Volunteers Build Our Community

Did you ever think that you would experience a time in your life when you would yearn to go into the office to work? This is a reality that many of us face during the time of COVID-19. Although it may not be the work that we are missing—we have that handled from the comfort of our “home offices”—we instead miss the smiles, the jokes, and comradery. We miss our community.   At the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS), we work together as a community to accomplish our mission. In honor of National Volunteer Appreciation week, we want to shine the spotlight on a very important part of our community: our volunteers.

Volunteers are a special breed of people; they give their time expecting very little in return. In 2019, our volunteers donated 6,327 hours of their time. Now that we are all practicing social distancing and are closed to the public, it’s evident how much that volunteers contribute to KHS. It’s not just their time, skills, and knowledge—every one of their unique personalities also helps build our community.

Volunteers work behind the scenes in the library, archives, and collections. 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 from across the world. Knowledgeable Old State Capitol docents give tours and make our visitors feel welcome. Museum engagement specialists engage with school groups and encourage children to learn about Kentucky history. Our amazing teen volunteers help with various events and summer camps. Then, there are volunteers who may only assist with one special event, but they make all the difference at that event.

It is with the help of our volunteers that we accomplish so much. As our world and our institution’s day-to-day needs have changed, our volunteers have remained loyal and have adapted along with us. We are forever thankful for our volunteers and their dedicated service.

To volunteer at KHS, contact Cara at cara.woods@ky.gov.