Volunteer

Volunteering at Vesterheim

Volunteers of all ages and abilities are involved at Vesterheim, and new volunteers are always welcome. There are great opportunities for people from many walks of life. You may be able to offer a specific skill or talent, but often, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn are the only requirements for a volunteer task!

Our volunteers are tour guides and folk artists, translators and teachers, carpenters and painters, and more. Most importantly, each volunteer is an ambassador for Vesterheim.

Volunteer Training is scheduled in 2025 for the following dates with more to be added in the spring.
February 5
February 18
March 18
April 16

For questions regarding volunteering at Vesterheim, contact Chivonne Marlow, Visitor Services Manager, at 563-382-9681 ext. 305, or cmarlow@vesterheim.org.

Your help is always welcome at Vesterheim!

Vesterheim holds infinite potential for exploration and lifelong learning. Volunteering can be a great experience that evolves over time. The important thing is to get started!

The time commitment to volunteer varies a lot. Some people volunteer weekly, while others help out for a few hours occasionally, or even just once a year. Volunteers at Vesterheim always choose their schedule.

Vesterheim volunteer opportunities are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check that is required by Vesterheim policy for volunteer positions, including, but not limited to, a criminal background check.

Current Volunteer Needs

Guides (all year, trainings in fall and spring) – Lead group tours in the Main Building and the Heritage Park.

School Group Assistance: Assist with crafts and hand-on demonstration for school groups and at special events

Nordic Fest (spring/summer): Greet visitors, host galleries, and more.

Norwegian Christmas Celebration (winter): Greet visitors, host galleries, lead craft programs, help with the coffee shop, and more.

Guide Training

Guide training is designed to provide background and support to Vesterheim’s guides. No experience is needed – just a love for history and a wish to learn. Guide training is open to anyone who wants to find out more. No commitment is required.

Volunteers who have indicated an interest in becoming tour guides will receive a notice of training dates, which are offered several times a year. Guide training is scheduled around other activities at Vesterheim and varies in both content and timing.

The overall goal of guide training is to provide information on Norwegian-American history and Vesterheim’s exhibitions and collections, along with safety and security training, and encouragement in the art of leading tours for the museum’s visitors. Guides are also given individual training sessions.

If you are interested in volunteering as a tour guide, contact Chivonne Marlow, Visitor Services Manager, at 563-382-9681 ext. 305, or cmarlow@vesterheim.org.