Since 1957, when the Truman Library and Museum opened, volunteers have played an instrumental part in the successes we have enjoyed as a Presidential Library. Their commitment has been extraordinary and enables us to continue to provide the best possible services to the public, whether visitors to the museum or researchers spending valuable time in our archives. To be considered as a volunteer, you must be a U.S. citizen, legal resident alien (possessor of a green card), or holder of a type A1 or A2 diplomatic visa.

Volunteer Opportunities

The volunteer program was begun initially because of the need for tour guides to allow visitors to fully understand the life and times of the Truman family & presidency. Over the years we have come to rely on volunteers in many other areas.

Currently there are seven different volunteer opportunities which include:

• Administrative clerk
• Archives assistants
• Audiovisual assistants
• Hospitality Host/Hostess
• Mailing Circle
• Museum tour guides
• Public Programs Audiovisual Assistant

If you are looking for volunteer opportunities during the week, evening, or weekend, we can fulfill that requirement.

If you like to visit with people, helping as a tour guide or visitor services assistant may be what you are looking for. On the other hand, if "behind the scenes" volunteering interests you, consider helping as an archives or audiovisual assistant. There may be more than one opportunity that interests you. Indeed, our volunteers are such an active group that a large majority of them do lend their talents in more than one way.

 

Keeping our volunteers informed about events and changes occurring throughout the Library & Museum is of utmost importance to us. Toward that end, monthly meetings are held usually featuring a guest speaker. Thanks to a volunteer, a newsletter is prepared and distributed quarterly. Occasional trips to other area Presidential Libraries (Hoover in West Branch, Iowa; Eisenhower in Abilene, Kansas) are organized for volunteers. The Volunteer Office contains a library along with weekly updated bulletin boards. Volunteers receive a free subscription to the "Whistle-Stop," the quarterly publication of our non-profit partner, The Truman Library Institute.

 

For further information on volunteer opportunities, or to request an application, please contact:

Donna Denslow
Harry S. Truman Library
500 West U.S. Highway 24
Independence, MO 64050-1798
(816) 268-8239
fax: (816) 268-8296
e-mail: donna.denslow@nara.gov