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Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. FREE Admission & Parking
The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force depends on volunteers on a daily basis. Our volunteers have a variety of responsibilities from monitoring the exhibit galleries, interacting with the public, promoting the museum’s Membership program, supporting education programs, providing information at the main entrance, and more! You don’t need a Ph.D in history to volunteer. All you need is lots of enthusiasm and a little time. Click here to complete the volunteer application.
At this time, the Museum has two needs for volunteers. One of those areas is as a Gallery Monitor in each of our four buildings. Here volunteers interact with visitors by assisting them find a specific exhibit or aircraft or where the attractions or Cafes are located. These Gallery Monitors have the amazing opportunity to interact with visitors first-hand to include many veterans who have very exciting and unique stories to share. The biggest need for this group of volunteers is currently on weekends. The other area of great need is with our expanding educational needs of the Museum. Our Education Division is quickly growing their programming and events and they are looking for outgoing people who love to share their passion for learning with children and adults of all ages. If you are interested in supporting the Museum as a volunteer, click here to complete the volunteer application.
At this time, the Museum has two needs for volunteers. One of those areas is as a Gallery Monitor in each of our four buildings. Here volunteers interact with visitors by assisting them find a specific exhibit or aircraft, where the attractions or Cafes are located, or possibly the nearest restroom. These Gallery Monitors have the amazing opportunity to interact with visitors first-hand to include many veterans who have very exciting and unique stories to share. The biggest need for this group of volunteers is currently on weekends. The other area of great need is with our expanding educational needs of the Museum. Our Education Division is quickly growing their programming and events and they are looking for outgoing people who love to share their passion for learning with children and adults of all ages.
Age Adults, age 18 or older
Positions Visitor service positions (public) are performed seven days a week, daytime hours only, and work is performed in four and a half-hour shifts.
Technical positions (restoration and archives library) are performed on weekdays only. Working one day per week is required.
Administrative positions (office/computer) are performed on weekdays only. Schedule is flexible.
Please view the Position Descriptions for more details.
Background Volunteers are male and female, civilians and active duty, and represent all ages.
Commitment Volunteers schedule for a least two shifts per month; more if desired.
Snowbirds/vacation/health/student absences are excused. Deployed military resume all rights and benefits upon their return.
Dress Policy Business dress is required for visitor-interface positions. Shop uniforms are provided for restoration positions. Office attire is required for administrative positions.
No hats, denim or shirts with advertising/messages.
Museum volunteers are a direct reflection on the U.S. Air Force, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
Education Requirement All that is required is a willingness to learn and relate museum information.
Health You must be physically able to perform the position you select. Physical mobility for gallery/education monitors/tour guides is required.
Training New volunteers begin by attending a New Volunteer Orientation offered afternoons/weekends. Volunteers are encouraged to participate in continuing education lectures and special events.
Don't want to work for nothing? Not a problem! Here are some perks.
- Affiliation with the world's largest and oldest military aviation museum - Association with the U.S. Air Force and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base - Meeting aviation enthusiasts from around the world - Reserved parking - Annual appreciation banquet - Gift shop discounts - Complimentary shows at the digital 3D theatre - New aircraft and exhibit previews - Complimentary beverages during breaks - Connection with museum and aviation professionals and distinguished guests - Advance notice to special events, lectures and concerts - Participation in a wide variety of special activities - Special evening lectures by notable aviation experts - Monthly volunteer newsletter - On-the-job training - Continuing education - Preserving your heritage - Sharing your personal military history with others - Giving in a way that makes a difference to others - New experiences - Personal satisfaction - New friendships and meeting people with common interests - Tax benefits - Holiday parties and picnics - Increased quality of life and self esteem - Rewarding work - Museum career experience
Don't know much about our volunteers? Not a problem! Here are some amazing highlights.
Did you know
...... this museum pioneered volunteerism in the USAF? National Museum of the U.S. Air Force volunteers have been serving the museum for 46 years.
… volunteers are the lifeblood of the Air Force to museum visitors? Museum volunteers hosted more than 700,000 on-site visitors in 2019. The museum had more than 3 million online visitors during the year.
… volunteers serve the museum 362 days a year? Approximately 500 active volunteers maintained the museum’s operation last year.
… volunteers contributed 88,706 hours of time in 2021?
… museum volunteers traveled many miles from many places to volunteer? They arrived from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Texas and West Virginia to serve the museum.
… 94 people entered as new volunteers last year? They replace 32 who left as volunteers in 2017.
... museum volunteers represent every generation? Our youngest volunteer is 18 years old and our oldest is 94 years young. 1% of volunteers represent the GI Generation, born 1901-1926. 40% of volunteers represent the Silent Generation, born 1927-1945. 48% of volunteers represent the Baby Boomers, born 1946-1964. 2% of volunteers represent Generation X, born 1965-1981. 9% of volunteers represent the Millennials, born 1982-1997. 81% are male and 19% are female.
… more volunteers are always needed? Do you know someone who could serve?
Step 1 Click here to complete the volunteer application.
You may also call the Volunteer Services office at (937) 255-3495 for information. Step 2 Wait for an email identifying dates for background checks and fingerprinting. Return the email with date/s you can attend. Attend fingerprinting appointment. Step 3
Wait for clearance email and the available dates for New Volunteer Orientation. Return the email with the date(s) you can attend. Attend New Volunteer Orientation.
Step 4 Join the fun ...the only thing missing is YOU!
CURRENT VOLUNTEERS: Use the button below to log in to the Volunteer Information Center.
Contact Volunteer Services at (937) 255-3495 or nationalmuseum.volunteer@us.af.mil
Click here to read an article about Museum Volunteers featured in the Skywrighter, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base newspaper
All visitors may be screened with a metal detector upon entry. In addition all bags are subject to search and may be placed through an X-Ray machine. Weapons are not permitted including pocket knives and firearms, to include conceal carry and other dangerous weapons.
Prohibited Items: - Firearms* - Knives - Box cutters - Food and Soda Drinks - Alcohol - Coolers - Backpacks * Firearms, to include conceal carry and other dangerous weapons, are specifically prohibited in Federal facilities in accordance with 18 USC §930 (c) Permitted Items: - Water bottles (clear, sealed bottle, up to 20 oz.) - Purses - Camera bags - Diaper bags - Strollers - Service animals Please note the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is not responsible for items left in vehicles. Click here for frequently asked questions regarding items permitted inside the museum.
Notice: Visitors may be filmed, photographed or recorded by the U.S. Air Force for educational and promotional uses, including for posting on public websites and social media. Individuals are permitted to take their own photographs or videos while touring the museum.
