Volunteer

Become involved with the mission of the Albany County Historical Association!

Volunteer opportunities:

Landscape and Community Day Volunteers: First and Third Fridays and Saturdays April – November. Help us keep our historic gardens and landscape looking their finest and accessible. Help plant and weed garden beds, pick up trash, gather sticks, and rake leaves. Training and supplies provided. Must be able to walk on uneven ground/sloped landscape (volunteers may select less sloped areas). Safety practices, including appropriate footwear, required, with annual safety agreement. Learn more and sign up via Eventbrite.

 

 

Visitor Services Assistant: April – October, Thursday 9:30 am – 2:15 pm, Friday 9:45 am – 2:15 pm, Saturday 12:30 pm – 4:15 pm, and Sunday (June – August only) 12:30 pm – 4:15 pm.  Welcome and check in visitors for Mansion tours, gardens, and Museum Shop. Promote programming and museum shop sales. Learn to use simple automated purchasing terminal (training provided). Does not require ability to climb stairs, but ability to walk on uneven path/walkways required.

 

 

 

Collections & Archives Transcription Team: help us care for and share our collections with researchers worldwide. Some work is done in-person: requires strong attention to detail, following all training and safety practices, including ability to lift up to 25 pounds and use historic staircases.  Some transcription work can be done in part remotely (from home) with weekly/regular team Zoom meetings on pre-scheduled Wednesdays at 10 am.  Requires development of skills to read 17th-19th century handwriting, ability to use Microsoft word, and attention to detail.

 

 

Museum Education Assistant (Volunteer Docent): May-October with other opportunities for delivering tours during special events like Holiday House and Path Through History. Share the rich story of the Ten Broeck and history of our region with visitors. Complete training in advance and through on-site training. Requires ability to climb stairs in historic building.

Weekly volunteer hours: scheduled year-round, Thursdays 10 am – noon.  A new project each week. Help with mailings, organizing supplies, and program and event support.

Family Programs and Outreach Events: annual family programs generally run from May through October on Saturdays, 10:30 am – 11:30 am, with other outreach events throughout the year.  Welcome families to the Ten Broeck Mansion and assist with our free education/arts activities.  Training for working with children and references are required for new volunteers. Often requires being outdoors and walking on uneven garden paths.

Lectures, special events, and programs: year-round, often on weekends and evenings. Help welcome guests, provide refreshments, and more. Special events include our annual Path Through History Day, Holiday House, and Gala.

Student Achievement Program at the Ten Broeck Mansion

Students ages 14 and up are invited to grow their skills, explore museum work, and make a meaningful impact at the Ten Broeck Mansion. Our Student Achievement Program recognizes your commitment as you volunteer more hours, helping you build your résumé and strengthen college or graduate school applications.

Students (including younger students) seeking shorter, one‑day volunteer opportunities are welcome to join our Landscape and Community Days.

Achievement Levels

  • Level 1: 20 hours
  • Level 2: 40 additional hours (60 total)
  • Level 3: 40 additional hours (100 total)

Visitor Services – for volunteers age 16 and up

  • Earn Levels 1–3 by completing 20 / 60 / 100 hours supporting visitor services and front‑of‑house operations.

Family Education

  • Earn Levels 1–3 by completing 20 / 60 / 100 hours assisting with family and children’s programs.

Museum Education (Docent) – for volunteers age 16 and up

  • Earn Levels 1–3 by completing 20 / 60 / 100 hours leading tours and supporting educational interpretation.

Historic Gardens

  • Earn Levels 1–3 by completing 20 / 60 / 100 hours caring for the gardens or participating in community garden days.

Community Outreach

  • Earn Levels 1–3 by completing 20 / 60 / 100 hours supporting outreach programs in the community.

Museum Development

  • Earn Levels 1–3 by completing 20 / 60 / 100 hours assisting with development tasks.
    (Volunteer hours: Thursdays, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.)

Museum Collections – for volunteers age 16 and up

  • Earn Levels 1–3 by completing 20 / 60 / 100 hours supporting collections care.
    (Volunteer hours: Thursdays, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.)

Students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs are welcome to apply for our Internship Program.  Please contact us with any questions.

Give back and get involved: contact us to create a custom volunteer program for your schedule and talents.