VOLUNTEER

Becoming a volunteer at Olana is a wonderful way to learn more about this unique and beautiful site, meet new people from all over the world, and help us to achieve our mission of preserving and interpreting Frederic Church’s OLANA.

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 Jenn Dixon at jdixon@olana.org or by calling (518) 751-6857.

VOLUNTEER FORM

Current Volunteering Opportunities

Historic house guides interpret OLANA in one room of the historic 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 historic house guide is a fun and rewarding way to share what you love about Olana as well as expand your knowledge about Olana’s past, present and future. Historic house guides are provided with required training resources and background reading. Shifts are available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons from 1:45 PM to 4:45 PM from June to October.

Training Requirements: Tour shadowing plus independent study

Olana hosts over 150 public programs each year and we rely on volunteers to offer engaging lectures, film screenings, and workshops for visitors of all ages. Interested in learning more about educational programming and events? Reach out to learn more!

Time Commitment: Varied, depending on program

Olana Third Thursdays are monthly days of free tours of the historic landscape and house and feature additional programs for all ages. Third Thursday volunteers assist the Education Team at Olana with wayfinding for guests, survey collection, set up and breakdown of events, and program check in. Scheduling depends on the season. Reach out to learn more!

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

Olana State Historic Site invites your business for a day of volunteering! Opportunities include Winter Solstice Celebration, Arbor Day, I Love My Parks Day, and Movie Night at Olana.  

Administrative Task volunteers assist The Olana Partnership staff with mailings, organizing materials, and other office tasks.

Time Commitment: Occasional shift of 2-3 hours

To view our current internship opportunities, please click here.