Volunteering
Our center is always looking for new volunteers! Do you like to meet new people from all over the globe? We particularly need help with tour groups, weekend hours, special events, and keeping the interior of the American Gothic House open to the public. Whether you want to help out just once, or on a recurring basis, we’re happy to accommodate!
Some things volunteers help us out with include:
the Center
Help with our day-to-day operations by greeting visitors, assisting in our gift shop with stocking and sales, assisting with costumes, taking photos for visitors, and even guiding group tours. We are happy to adjust your duties to your comfort and ability level, and all training is provided.
event Assistance
Our free events are often a blast for the whole family but we couldn’t make them happen without all the volunteers who help us. Volunteering at events often entails assisting kids with crafts or activities but also includes things like serving pie, attending mobile or temporary exhibits, or guiding a 5K through the streets of Eldon.
The House
Having the house open to the public on select Saturdays is a highlight for visitors. This cannot happen without volunteer help. If you can smile, say hello, and push a button on the tv, this job is for you! Hours can be flexible according to schedules.
One of the lesser-known features of our center is the prairie garden. Volunteers are essential for keeping our gardens beautiful.
Getting started
To get started volunteering with us, you can reach out to our administrator, at theamericangothichouse@gmail.com or by calling 641-652-3352. Whether you are an individual or a group, we can find an opportunity that works for you.
If you’re not looking to immediately volunteer, but would like to know about opportunities as they arise, you can also let us know by sending us your contact information, and we can put you on our volunteer emailing list.
We’re also happy to answer any questions you might have, so please don’t hesitate to email or call!
Volunteer Benefits
A fun and often social experience working in either our center, the Gothic House, or our gardens. Volunteers get to work with the public, and meet visitors from all around the world. (We’ve had visitors from over 80 countries so far!)
Discounts on all items in our gift shop (must have logged at least 10 hours in the previous 12 months)
Invitation to our annual volunteer appreciation potluck dinner
Credit for volunteer programs at your school or job
Experience that will stand out on any résumé! We will also be happy to provide a professional reference for any of our volunteers who request it, provided they have logged enough time for our staff to get to know them and their professional qualities.
Internships
If you are looking to complete an internship, consider the American Gothic House Center! We can set up an internship project to suit your needs. Internship subjects we can cater to include:
Museum Studies (Education & Outreach, Collections, Exhibit Design, and more)
Graphic Design
Event Planning
Social Media and Marketing
If you have any internship projects in mind, or want to see what we could offer you, let our administrator know by emailing theamericangothichouse@gmail.com or by calling 641-652-3352. Please note that we don’t have any paid internship opportunities at this time, but interns will receive all the same benefits as volunteers.