How To Become A Volunteer
Volunteers are the heart of the Foundation’s mission. We introduce as many as 10,000 visitors a year to the colorful family that shaped one of literature’s most iconic figures. In addition to deepening visitors understanding of Hemingway, we work to actively support new artists through essay contests, mentoring, and arts programming. For more information, email volunteer@hemingwaybirthplace.com or fill out a volunteer application and we will contact you.
Why Volunteers Enjoy their Work
Meet visitors from around the world
Be surrounded by others who love literature, history and the arts
Deepen your knowledge of Hemingway, Oak Park and Victorian history
Represent the Greater Chicago community to the world
Use your gifts and talents to make a meaningful impact on others
Supportive community of volunteers to ease you into your volunteer role
Volunteer Positions
Greeters
Welcome guests during museum hours or Foundation events
Take admission
Facilitate bookstore purchases
Answer basic inquiries
Needed a minimum of 4 hours and up to 12 hours a month
Docents
Conduct 1-hour guided tours during open museum hours
Training is provided; No Hemingway expertise required
Anyone is welcome to apply; Educators and Thespians are encouraged
Bi-lingual applicants (particularly Spanish) are also encouraged
Needed a minimum of 4 hours and up to 12 hours a month
School Tour Facilitators
Provide dynamic learning opportunities for scheduled school group visits
Consult with teachers to understand learning objectives
Tailor our standard presentation to age and learning goals of our guests
Help make schools aware of our tours
Hours vary depending on bookings
Trade Professionals
Editors, proofreaders, graphic designers, social media marketers, and IT (database) support
Volunteers are welcome to contribute to single projects or regular support depending on your availability
All of our work centers around a beautifully restored 1890 Queen Anne Victorian Home. We often need the help of skilled tradesmen to make repairs and improvements. This includes (but not limited to) carpenters, decorators, electricians, and those skilled at antique restoration. Contact us for more information.
Our volunteers tell us that supporting the Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park is personally gratifying because they are giving back to the community and supporting the Foundation's mission. Some of the benefits of working for the Foundation are meeting people who share your same values and interests, growing intellectually, and learning more about Hemingway and his family. Many of our volunteers have supported the Foundation for more than 10 years. We encourage you to join our team. If you have any questions, email us at volunteer@hemingwaybirthplace.com.