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Each year, around 200 volunteers generously give their time and talents to help the National Historic Sites of Hyde Park fulfill the NPS mission.
Their work is critical to helping us share and preserve the legacy of Franklin D. Roosevelt.
On this page, you will find volunteer options for gardening, interpretive services, and students at the park. At the bottom of this page, listings from Volunteer.gov will appear when there are active positions available at the Home of FDR. Volunteer.gov is the primary recruitment and management website for federal agencies. Sometimes there are no opportunities shown, but if you are still interested, check back here periodically or e-mail the Volunteer Coordinator.
To apply as a volunteer, you may fill out the digital form on Volunteer.gov or contact our Volunteer Coordinator who onboards and assists new and current volunteers in the service.
Contact them for more info through this e-mail form: Volunteer Coordinator. Coordinator's Available Hours: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hyde Park, NY contains three National Historic Sites. All three sites can use the assitive care of committed volunteers, so each site offers unique opportunities for volunteerism. Follow the links below to learn about NPS volunteerism at our other two sites:
Eleanor Roosevelt NHS - Volunteerism
Vanderbilt Mansion NHS - Volunteerism
Gardening - Volunteer Opportunities
Alongside NPS and partner horticulturalists, garden volunteers perform a full range of gardening tasks including planting, weeding, and general landscape maintenance. Their work is vital to preserving and beautifying the landscapes at our park. No prior experience is required, and training is provided by park or partner staff during gardening sessions.
Volunteer gardening generally takes place from April to November at predetermined times and locations. Click on the garden space panels below to learn of their unique details and schedules.
Schedule:
Tuesdays (from April to November)
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Garden Details:
The Roosevelt Home Garden is a recreated fruit and vegetable garden. Our gardeners utilize species an techniques native to the area or th original farmers employed by the Roosevelts. This garden was readministered where the historic Roosevelt family's kitchen garden once grew. Produce from the garden is donated to Dutchess Outreach, a non-profit that provides food and other resources to those in need in the City of Poughkeepsie.
Schedule:
Fridays (from April to November)
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Garden Details:
The Roosevelt Rose Garden and Gravesite is the final resting place of both Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. In this garden, volunteers help maintain a variety of annuals and perennials. Their work ensures that this space remains one of beauty and contemplation for thousands of visitors who come to pay their respects to the President and First Lady each year.
Schedule:
Tuesdays and Saturdays (from April to November)
9 to 11 a.m.
Garden Details:
Designed by renowned landscape architect, Beatrix Farrand, this perennial garden is maintained by park partner, The Beatrix Farrand Garden Association (BFGA). In addition to garden maintenance, BFGA volunteers also assist with arts and education programs, fundraising and public outreach. For more information on this organization, visit their website: Beatrix Farrand Garden Association.
Volunteers within the interpretation and visitor service divisions work alongside NPS Park Rangers, Fee Technicians, and Guides to provide the visiting public with engaging experiences. These volunteers may tell the heritage stories of the park or orient visitors using current park guidelines.
The two positions often available at the Home of FDR are "Visitor Center Attendant" and "Volunteer Tour Guide". Click the panels below to learn a little more about these volunteer roles.
Visitor Center Attendants welcome and orient visitors to the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site. They answer visitor inquiries on site operations and history with courtesy and empathy at the Henry A. Wallace Visitor and Education Center. Visitor Center Attendants play a key role in helping the NPS ensuring visitors have a safe and informed experience at the site.
Volunteer Tour Guides bring the stories of the Roosevelt family alive as they lead tours of Springwood for groups of 2-25 people. They must follow the same rules for safety and preservation as NPS employees and are required to undergo interpretive training prior to giving tours.
Student - Volunteer Opportunities
The National Historic Sites of Hyde Park, NY are always searching for great ways to engage with youth and young adults. Any new options for students will appear below, and you may click the options to learn more.
In the past, our parks have worked with scout organizations on isolated, unique projects. Currently, there are no opportunities available under this category, but check back periodically for potential updates.
