Check out our Riverfront Museum volunteer opportunities below! If you believe your personality and skills will benefit the visitor experience of the Museum please fill out the Volunteer Application and submit it to the Volunteer Coordinator via mail (222 SW Washington Street, Peoria, IL 61602) or email. Thank you!
The Peoria Riverfront Museum is now accepting applications for student volunteers for our 2018 Summer Camp! This is a great opportunity for students to learn leadership skills and gain valuable volunteer hours while working in an energetic and engaging environment at the Museum. Students will assist summer camp teachers, lead groups of students from class to class, and help Museum staff with other duties as assigned. This summer there are 8 weeks of summer camp for them to choose from and half day to full day volunteering opportunities every week! Volunteer applications are due by May 25, 2018 and a mandatory orientation will be held on June 1.
For more info or questions, contact Heather by phone at 309.863.3046 or by email at hplacko@peoriariverfrontmuseum.org.
To download the application - click here.
Volunteer Training
Stream Table Presenter Training – Saturdays - Email to Schedule
By appointment at 11 am or 3 pm
IL River Science Lab
Lead staff member: Dave G.
Stool available if needed
The stream table shows, in miniature, how streams flow through a watershed and how they behave when the water level changes.
This training will focus on using the stream table and how to demonstrate various activities on the stream table to the public.
Special Event
ROBO Rumble – FREE DAY - Saturday, June 16
Volunteer Shift: Full Day 10:30 am-5:30 pm or Half Day 10:30 am-2 pm | 2-5:30 pm
Event: Noon-5 pm
Volunteers Needed: 10
Lead Staff: Heather
Seated Volunteering Position
Experience the exciting world of robotics as teams compete for the top ranking in this family-friendly annual event. Free and open to the public.
Volunteers are needed to assist the robotics groups with set-up, greet guests, and distribute information. The event will take place in the main lobby, but volunteers may be asked to roam the museum, as needed to assist visitors with locating the specific robotics groups, the ticket desk, etc. Specific assignments will be provided upon arrival.
Membership Event
Farmer’s Market – Saturday, June 30
Event: 8-Noon
Volunteer Shifts: 7:30-10 am (FILLED) & 10 am-12:15 pm
Volunteers Needed: 2 per shift
Help us promote the Museum at this summer’s Riverfront Market! We will be promoting Museum Membership as well as other upcoming events. We will be selling PRM bags with promotional goodies, and if a member stops by to show their bag, they receive a gift!
Special Event
Dragon Day - Saturday, June 30
Event: 11 am-2 pm
Volunteer shift: 10:30 am-2:30 pm
Volunteers Needed: 5
Lead staff: Heather/Renae
Seated Volunteering Position
Join the Riverfront Museum for Dragon Day! Visitors will explore Dragons with fun hands-on take home activities.
Special Event
4th of July Backyard BBQ - Wednesday, July 4
Check in Stations 6pm-7pm
Greet visitors and take their admission tickets. Give them programs and admission bracelets (under 21/over 21 – Security will be checking IDs) In sponsor entrance, guests will have lanyards.
• Lobby 5 volunteers
• Sun Plaza 5 volunteers
• Water Street 1 volunteer
• GST Entrance – Sponsors 2 volunteers
GST 6pm-7:30pm/7:30pm-9:30pm
Greet visitors, take admission tickets, hand out 3D glasses. After movies clean glasses, and help clean up theater.
• 2 volunteers per shift
Dome Planetarium – 6pm-7:30pm/7:30pm-9pm
Greet visitors, and help count attendees per show.
• 2 volunteers per shift
Popcorn and Cotton Candy Station 6pm-8pm/8pm-10pm
Make popcorn using popcorn machine and cotton candy using cotton candy machine. Sell to guests using cashbox and Square.
• 3 volunteers per shift
Glitter Tattoos 6pm-8pm/8pm-10pm
Using glitter tattoo patterns, paint tattoos on kids – take donations for the tattoos. From 7-8pm set up station in sponsor area.
• 2 volunteers per shift
50/50 Raffle Sales 6pm-8:30pm
Walk around the event selling raffle tickets – be enthusiastic and competitive! Will manage cash and use a Square for payment.
• 4 volunteers
Bartenders 6pm-8pm/8pm-10pm *Must be 21+
Serve beer, wine, soda, and water. Handles cash and uses the Square.
• Lobby – 3 volunteers
• Sponsor area – 2 volunteers
• Sun Plaza – 2 volunteers
Educational Programming
Super Saturday: Volcanoes - Saturday, July 14
Volunteer Shift: 1:15-2:45 pm
Event: 1:30-2:30 pm
Volunteers Needed: 1-2
Super Saturday is a general science, family-friendly program. The topic for Super Saturday is Volcanoes. It is free with general admission and last from 1:30-2:30 pm. The volunteer is responsible for arriving 15 minutes early to set up, run the program, and 15 minutes after the program to clean up. The program takes place in the Main Lobby of the museum. A museum staff member will provide the volunteer with the information and materials for the activity prior to the event.
Special Event
Kids Night at the Museum: Mythic Creatures - Saturday, July 14
Volunteer Shift: 5:30-9:30 pm
Event: 6-9 pm
Volunteers Needed: 5
Seated/Standing
Kids, 5 years and up, join us for a Night at the Museum all your own. Bring your friends, or make some new ones as you play the night away! This drop-off event is perfect for parents looking to enjoy an evening out while children spend time after-hours at the museum! They’ll explore their favorite exhibitions and galleries; see the new exhibition, Mythic Creatures, and enjoy staff-led activities. A pizza dinner will be provided. Pre-registration is required. Additional charges may apply for late pick-up.
Volunteers will greet guests, help with registration/drop-off, assist with activities and pick-up.
Membership Event
Farmer’s Market – Saturday, July 21
Event: 8-Noon
Volunteer Shifts: 7:30-10 am & 10 am-12:15 pm
Volunteers Needed: 2 per shift
Help us promote the Museum at this summer’s Riverfront Market! We will be promoting Museum Membership as well as other upcoming events. We will be selling PRM bags with promotional goodies, and if a member stops by to show their bag, they receive a gift!
Special Event - FILLED
St. Peter's and the Papal Basilicas of Rome Screening | Members Only Preview - Friday, July 27
Event: 6-7:30 pm
Volunteer Shift: 5:30-7:30 pm
Volunteers Needed: 1-2
Lead Staff: David S.
Seated/Standing
St Peter’s and the Papal Basilicas of Rome 3D takes viewers on a journey through the four Papal Basilicas in Rome and their treasures: St. Peter’s (one of the 25 destinations most visited by travellers from all over the world), St. John in the Lateran, St. Mary Major and St. Paul Outside the Walls. Explore four majestic buildings – each with a precious papal altar, each a treasure trove of timeless works of art and a destination for millions of travellers and pilgrims over the centuries. Running time: 90 min
Volunteers will greet guests, take tickets, watch the film if interested, and assist as needed.
Special Event
St. Peter's and the Papal Basilicas of Rome Screening – Saturday, July 28
Event: 6-7:30 pm
Volunteer Shift: 5:30-7:30 pm
Volunteers Needed: 1-2
Lead Staff: David S.
Seated/Standing
St Peter’s and the Papal Basilicas of Rome 3D takes viewers on a journey through the four Papal Basilicas in Rome and their treasures: St. Peter’s (one of the 25 destinations most visited by travellers from all over the world), St. John in the Lateran, St. Mary Major and St. Paul Outside the Walls. Explore four majestic buildings – each with a precious papal altar, each a treasure trove of timeless works of art and a destination for millions of travellers and pilgrims over the centuries. Running time: 90 min
Volunteers will greet guests, take tickets, watch the film if interested, and assist as needed.
Special Event
St. Peter's and the Papal Basilicas of Rome Screening – Sunday, July 29
Event: 4-5:30 pm
Volunteer Shift: 3:30-5:30 pm
Volunteers Needed: 1-2
Lead Staff: David S.
Seated/Standing
St Peter’s and the Papal Basilicas of Rome 3D takes viewers on a journey through the four Papal Basilicas in Rome and their treasures: St. Peter’s (one of the 25 destinations most visited by travellers from all over the world), St. John in the Lateran, St. Mary Major and St. Paul Outside the Walls. Explore four majestic buildings – each with a precious papal altar, each a treasure trove of timeless works of art and a destination for millions of travellers and pilgrims over the centuries. Running time: 90 min
Volunteers will greet guests, take tickets, watch the film if interested, and assist as needed.
Educational Programming
Art-spiration - Saturday, July 28
Volunteer Shift: 1:15-2:45 pm
Event: 1:30-2:30 pm
Volunteers Needed: 1-2
This one hour (1:30-2:30 pm) educational art-based program is free with general admission. Visitors are invited to participate with activity in the main lobby of the museum. The topic for Art-spiration isTBD. The volunteer is responsible for arriving 15 minutes early to set up, run the program, and 15 minutes after the program to clean up. A museum staff member will provide the volunteer with the information and materials for the activity.
Education Program
Relax Under the Stars - Wednesday, August 2
Event: Noon-1 pm
Volunteer shift: 11:45-1:15 pm
Volunteers Needed: 1
Lead Staff: Renae K.
Standing/Walking
Stressed at work? Need a break from your hectic day? Come to Dome Planetarium and calm down. Enjoy a short star talk, then let your tension float away under starry skies with soothing background music. First Wednesday of every month at noon. Free parking in the museum's parking garage, just bring in your ticket to be validated at the Front Desk. If you arrive past Noon, it will be dark in the Dome. Please pause for a few moments to allow your eyes to adjust to the dark. Someone will help you find your seats. Food and drink welcome in the Dome.
Volunteers count the number of people attending and help guests arriving after Noon find a seat.
Membership Event
Farmer’s Market – Saturday, August 4
Event: 8-Noon
Volunteer Shifts: 7:30-10 am & 10 am-12:15 pm
Volunteers Needed: 2 per shift
Help us promote the Museum at this summer’s Riverfront Market! We will be promoting Museum Membership as well as other upcoming events. We will be selling PRM bags with promotional goodies, and if a member stops by to show their bag, they receive a gift!
Educational Programming
Super Saturday - Saturday, August 4
Volunteer Shift: 1:15-2:45 pm
Event: 1:30-2:30 pm
Volunteers Needed: 1-2
Super Saturday is a general science, family-friendly program. The topic for Super Saturday is TBD. It is free with general admission and last from 1:30-2:30 pm. The volunteer is responsible for arriving 15 minutes early to set up, run the program, and 15 minutes after the program to clean up. The program takes place in the Main Lobby of the museum. A museum staff member will provide the volunteer with the information and materials for the activity prior to the event.
Special Event
IGNITE Peoria 2017 - Saturday, August 11
Volunteer Shift: 8:30-11:30 am
Volunteer Shift: 11:30 am-2:30 pm
Volunteer Shift: 2:30-5:30 pm
Volunteers Needed: 5 per shift
Event: 9 am-5 pm
Volunteers will assist with the running of activities at the museum's booth at the Civic Center for IGNITE Peoria 2018!
Special Event
Unicorn Day - Saturday, August 18
Event: 11 am-2 pm
Volunteer shift: 10:30 am-2:30 pm
Volunteers Needed: 5
Lead staff: Heather/Renae
Seated Volunteering Position
Join the Riverfront Museum for Unicorn Day! Visitors will explore Dragons with fun hands-on take home activities.
Special Event
Museum After Dark – Saturday, August 24
Volunteer Shift: 6:30-9:30 pm
Event: 7-9 pm
Volunteers Needed: 3-4
Volunteers will assist with lobby activities, serve as bartenders, or walk the galleries as gallery hosts throughout the evening.
Grab a friend and get ready for an other-worldly party! You’ll start off with a self-guided tour of our "Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids" exhibit, where you can immerse yourself in the creatures that have gripped the world imaginations and the cultures where they began. Enjoy two free drinks, light snacks, and hands-on activities and demos in the lobby.
Educational Programming
Art-spiration - Saturday, August 25
Volunteer Shift: 1:15-2:45 pm
Event: 1:30-2:30 pm
Volunteers Needed: 1-2
This one hour (1:30-2:30 pm) educational art-based program is free with general admission. Visitors are invited to participate with activity in the main lobby of the museum. The topic for Art-spiration isTBD. The volunteer is responsible for arriving 15 minutes early to set up, run the program, and 15 minutes after the program to clean up. A museum staff member will provide the volunteer with the information and materials for the activity.
Membership Event
Farmer’s Market – Saturday, September 29
Event: 8-Noon
Volunteer Shifts: 7:30-10 am & 10 am-12:15 pm
Volunteers Needed: 2 per shift
Help us promote the Museum at this summer’s Riverfront Market! We will be promoting Museum Membership as well as other upcoming events. We will be selling PRM bags with promotional goodies, and if a member stops by to show their bag, they receive a gift!
The role of the Museum Membership Ambassadors is to help promote and support PRM membership. Must be a current member of the Museum, an active member of our Museum community, and willing to volunteer time and talent to promote the mission, vision and values of the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Volunteers in this position must posses a desire to promote Museum membership to fellow members, visitors, and the public. Duties include welcoming and greeting Museum patrons at a variety of functions including but not limited to: GST member previews, movie screenings, exhibit opening weekends, busy museum days (school holidays), and other special events. Volunteers will promote Museum membership at said events and functions and remain generally knowledgeable about Museum programs. Office duties may include calling new members for surveys, thanking them for membership, etc. Volunteers will also represent the Museum at events in the community where there is value in sharing information about the Museum and membership.
Please contact Membership Coordinator, Shelly Kerker at skerker@peoriariverfrontmuseum.org or 309.863.3042 for more information.
Museum Store Volunteers provide many essential services to Museum visitors and patrons. Store volunteers work side-by-side with staff to help create an excellent customer experience by greeting and assisting guests who visit the Museum Store. Volunteers learn to work with the computerized cash register as well as help maintain a neat and tidy appearance in the Museum Store. You must be 18 years of age to serve as a Museum Store Volunteer. Please contact Rachael McArdle for more information.
Museum Gallery Host Volunteers provide many essential services to Museum visitors and patrons. Gallery Host volunteers help create an excellent customer experience by being cheerful and attentive to our guests; doing your best to answer questions while upholding the museum’s expectations for visitor behavior in the galleries and special exhibitions. Please contact Heather Placko, Volunteer Coordinator for more information.
Museum Docent Volunteers are responsible for presenting additional exhibit information to visitors of varying ages and interest levels of the Museum. Docents are important aspects of our exhibitions because often time visitors seek more information than what can be provided within the labels of the exhibition. Please contact Heather Placko, Volunteer Coordinator for more information.
Education Garden Volunteers will assist the program department staff with the maintenance and upkeep of the garden. Education Garden volunteers will work independently in the garden with guidelines for what is needed seasonally. Volunteers will assist with the planting of native species for educational classes, weeding, winterizing, and other tasks as assigned. Must have gardening experience and be able to bend down and kneel. Must be 18 years of age to serve as an Education Garden Volunteer. Please contact Heather Placko, Volunteer Coordinator for more information.
Throughout the year, the Museum hosts many school aged children on various field trips. As a school group greeter volunteer you would help welcome, lead, and monitor the school group throughout their visit to the Museum from start to finish, taking them from activity to activity. Must be comfortable walking, talking in front of groups, and being flexible with shifting schedules. Please contact Heather Placko, Volunteer Coordinator for more information.
VOLUNTEER CONTACT INFO:
If you are interested in any of the above mentioned volunteer opportunities, please fill out our standard volunteer application and contact our Volunteer Coordinator. Please write the volunteer opportunity in which you are interested in the subject line of your email. Thank you!
