Volunteer

Contact Us

For more information on the Volunteers-In-Parks program at National Capital Parks-East, please contact the park’s Volunteer Coordinator at [e-mail].

Volunteer Opportunities at the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site

Do you love African American History? Do you love Women's History?

Do you want to perpetuate Mary McLeod Bethune’s legacy?

Do you want to make a difference?

Do you want to enhance your public speaking skills?

If so, then volunteering at the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House is for you!

The National Park Service is looking for volunteers to assist with visitor services at the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site, one of the premier African American heritage sites in Washington, D.C. As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to share and foster an appreciation of Mrs. Bethune’s legacy with visitors from all over the nation and the world. You would be volunteering in the original building that served as the home of Mrs. Bethune from 1943-1949 and first national headquarters of the organization she established, the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) from 1943-1966.

Volunteers will have the opportunity to receive firsthand training from some of the best university professors and NPS staff about the history and legacy of Mrs. Bethune and the NCNW. Volunteers will also be provided training in historical interpretation by NPS professionals. If you are a college student and majoring in African American Studies, Women's Studies, History or Public History, ask your professor about internship opportunities through this program.

Volunteers should feel comfortable in public speaking.

Duties include:

• Leading guided tours of the Bethune Council House

• Giving educational programs to schoolchildren

• Meeting and greeting the general public

• Giving tours of the Logan Circle Neighborhood

• Reading and researching topics relating to Mrs. Bethune, NCNW, African American Studies, and Women's Studies

• Representing the National Park Service as a Volunteer-in-Park

• Wearing a volunteer uniform (provided)

Time Commitment:

Minimum time commitment is 8 hours per month in two four-hour days. Specific dates and times for volunteering will be established between the volunteer coordinator and the volunteer. Volunteers must attend required training before giving guided tours.

As a volunteer, you will receive:

• Professional training in historic interpretation

• The opportunity to network with leading researchers in the fields of African American Studies and Women's Studies

• Coaching, a research packet and a script to begin your public history experience

• Special “behind the scenes” tours that are part of the training program

• The chance to socialize and develop friendships with others who share your interest in history and enjoyment in speaking to the public.

Being a volunteer at the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site is truly the “best job in history!”

 

Volunteer Opportunities