While immensely grateful for the invaluable financial support from the community during the recent Big Day of Giving, many Sacramento area museums report an urgent need for volunteers this summer and beyond. In fact, more than $490K was inspired by Big Day of Giving, collectively, to support members of Sacramento Area Museums (SAM) as part of the 2026 initiative driven by the Sacramento Region Community Foundation. And while financial support is critical to maintaining and presenting many of the special programs available at local museums and destinations, there is also a dire need for volunteer service.
“Volunteers are the heart and life support of any museum,” said Delta Pick Mello, Executive Director of the Sacramento History Museum and former Chair of Sacramento Area Museums (SAM). “Coming off the heels of Big Day of Giving, we appreciate not only those who give us financial support, but also those who give us the precious commodity of their time.”
As part of an informal poll of the nearly 25 Sacramento Area Museum members, respondents report the following:
- 90% say volunteers are extremely important to the operations of the museum/destination
- In order of importance, the programs respondents note are the most critical areas where volunteers are needed include:
- Educational programs
- Special events
- Visitor services
- A combined 90% say the current need for volunteers at the museum/destination is high or extremely high
- 70% believe a shortage of volunteers would have a severe negative impact on the museum/destination
“The California Museum relies on volunteers to support all of our educational programs, from field trips to docent-led tours,” said Rowan Graening, Volunteer Coordinator, California Museum. “They are the cornerstone of our museum community, helping us provide engaging experiences and connect thousands of visitors each year with California’s art, history, and culture. As our programs continue to grow, we’re always looking for new volunteers to join us.”
Some of the local museums expressing the need for volunteers include the following:
- California Museum is calling out for more volunteers to help bring California’s rich history, arts, and cultural diversity to life for more than 100,000 visitors each year. With roles ranging from field trip classroom presenters to event assistants, all positions include perks like a Museum membership with reciprocal admission at other institutions, store discounts, invitations to volunteer events and more! No experience is necessary and all positions include in-depth training. More information about volunteer opportunities or to apply is available here. For questions, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 916-653-8099 or via email at volunteer@californiamuseum.org.
- California State Railroad Museum invites community members to become a volunteer and help bring railroad history to life for visitors of all ages at one of Old Sacramento’s most beloved destinations. Volunteers play an active role across a wide range of opportunities — from Museum docents to school program educators, and from track and signals crews to railroad car attendants — with something to fit nearly every interest and schedule. No railroad background is necessary; the Museum provides thorough training for all roles. To apply, visit californiarailroad.museum/get-involved/volunteer; for questions, contact the Volunteer Coordinator at allaboard.csrm@parks.ca.gov or (916) 445-0269.
- Museum of Medical History is a volunteer-run, free museum in Sacramento. Volunteers are needed to preserve history, educate the public, and inspire the next generation of healthcare workers. Specifically, volunteers help with docent guided tours, exhibit upgrades and maintenance, research projects and sorting, photography, and support for the Medical History Lecture Series. More information about volunteering is available here or via email at info@ssvms.org.
- Sacramento Children’s Museum hosts monthly volunteer orientations and is looking for community members (or groups) with a wide variety of interests and skills, not just working directly with children. The next volunteer orientation event is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2 from 4-5 p.m. For those looking to volunteer for reoccurring shifts and special events, please sign up here. For groups wanting to volunteer, individuals looking to contribute specific skills, or any questions, please email volunteer@sackids.org.
- SMUD Museum of Science & Curiosity (MOSAC) is looking for curious, community-minded volunteers to help inspire guests through hands-on science learning and exploration. Volunteers support a variety of experiences across the museum, from guest engagement and educational programming to special events and seasonal opportunities. MOSAC hosts quarterly volunteer information sessions and welcomes volunteers ages 18+ into the general volunteer program. No prior experience is required. For teens interested in gaining experience, MOSAC also offers summer camp volunteer opportunities for ages 15–19. Applications for summer camp volunteers are typically open from mid-February through April and are shared on MOSAC’s website and with local high school counselors. Learn more about volunteering or share interest via this Volunteer webpage.
“As a free museum, we rely on dedicated volunteers to continue our mission of education and preservation,” said Sam Mello, Program Manager of the Museum of Medical History. “Without volunteer help, this important work is at risk. Help us ensure these important stories and collections remain accessible to inspire and educate our community for years to come.”
The benefits of participating as a volunteer at a local museum go far beyond community service. Being a volunteer also provides an opportunity to meet new people from all over the world, connect with a community of shared interests, expand subject matter knowledge, and often receive complimentary admission and/or attendance at special activations.
For more information about upcoming activities offered by Sacramento area museums, “like” them on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SacMuseums, follow them on Instagram @SacMuseums or visit www.SacMuseums.org.
