
Please note: This powerful and educational exhibit contains sensitive subject matter that can be emotional and challenging.
Purpose: Volunteers will help distribute, collect, and clean audio guides for guests. They will also be stationed in the exhibit to answer guest questions and assist with wayfinding.
Exhibition dates: October 2025 – April 2026
Location: Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal – 1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45203
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist guests in wayfinding throughout Featured Exhibitions.
- Distribute, collect, clean, move and assist guests in the usage of audio guides.
- Engage effectively guests in all CMC museums and gallery spaces, cultivate memorable experiences and create a sense of radical welcome for all guests. Interpret exhibits.
- Assist staff with daily gallery operations.
- Create safe learning environments and moments of discovery for guests of all ages and abilities.
- Learn new things and dig deeper into gallery content.
- Understand and address sensitive topics with a sense of compassion and inquisitiveness. Feel comfortable answering questions about all aspects of featured exhibits.
- Embody CMC’s Quality Standards: Credible, Effective, Engaging, Welcoming and Safe.
Requirements:
- Be prepared to travel within the building or galleries via walking, motorized chair or other mobility assist – please note that this is a very large historic building!
- Ability to use age-appropriate engagement techniques for a variety of age groups (school-aged, teenagers and adult). Ability to engage with guests of all ages is a must-have skill for museum volunteers.
- Attend trainings to be scheduled at discretion of Volunteer & Intern Services and Museum Engagement teams and visit HHC prior to volunteering in the exhibition.
- Ability to access MyImpactPage.com (MIP) to self-manage your volunteer schedule and required training materials or otherwise arrange access through Volunteer & Intern Services.
- Ability to notify museum managers of sudden absences by calling a designated call-off number.
Reports to: Volunteer & Intern Services, Museum Engagement Managers
Benefits:
- Free admission to all permanent CMC exhibits and access to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
- Free parking at Cincinnati Museum Center locations
- Discounts at food locations
- Invitations to select exhibit previews, special events and lectures
- Professional development, training opportunities and work experience
Dress Code:
- All staff, whether paid or volunteer, should follow the museum uniform policy when working in museum galleries or when working with guests directly.
- All staff, whether paid or volunteer, must display name badge on their shirt or on a lanyard. Badge must be visible at all times.
- A current CMC branded shirt that is clean and neat in appearance should be always worn on the museum floor. A long-sleeved shirt in either black or white may be worn under a CMC branded uniform shirt.
- Only CMC branded jackets/fleeces should be worn over uniform shirts.
- Shirts featuring exhibits, OMNIMAX® films, or events that are no longer available to the public are considered out of uniform.
- Pants, shorts and skirts may be worn and must be either solid black or solid khaki in color. Denim/jean material is acceptable. Shorts and skirts must be at least mid-thigh in length. Leggings without skirts or shorts are considered out of uniform.
- These policies apply any time you represent CMC at Union Terminal, in the community on behalf of CMC, or are otherwise wearing a CMC branded shirt in public.
Age Requirement, if any: 18+
Cincinnati Heritage Programs Docent (18+)
Department: Cincinnati Heritage Programs
Status: Ongoing
Term: Long-term
Volunteer Title: Cincinnati Heritage Programs Docent
Purpose: To inspire people to learn and appreciate the region’s history through tours and activities at Union Terminal and greater Cincinnati.
Background:
Cincinnati Heritage Programs (CHP) was founded in 1983 by the Cincinnati Historical Society to prepare tours for Cincinnati’s Bicentennial Celebration and to teach the public about the history of Cincinnati. CHP moved into Union Terminal when it became Cincinnati Museum Center in 1991. CHP consists of self-motivated and highly dedicated volunteers who act as ambassadors of Cincinnati history. The fellowship and knowledge shared by all in the association is synergistic and highly rewarding, as is the opportunity to meet event attendees, directors and volunteers of other historic and cultural institutions. CHP Docents are proud to be a part of CMC and through CHP events, meets and greets thousands of people per year.
Location: Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal – 1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45203
Key Responsibilities:
The following responsibilities may vary depending on a Docent’s optional chosen committee. These responsibilities reflect the many options available to CHP Docents.
- Attend the CHP’s monthly general membership meeting held on the 4th Monday of each month.
- Docents may choose to become involved and active in one of the standing committees – the Speakers Bureau, the Tour Committee and the Executive Committee which meet on the consecutive Mondays in a month.
- Lead a minimum of one weekend Union Terminal Rotunda Tour every-other month. These tours are held every Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Rotunda Tours tell the history of our National Historic Landmark.
- Can choose to contribute to CHP projects, which may take several hours per week which can include travel time, research, tours, events and meetings at Union Terminal or other CMC properties and in the Greater Cincinnati Area.
- The CHP docents conduct their own trainings and coordinates all of their activities with the assistance of several Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) departments.
- CHP Docents create, organize and execute a variety of public and custom bus, walking and site visit tours per year based on the architecture, culture and history of the region. Docents collaborate with a variety of area museums, City of Cincinnati Engineers, Public Relations offices, National Historic Landmark Sites, religious institutions, Public Utilities sites and Educational Institutions to educate in an entertaining atmosphere.
- Docents coordinate Cincinnati Tours for corporate, professional and club associations along with special interest groups visiting the city. The Cincinnati Visitor Bureau and City Hall have requested CHP’s professional assistance in acting as ambassadors to visitors from around the world.
- CHP’s Speakers Bureau has created over 60 presentations on the history, culture and architecture of greater Cincinnati.
Requirements:
- Ability to access MyImpactPage.com (MIP) to self-record your contributed volunteer hours, register for required all-CMC trainings and access required training materials or otherwise arrange access through Volunteer & Intern Services.
- If a CHP Docent is unable to fulfill an activity they have volunteered for, they are asked to find a substitute or contact the activity chair to find a replacement.
- Lead a minimum of one weekend Union Terminal Rotunda Tour every-other month.
- Reliable transportation to and from activities volunteer for, which may be at Union Terminal and may be at a location in the Greater Cincinnati Region.
- Follow CMC protocols and safety standards and support guests/participants in following CMC safety standards.
CMC/CHP Staff Liaisons: Claire Pollock – Senior Director, CMC Community Engagement & Programs
Time Commitment: Minimum 4 hours per month.
Dress Code: Professional attire and a CHP docent badge.
Age Requirement, if any: CHP Docents must be at least 21 years of age.
APPLY TODAYGreeter/Ticket Taker (18+)
Department: Guest Experience
Status: On-going
Volunteer Title: Greeter/Ticket Taker
Purpose: To help our guests make the most out of every visit, Volunteer Greeters/Ticket Takers assist the Guest Experience department by welcoming guests, answering questions and providing directions so that our guests can dive right into the epic experience that awaits them. They will also assist in providing superior customer service from first impressions to farewells by admitting guests and CMC Members into each of Cincinnati Museum Center’s three main museums and featured exhibit spaces.
Location: Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
Key Responsibilities:
- Assisting the Guest Experience team to ensure that guests are directed to the correct line for their ticketing needs, such as member services, will call, or general tickets
- Providing directions for guests, particularly the location of special exhibits, museum entrances, restrooms and food service
- Covering lunch breaks for Guest Experience team by scanning tickets and membership cards at the entrance to the permanent museums and Featured Exhibits
- Assisting any guests by generally being knowledgeable about what the Cincinnati Museum Center has to offer
- Assisting staff in maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all guests and model professional conduct, clarity and respect for all individuals and diverse points of view
Requirements:
- Ability to stand or sit for one hour or more
- Ability to navigate floors and walkways that are uneven and/or ramped due to the historic nature of Union Terminal
- Occasional instances of lifting supplies may be necessary (items may weigh 10 pounds or more)
- Ability to access MyImpactPage.com to self-manage your volunteer schedule and required training materials or otherwise arrange access through Volunteer & Intern Services
- Ability to notify Guest Experience of sudden absences by calling a designated call-off number
Reports to: Volunteer & Intern Services, Guest Experience Managers & Assistant Managers
Time Commitment: 2-4 Hours per volunteer shift (up to 8 hours if requested.) Some shifts may be all ticket taking or all greeting, some may be both.
Benefits:
- Free admission to all permanent CMC exhibits and access to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
- Free parking at Cincinnati Museum Center locations
- Discounts at food locations
- Invitations to select exhibit previews, special events and lectures
- Professional development, training opportunities and work experience
Dress Code: CMC red polo shirt, black or khaki pants or skirts, close-toed shoes. You may also wear a plain black or white long-sleeved shirt underneath your red CMC polo.
The Children's Museum (18+)
Volunteer Title: The Children’s Museum Volunteer
Department: Museum Engagement
Spring 2026 Recruitment Period: Applications due by March 10. Training is in May and June.
Purpose: In The Children’s Museum (TCM), our volunteers help children and families learn through play! Engage with guests of all ages with play work. Help guests explore and introduce animals and their adaptations, simple machines and physics, imaginative play, role play, work on gross motor skills in the woods and kids at work.
Background: Cincinnati Museum Center’s Museum Engagement department is the front-facing team across the Cincinnati History Museum, Museum of Natural History & Science, and The Children's Museum. The Museum Engagement team welcomes guests of every age, background and interest-level and creates meaningful experiences by engaging these guests in gallery-specific activities. Volunteers anticipate and meet guests at their point of need, answer wayfinding questions, interpret gallery spaces and present programs designed for our diverse audience.
Location: Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal – The Children’s Museum (TCM)
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist guests in wayfinding throughout TCM.
- Engage effectively and vibrantly with guests in all CMC museums, cultivate memorable experiences and create a sense of radical welcome for all guests. Interpret exhibits and objects and lead educational programs in museum spaces.
- Assist staff with daily gallery operations.
- Create safe learning environments and moments of discovery for guest of all ages and abilities.
- Learn new things and dig deeper into gallery content.
- Participate in regular training and professional development as able – examples of past trainings include lectures in history and science, safety procedure trainings, new gallery updates, etc.
- Embody CMC’s Quality Standards: Credible, Effective, Engaging, Welcoming and Safe.
- The Children’s Museum – engage guests by learning through play! Help to stimulate imagination, creativity and critical thinking skills in some of our youngest guests.
- Work collaboratively with Museum Engagement and other CMC team members to create a cohesive and comprehensive visitor experience across CMC galleries using CMC’s Learning Framework.
- As needed, provide additional support for other Learning initiatives.
Requirements:
- Be prepared to travel between museums within the building or galleries via walking, motorized chair or other mobility assist – please note that this is a very large historic building!
- Ability to use age-appropriate engagement techniques for a variety of age groups (toddler, school-aged, teenagers and adult). Ability to engage vibrantly with guests of all ages is a must-have skill for museum volunteers.
- Attend series of trainings to be scheduled at discretion of Volunteer & Intern Services/Museum Engagement teams.
- Willing to learn a variety of subjects including topics in the sciences, Cincinnati history, culture and/or early childhood education.
- Ability to access MyImpactPage.com (MIP) to self-manage your volunteer schedule and required training materials or otherwise arrange access through Volunteer & Intern Services.
- Ability to notify museum managers of sudden absences by calling a designated call-off number.
Reports to: Volunteer & Intern Services, Museum Engagement Managers
Time Commitment: 40 hours per calendar year.
Benefits:
- Free admission to all permanent CMC exhibits and access to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
- Free parking at Cincinnati Museum Center locations
- Discounts at food locations
- Invitations to select exhibit previews, special events and lectures
- Professional development, training opportunities and work experience
Dress Code:
- All staff, whether paid or volunteer, must follow the museum uniform policy when working in museum galleries or when working with guests directly.
- All staff, whether paid or volunteer, must display name badge on their shirt or on a lanyard. Badge must be visible at all times.
- A current CMC red polo branded shirt that is clean and neat in appearance is to be worn on the museum floor at all times. A long-sleeved shirt in either black or white may be worn under a CMC branded uniform shirt.
- Only the current CMC branded jackets/fleeces may be worn over uniform shirts.
- Shirts featuring exhibits, OMNIMAX® movies, or events are considered out of uniform.
- Pants, shorts, and skirts are allowed but they MUST not have any holes, or be torn or ripped in anyway. Tights and leggings are NOT allowed for floor staff. Shorts are allowed for any staff. Shorts should end approximately 2 inches above the knee cap.
- These policies apply any time you represent CMC at Union Terminal, in the community on behalf of CMC, or are otherwise wearing a CMC branded shirt in public.
Museum of Natural History & Science (18+)
Volunteer Title: Museum of Natural History & Science Volunteer
Department: Museum Engagement
Spring 2026 Recruitment Period: Applications due by March 10. Training is in March and May.
Purpose: Explore natural history and science from the Ordovician Age to modern space exploration. Walk among dinosaurs, lead guests as they explore The Cave and Ice Age Trail, voyage to space and so much more.
Background: Cincinnati Museum Center’s Museum Engagement department is the front-facing team across the Cincinnati History Museum, Museum of Natural History & Science, and The Children's Museum. The Museum Engagement team welcomes guests of every age, background and interest-level and creates meaningful experiences by engaging these guests in gallery-specific activities. Volunteers anticipate and meet guests at their point of need, answer wayfinding questions, interpret gallery spaces and present programs designed for our diverse audience.
Location: Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal – Museum of Natural History & Science (MNHS)
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist guests in wayfinding throughout MNHS, CHM and TCM.
- Engage effectively and vibrantly with guests in all CMC museums, cultivate memorable experiences and create a sense of radical welcome for all guests. Interpret exhibits and objects and lead educational programs in museum spaces.
- Assist staff with daily gallery operations.
- Create safe learning environments and moments of discovery for guest of all ages and abilities.
- Learn new things and dig deeper into gallery content.
- Participate in regular training and professional development as able – examples of past trainings include lectures in history and science, safety procedure trainings, new gallery updates, etc.
- Embody CMC’s Quality Standards: Credible, Effective, Engaging, Welcoming and Safe.
- Museum of Natural History & Science – engage guests with a variety of experiences in the galleries in topics of paleontology, geology, physical science, space and more!
- Work collaboratively with Museum Engagement and other CMC team members to create a cohesive and comprehensive visitor experience across CMC galleries using CMC’s Learning Framework.
- As needed, provide additional support for other Learning initiatives.
Requirements:
- Be prepared to travel between museums within the building or galleries via walking, motorized chair or other mobility assist – please note that this is a very large historic building!
- Ability to use age-appropriate engagement techniques for a variety of age groups (toddler, school-aged, teenagers and adult). Ability to engage vibrantly with guests of all ages is a must-have skill for museum volunteers.
- Attend series of trainings to be scheduled at discretion of Volunteer & Intern Services/Museum Engagement teams.
- Willing to learn a variety of subjects including topics in the sciences, Cincinnati history, culture and/or early childhood education.
- Ability to access MyImpactPage.com (MIP) to self-manage your volunteer schedule and required training materials or otherwise arrange access through Volunteer & Intern Services.
- Ability to notify museum managers of sudden absences by calling a designated call-off number.
Reports to: Volunteer & Intern Services, Museum Engagement Managers
Time Commitment: 40 hours per calendar year.
Benefits:
- Free admission to all permanent CMC exhibits and access to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
- Free parking at Cincinnati Museum Center locations
- Discounts at food locations
- Invitations to select exhibit previews, special events and lectures
- Professional development, training opportunities and work experience
Dress Code:
- All staff, whether paid or volunteer, must follow the museum uniform policy when working in museum galleries or when working with guests directly.
- All staff, whether paid or volunteer, must display name badge on their shirt or on a lanyard. Badge must be visible at all times.
- A current CMC red polo branded shirt that is clean and neat in appearance is to be worn on the museum floor at all times. A long-sleeved shirt in either black or white may be worn under a CMC branded uniform shirt.
- Only the current CMC branded jackets/fleeces may be worn over uniform shirts.
- Shirts featuring exhibits, OMNIMAX® movies, or events are considered out of uniform.
- Pants, shorts, and skirts are allowed but they MUST not have any holes, or be torn or ripped in anyway. Tights and leggings are NOT allowed for floor staff. Shorts are allowed for any staff. Shorts should end approximately 2 inches above the knee cap.
- These policies apply any time you represent CMC at Union Terminal, in the community on behalf of CMC, or are otherwise wearing a CMC branded shirt in public.
kidSPACE (18+)
Volunteer Title: Young at Art Volunteer
Department: Museum Engagement
Spring 2026 Recruitment Period: Applications due by March 10. Training is in April and May.
Purpose: Adult volunteers can use their maker skills to engage with guests on art and design process learning with preschoolers and their families. Skills and techniques for lifelong learning and problem solving are the focus of these programs.
Warning: Often messy! Always fun!
Young at Art Shifts will be 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Mondays and includes time to help set up, run the activity and clean up.
Background: Cincinnati Museum Center’s Museum Engagement department is the front-facing team across the Cincinnati History Museum, Museum of Natural History & Science and The Children's Museum. The Museum Engagement team welcomes guests of every age, background and interest-level and creates meaningful experiences by engaging these guests in gallery-specific activities. Volunteers anticipate and meet guests at their point of need, answer wayfinding questions, interpret gallery spaces and present programs designed for our diverse audience.
Location: Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal – The Children’s Museum (TCM)
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist guests in wayfinding throughout MNHS, CHM and TCM.
- Engage effectively and vibrantly with guests in all CMC museums, cultivate memorable experiences and create a sense of radical welcome for all guests. Interpret exhibits and objects and lead educational programs in museum spaces.
- Assist staff with daily gallery operations.
- Create safe learning environments and moments of discovery for guest of all ages and abilities.
- Learn new things and dig deeper into gallery content.
- Participate in regular training and professional development as able – examples of past trainings include lectures in history and science, safety procedure trainings, new gallery updates, etc.
- Embody CMC’s Quality Standards: Credible, Effective, Engaging, Welcoming and Safe.
- The Children’s Museum – engage guests by learning through play! Help to stimulate imagination, creativity and critical thinking skills in some of our youngest guests.
- Work collaboratively with Museum Engagement and other CMC team members to create a cohesive and comprehensive visitor experience across CMC galleries using CMC’s Learning Framework.
- As needed, provide additional support for other Learning initiatives.
Requirements:
- Be prepared to travel between museums within the building or galleries via walking, motorized chair or other mobility assist – please note that this is a very large historic building!
- Ability to use age-appropriate engagement techniques for a variety of age groups (toddler, school-aged, teenagers and adult). Ability to engage vibrantly with guests of all ages is a must-have skill for museum volunteers.
- Attend series of trainings to be scheduled at discretion of Volunteer & Intern Services/Museum Engagement teams.
- Willing to learn a variety of subjects including topics in the sciences, Cincinnati history, culture and/or early childhood education.
- Ability to access MyImpactPage.com (MIP) to self-manage your volunteer schedule and required training materials or otherwise arrange access through Volunteer & Intern Services.
- Ability to notify museum managers of sudden absences by calling a designated call-off number.
Reports to: Volunteer & Intern Services, Museum Engagement Managers
Time Commitment: 40 hours per calendar year.
Benefits:
- Free admission to all permanent CMC exhibits and access to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
- Free parking at Cincinnati Museum Center locations
- Discounts at food locations
- Invitations to select exhibit previews, special events and lectures
- Professional development, training opportunities and work experience
Dress Code:
- All staff, whether paid or volunteer, must follow the museum uniform policy when working in museum galleries or when working with guests directly.
- All staff, whether paid or volunteer, must display name badge on their shirt or on a lanyard. Badge must be visible at all times.
- A current CMC red polo branded shirt that is clean and neat in appearance is to be worn on the museum floor at all times. A long-sleeved shirt in either black or white may be worn under a CMC branded uniform shirt.
- Only the current CMC branded jackets/fleeces may be worn over uniform shirts.
- Shirts featuring exhibits, OMNIMAX® movies, or events are considered out of uniform.
- Pants, shorts, and skirts are allowed but they MUST not have any holes, or be torn or ripped in anyway. Tights and leggings are NOT allowed for floor staff. Shorts are allowed for any staff. Shorts should end approximately 2 inches above the knee cap.
- These policies apply any time you represent CMC at Union Terminal, in the community on behalf of CMC, or are otherwise wearing a CMC branded shirt in public.
Cincinnati History Museum (18+)
Volunteer Title: Museum Engagement Volunteer
Department: Museum Engagement
Spring 2026 Recruitment Period: Applications due by March 10. Training is in February, April and June.
Purpose: Hop aboard our Cincinnati Streetcar or the Queen of the West steamboat and share tales of Cincinnati’s past. Be a part of history as we travel through time to explore Cincinnati’s ancient mounds, early transportation and innovative inventions, to present day makers. Share what makes Cincinnati, Cincinnati. Best of all, hang out with all the coolest artifacts in town, including our city’s beloved icon, Union Terminal!
Background: Cincinnati Museum Center’s Museum Engagement department is the front-facing team across the Cincinnati History Museum, Museum of Natural History & Science and The Children's Museum. The Museum Engagement team welcomes guests of every age, background and interest-level and creates meaningful experiences by engaging these guests in gallery-specific activities. Volunteers anticipate and meet guests at their point of need, answer wayfinding questions, interpret gallery spaces and present programs designed for our diverse audience.
Location: Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal – Cincinnati History Museum (CHM)
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist guests in wayfinding throughout CHM.
- Engage effectively and vibrantly with guests in all CMC museums, cultivate memorable experiences and create a sense of radical welcome for all guests. Interpret exhibits and objects and lead educational programs in museum spaces.
- Assist staff with daily gallery operations.
- Create safe learning environments and moments of discovery for guest of all ages and abilities.
- Learn new things and dig deeper into gallery content.
- Participate in regular training and professional development as able – examples of past trainings include lectures in history and science, safety procedure trainings, new gallery updates, etc.
- Embody CMC’s Quality Standards: Credible, Effective, Engaging, Welcoming and Safe.
- Cincinnati History Museum – engage guests with a variety of experiences in the galleries in topics of Cincinnati culture, history and more!
- Work collaboratively with Museum Engagement and other CMC team members to create a cohesive and comprehensive visitor experience across CMC galleries using CMC’s Learning Framework.
- As needed, provide additional support for other Learning initiatives.
Requirements:
- Be prepared to travel between museums within the building or galleries via walking, motorized chair or other mobility assist – please note that this is a very large historic building!
- Ability to use age-appropriate engagement techniques for a variety of age groups (toddler, school-aged, teenagers and adult). Ability to engage vibrantly with guests of all ages is a must-have skill for museum volunteers.
- Attend series of trainings to be scheduled at discretion of Volunteer & Intern Services/Museum Engagement teams.
- Willing to learn a variety of subjects including topics in the sciences, Cincinnati history, culture and/or early childhood education.
- Ability to access MyImpactPage.com (MIP) to self-manage your volunteer schedule and required training materials or otherwise arrange access through Volunteer & Intern Services.
- Ability to notify museum managers of sudden absences by calling a designated call-off number.
Reports to: Volunteer & Intern Services, Museum Engagement Managers
Time Commitment: 40 hours per calendar year.
Benefits:
- Free admission to all permanent CMC exhibits and access to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
- Free parking at Cincinnati Museum Center locations
- Discounts at food locations
- Invitations to select exhibit previews, special events and lectures
- Professional development, training opportunities and work experience
Dress Code:
- All staff, whether paid or volunteer, must follow the museum uniform policy when working in museum galleries or when working with guests directly.
- All staff, whether paid or volunteer, must display name badge on their shirt or on a lanyard. Badge must be visible at all times.
- A current CMC red polo branded shirt that is clean and neat in appearance is to be worn on the museum floor at all times. A long-sleeved shirt in either black or white may be worn under a CMC branded uniform shirt.
- Only the current CMC branded jackets/fleeces may be worn over uniform shirts.
- Shirts featuring exhibits, OMNIMAX® movies, or events are considered out of uniform.
- Pants, shorts, and skirts are allowed but they MUST not have any holes, or be torn or ripped in anyway. Tights and leggings are NOT allowed for floor staff. Shorts are allowed for any staff. Shorts should end approximately 2 inches above the knee cap.
- These policies apply any time you represent CMC at Union Terminal, in the community on behalf of CMC, or are otherwise wearing a CMC branded shirt in public.
“When people ask me why I volunteer at Cincinnati Museum Center, I just tell them that I get a lot more than I can ever give back... Cincinnati Museum Center is just one more nice asset the City of Cincinnati can brag about."
“I have been with the Paleo Lab since 2000 and still every bone is a new challenge due to different states of preservation. I enjoy working for Dr. Storrs and have learned so much from him but I think the real importance of not only my work but of the whole museum is to bring to the public the sense of wonder and discovery that science presents in our everyday lives."
“Volunteering is all about meeting new people, learning new things, helping organizations and having fun."
“I have found volunteering with Cincinnati Heritage Programs at CMC to be both fun and rewarding; I love showcasing the iconic Art Deco building to museum visitors."
“I have been able to get hands on animal care experience with the colony of big brown bats that lives at the Museum Center, I have also had the opportunity to expand my knowledge about bats, educate families that visit CMC about our bat neighbors and develop new connections that have been beneficial to not only my master's degree program but also my everyday work."
“I love volunteering for several reasons; I feel that I am a small part of the team that works endlessly to make science and history accessible and fun for everyone. I love inspiring the great minds of tomorrow and it gives me hope that one day they will be the ones who continue to make a difference on our planet. I'm so glad that I took the leap and applied to volunteer at CMC!"
Volunteer Milestones
Each year we recognize CMC volunteers who have achieved significant years of service milestones.
5 Years
Andrew Adkins
Michael Burlingham
Ed Clancy
Terry Clark
Brooke Crowley
Lee Drake
Jon Goins
David Greulich
Dee Mason
Jerry McAfee
Tom McMackin
Sue Mehne
William Schulter
Debbi Silverman
Ed Umbach
Sally Umbach
Lisa Beyer
Rubin Dastoor
Mel DeWitt
Jude DeWitt
Lynn Dougherty
Don Fox
Danny Hildebrand
Pamela King
David Mason
Diann Myers
Lois Rezabek
John Ripberger
Lee Schmidt
Carol Sinclair
Larry Stulz
Jim Thompson
10 Years
Robb Andriot
Barb Bolten
Holly Crawford
Don Frey
Brian Rohling
Ken Skirtz
Tom Flege
Dick Kaesemeyer
Tom Palmer
Steve Rolfes
Mike Schmidt
Mark Zigoris
15 Years
Bob Bergstein
Bebe Hales
Donna Levi
Brian Porter
Blanche Sullivan
Pat Brennan
Ray Fiedler
Brenda Hauser
Dennis Johnson
Bob Limoseth
David Moccia
Diane Moccia
Al Morgan
Regeana Morgan
Mary Lou Osterfeld
Richard Rastani
Joe Vaughan
Nancy Vaughan
20 Years
Janice Forte
Cathy Hansel
Marion Mitchell
J. Harry Rapien
Mike Schaen
Charollet Schworer
Ursula Umberg
25 Years
Janet Mott
Ruth Smith
Philip Yannarella
35 Years
Lory Greenland
40 Years
Terry Huizing
45 Years
Cathy Chapman
School and Teacher Partnerships
Do you love engaging groups of school aged children in science, art, culture and history? Are you an amazing group greeter and wayfinder? Work alongside our School and Teacher Partnerships team to deliver content that connects to our galleries, exhibits and school curriculum. Volunteers must be MAP trained.
Museum Ambassador Program (MAP)
All museum gallery volunteers begin here!
We need welcoming, informed, guest-oriented and engaging Museum Ambassadors to make a difference in our visitors’ experience.
Every volunteer begins by learning about our Quality Standards, welcoming everyone we interact with and maintaining a safe and clean environment for our guests. Spend time across all our museums, from our late-Jurassic Galeamopus to our historical Public Landing or help our smallest guests in Little Sprouts Farm. The ability to engage vibrantly with toddler through high-school ages is a must-have skill for Museum Ambassadors and Track volunteers.
Looking to dive a little deeper, to work along our educational team in learning and interpretation? After you complete the Museum Ambassador training, you may choose to continue growing your volunteer experience by selecting one of three museum tracks.
Gallery Activities Track
Love sharing your knowledge of science, art and Cincinnati history to guests of all ages? Gallery track volunteers work alongside staff to deliver quality programs to families, adults and children of all ages. After completing MAP, you will be introduced to simple, easily-presented concepts for guests. You’ll then continue working with our team to deliver more-complex, object-based and hands-on learning experiences for our guests. With advance training, you may even have the opportunity to handle our live animals!
Shows & Interpretation Track
Do you love to dress in period costumes? Are science stage-shows your jam? Does the thought of being on a stage float your boat? Volunteers in this track work closely with our staff to deliver quality exhibit interpretations by giving context and a personal touch to the information presented. With additional training, volunteers may dress out in period clothing, recite short scripts or plays, deliver engaging storytelling or assist with our spectacular science stage shows. Behind-the-scenes help is welcome for those with costume repair and script-writing experience.
Labs & Maker Track
Are you overflowing with creative ideas? Do you love bringing looks of awe and wonder to guests’ faces through hands-on activities? Curiosity and the inclination for experimentation are traits that artists and scientists share. Volunteers in this track facilitate open-ended, process-based experiences in our creative play lab KidSPACE, conduct experiments in our STEM lab and dive deep into historical Cincinnati makers in our History in the Making Classroom. You will work alongside our staff to take your talents in science, art and making to the next level with our guests.
APPLY TODAYGuest & Member Services Volunteers
Help our guests make the most of every visit by assisting the Guest Experience Team! Whether you prefer greeting guests as they enter the Grand Rotunda or granting our guests entry into our permanent museums and featured exhibits, the Guest Experience Team has an opportunity for you. Individuals must be outgoing, friendly and possess the ability to communicate with groups of all sizes and abilities.
Greeter
Assist the Guest Experience department by welcoming guests, answering questions, and providing directions so that our guests can dive right in to the epic experience that awaits them.
Discovery Attendant
Assist the Guest Experience department by providing superior customer service from first impressions to farewells by admitting guests and CMC Members into Cincinnati Museum Center’s three museums and featured exhibit spaces.
APPLY TODAYFeatured Exhibits Volunteers
Do you love learning new things and sharing that knowledge? Featured Exhibits may be the place for you! Featured Exhibit volunteers work alongside staff to welcome and engage with guests in our temporary and traveling exhibits. We host exhibits that cover a wide range of topics: art, science and technology, history, and much, much more. Exhibits change regularly so there is always something exciting and new.
Duties include interacting with guests, answering content and directional questions, and ensuring the safety of artifacts.
APPLY TODAYCorporate Volunteers
Interested groups please contact Volunteer & Intern Services at volunteer@cincymuseum.org. Opportunities include those listed above for individuals seeking long-term/consistent weekly, biweekly, or monthly opportunities, and special event volunteering for groups interested in short-term/one-off opportunities.
APPLY TODAYQuestions?
For more information, contact Cordel George, Manager, Volunteer and Intern Services at CGeorge@cincymuseum.org.
Internships
Interested in learning more about current and upcoming internship opportunities?
Youth Program Volunteers
Interested in learning more about current and upcoming youth program volunteer opportunities?
