We could not be what we are or accomplish what we do without our volunteers.
Volunteers are at the heart of the Portsmouth Historical Society, helping us create welcoming, engaging experiences for every visitor. Whether you enjoy working with the public, sharing stories, or contributing behind the scenes, there are many meaningful ways to get involved.
Roles for those passionate about storytelling:
Walking Tour Guides
Lead engaging walking tours that share the stories, people, and places that define Portsmouth. Guides are trained in tour content and supported with materials, while also encouraged to bring their own voice and experiences. This role is perfect for strong communicators who enjoy storytelling and being outdoors.
John Paul Jones House Docents
Bring history to life as a docent at the historic John Paul Jones House. Volunteers engage visitors through interpretation, storytelling, and answering questions about the house, its collections, and Portsmouth’s past. For those in this role, training and materials are provided to ensure docents feel confident and well-prepared.
Exhibition & Gallery Docents
Enhance the visitor experience by helping guests engage with our exhibitions. Docents are trained on current exhibitions and assist with answering questions, sharing insights, and encouraging deeper exploration of the art, history, and themes on display. This role is ideal for those who enjoy learning and conversation.Roles for those connecting with the public:
K-12 Education Volunteers
Assist with educational programming for children and families. Volunteers in this role should be comfortable working with K–12 students and enjoy creating positive, engaging experiences for young learners. Responsibilities may include assisting with homeschool programming, supporting Family Day events, and helping facilitate other small group, youth-focused activities.
Event Volunteers
Support the planning and implementation of a wide range of events including receptions, lectures, and special activities. Responsibilities may include setup, guest check-in, and general event support. This is a great role for those who enjoy a dynamic team-oriented environment and helping to create memorable visitor experiences.
Greeters
Serve as the welcoming face of the Portsmouth Historical Society. Greeters orient visitors to our exhibitions, programs, and the city of Portsmouth, helping them make the most of their visit. Volunteers in this role enjoy engaging with the public and sharing knowledge about local history, cultural destinations, and current happenings.
For those who prefer hands-on work behind the scenes:
Museum Support Volunteers
Contribute behind the scenes to help keep our operations and departments well supported. Projects may include light administrative work, scanning and digitizing files, and event photography. Seasonally, projects might include preparing the John Paul Jones’ house for opening and closing, exhibition preparation or collection organization. These flexible opportunities are ideal for those who prefer occasional hands-on tasks over public-facing roles.