We're Looking For Great Volunteers!
If you love Kentucky history, sharing your knowledge, working with amazing people, exploring and preserving stories of the past, or being involved in an organization that makes a difference, then KHS has a volunteer opportunity for you.
Our volunteer ambassadors:
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Enhance the visitor experience at all KHS locations
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Help curators and archivists catalog collections
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Provide behind-the-scenes support
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Welcome and guide our guests at special events
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Assist with educational programming
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Work with outreach programs to deliver access to KHS statewide.
- Judge National History Day in Kentucky
Apply below to volunteer at KHS. As part of the application process, we'll schedule an interview so we can get to know you! All volunteers must complete these steps, including a background and reference check. This process can take up to three weeks.
Download the complete Volunteer Museum Educational Ambassador Position Description (PDF).
Volunteer of the Month - Roger Barlow
Apparently, Roger Barlow isn’t very good at retirement. And we’re pretty happy about that. 😊
Our October Volunteer of the Month first began volunteering with KHS in the early 2000s as a docent at the Old State Capitol. After the pandemic, Roger returned in 2021, this time as a KHS staff member welcoming visitors and helping keep things running smoothly at our front desk.
He retired again in 2025...but still couldn’t stay away.
Today, Roger volunteers as our Commemorative Brick Organizer, working across departments and connecting with people in our community. Over the years, he has contributed more than 1,700 hours of volunteer service to KHS.
Roger, thank you for the many different ways you’ve helped welcome people, share Kentucky history, and support KHS through the years.
And congratulations on being our October Volunteer of the Month!
Volunteer of the Year - Richard Davis
On Saturday, April 18, we recognized our amazing volunteers for their outstanding service to KHS over the past year. Richard Davis was selected as the Volunteer of the Year.
Richard has made an incredible impact by contributing over 1,000 pieces to our digital collections! His unwavering commitment is evident as he’s been punctual every Thursday for the past three years. Plus, he’s shared his expertise by helping with exhibits and hosting a workshop on antique photography equipment.
Volunteers Build Our Community
At the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS), we work together as a community to accomplish our mission.
Volunteers work behind the scenes in the library, archives, and collections. They often scan, photograph, and catalog objects and archives to assist KHS staff in their work. Volunteers even work virtually to transcribe much-needed documents. In many ways, it’s thanks to these dedicated, meticulous souls that we can make these collections available to you.
Our volunteers on the front lines also interact with visitors and represent KHS to people worldwide. Knowledgeable volunteers make our visitors feel welcome and provide them with the information they need to have a pleasant visit to our campus. Museum ambassadors engage with school groups and encourage children to learn about Kentucky history. Our amazing VolunTeens help with various workshops, events, and camps while learning valuable life experiences.
It is with the help of our volunteers that we accomplish so much. Our volunteers lead the charge in engaging visitors across numerous platforms with Kentucky history. We are forever grateful for your dedicated service!
If you have questions about how you or your organization can volunteer for KHS, please contact Kristin Wheatley at KHSVolunteer@ky.gov
Volunteer Program Coordinator
Kristen Wheatley