Becoming a volunteer at Olana is a wonderful way to learn more about this unique and beautiful site, meet new people, and have a fun and rewarding experience.
We offer several opportunities as described below, and are always interested in speaking with prospective volunteers who have special skills or interests about other ways to contribute.
In appreciation for their contributions of time and energy, volunteers at Olana enjoy ongoing education and enrichment opportunities, trips to other museums and historic sites, and volunteer appreciation events throughout the year.
If you would like to learn more, Contact Lauren Miller, Volunteer Coordinator, to register by emailing lmiller@olana.org or calling 518-751-6857.
Current Volunteering Opportunities
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Main House Guides
Main House guides interpret OLANA in one room of the Main House as visitors rotate through the rest of the rooms on their own. Volunteers introduce visitors to Frederic Church and his family, the Hudson River School of painting, and the objects that fill that room. Volunteering as a Main House guide is a fun way to share what you love about Olana as well as expand your knowledge about Olana’s past, present and future. Main House guides are provided with required training resources and background reading. Shifts are available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons from 1:45pm – 4:45pm from June to October.
Training Requirements: 1 Training Class plus independent study. Next Training Class: Rolling Basis
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Olana Ambassador
Share what you love about Olana while enjoying the outdoors! Ambassadors improve our visitors’ experience by welcoming and assisting guests who have questions about Olana or would like suggestions about things to do during or after their visit. As an ambassador, you’ll also help inform visitors about our exciting programs and promote the benefits of membership.
Time commitment: Weekly or biweekly shift of 2-4 hours (Tuesday – Sunday)
Training Requirements: To be an Ambassador, training requires shadowing another Ambassador for at least one hour. This time should be used to ask questions of the experienced Ambassador and become familiar with the site and its daily operations.
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Educational Programming
Olana hosts over 90 public programs each year and we need volunteers to help with a range of one-off and repeat activities. Are you an educator? We also host field trips and educational groups and we’d love your help interpreting Olana for them!
Time Commitment: Varied, depending on program
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Special Events
Olana has special events throughout the year, such as exhibition openings and on-site member and donor events. Volunteers can help with event set-up and clean-up, publicity, registering visitors, wayfinding, and preparing and assisting with refreshments.
Time commitment: Occasional shift of 2-3 hours
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Administrative Tasks
Administrative Task volunteers assist The Olana Partnership staff with mailings, organizing materials, and other office tasks. Administrative task shifts are typically 2-3 hours long.
To view our current internship opportunities, please click here.
