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Volunteer

Do you love history and helping out in your community? Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society is a volunteer-run, 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and we have lots of fun and rewarding opportunities for you to get involved. We provide training for all of our volunteer opportunities.

See below for some of the many ways to join our team as a volunteer. Please indicate which volunteer position you are interested in when you fill out the Volunteer Application Form or when you email contact@gwbhs.org.

Students: High School Students can use GWBHS volunteer hours for National Honor Society or Community Service hours. College Students can use GWBHS volunteer hours for internship experience. If you need volunteer hours, please indicate that on your Volunteer Application Form.

Docent Positions

  • Apple Island Tour Docent leads a 45 minute island tour or a 30 minute museum tour. Tours are intended for 2nd grade classes and private groups (stipend provided).
    1. Orientation: May 6, 2026, 7 pm at the Orchard Lake Museum. RSVP by May 5 to contact@gwbhs.org.
    2. Time Commitment: 3 hours during a weekday in May
  • Orchard Lake Museum Tour Docent help facilitate a station during a 1 hour school group visit to the museum. Tours are intended for 2nd grade classes.
    1. Orientation: To Be Announced
    2. Time Commitment: 3 hours during a weekday in May

Host Positions

  • Museum Open House Host greets and count guests as they arrive to the museum. They encourage guests to look at the literature display, sign up for the GWBHS e-blasts, and become a member of the organization.
    1. Orientation: Training provided during Open House before letting you host on your own
    2. Time Commitment: 3 hours at least once a month to help keep operations smooth (2nd Sundays & 3rd Fridays, 1-4 pm)
  • Library Presentation Hospitality & Information Host provides GWBHS literature to guests and encourage them to sign up for our newsletter, attend other programs, or become a member.
    1. Orientation: Training provided day of program
    2. Time Commitment: Arrive 30 minutes prior to library program (held three times annually in winter, spring, and fall)
  • Library Presentation Sign-In Host greets guests as they arrive to a library presentation. Ask guests to sign in and keep an accurate attendance count.
    1. Orientation: Training provided day of program
    2. Time Commitment: Arrive 30 minutes prior to library program (held three times annually in winter, spring, and fall)
  • Orchard Lake Nature Sanctuary Walk Host greets and count guests as they arrive to the program. They will encourage them to look at the literature display, sign up for the GWBHS e-blasts, and become a member of the organization.
    1. Orientation: Training provided day of program
    2. Time Commitment: Program lasts about 1 hour and is held twice per year (April & October) – volunteers can sign up for either date or both

Apple Island Tours

  • Many different volunteer positions are available at: Orchard Lake Museum, Museum grounds, DNR public boat launch/Apple Island shore docks, and Apple Island. Contact contact@gwbhs.org or call (248) 757-2451 if interested.
    1. Orientation: September 2026, Date To Be Announced
    2. Time Commitment: Different shifts between 8:30 am-5:30 pm during the second weekend in September (September 12 & 13, 2026)

Collections Positions

  • Collections Maintenance Volunteer assists the Collections Maintenance Coordinator to pull/return materials to storage and maintain collections, using museum storage best practices. Work during agreed upon hours, possibly second Sunday monthly Open Houses from 1-4 pm after training period; flexible hours after that. Must demonstrate organizational skills needed to alphabetize and file. Training provided.
    1. Orientation: Training is during Open Houses from 1-4 pm and can be adjusted as needed
    2. Time Commitment: 3 hours at least once a month
  • File Maintenance Volunteer assists the Collections Maintenance Coordinator to pull/return materials to files in the Museum basement.
    1. Orientation: Training is during Open Houses from 1-4 pm and can be adjusted as needed
    2. Time Commitment: 3 hours at least once a month
  • Museum Maintenance Volunteer cleans the museum galleries and office including vacuuming the carpet, dusting/wiping down the exhibit cases, and cleaning the bathroom. This person can also volunteer as the open house host and must be 18 years of age or older.
    1. Orientation: Training is before Open Houses from 11:30-12:30 and can be adjusted as needed
    2. Time Commitment: 1 hour at least once a month

Other Positions

  • Serve on a GWBHS Committee (Apple Island Tours Fundraising, Development & Fundraising, Membership, Communications, Programs) and use your unique skillset to help GWBHS fulfill our mission of enriching our communities by collecting, preserving and sharing history!