Volunteer

Join the retail sales team in this unique shop for an opportunity to learn about Western wear, fine jewelry, art, and books that relate to Native American and Western cultures. The Frank and Katrina Basile Museum Store is an important part of the museum’s operations, and it welcomes those volunteers who have retail experience.

The Indian Market & Festival is an annual event in June that brings in Native American artists from around the U.S. and Canada. The nationally-recognized event includes an art market, Native American entertainment, and food vendors. Volunteers are needed to assist with many aspects of Indian Market & Festival. Also, volunteers are needed at Spring Market, where regional artists sell their creations at the Eiteljorg. The Eiteljorg Museum sometimes has volunteer opportunities outside the building at local trade shows, the Indiana State Fair, etc., that can include speaking to small groups.

The position of Eiteljorg guide is ideal for life-long-learners and people who want to share the museum galleries with visitors. Guide training is an exciting course taught once a year to prepare volunteers to lead visitors through the galleries. The guides serve a minimum two-year commitment, giving tours to groups from school-aged students to seniors. If you enjoy learning and love to discuss art, history, and cultures of the American West and Native peoples, then we are looking for you. Training begins in October and continues through January, with breaks during the holidays. Classes meet on Mondays.

Volunteers provide an enjoyable and educational experience through the use of hands-on items from the education collection, including animal pelts, baskets, pottery, and other items representative of objects found in the galleries. Volunteers who have an interest in the art, history, and cultures of the American West and the indigenous peoples of North America will find this an engaging and worthwhile experience.

Non-paid interns are needed in most departments of the museum. Descriptions of all open internship positions will be posted on our website in advance of each semester. If interested, please submit a resume and cover letter to the head of the department in which you would like to intern. Internships exist to meet the goals of the museum, the intern’s academic goals, and also provide interns with an understanding of our mission, programs, exhibits, and policies. Interns can complete the internship for academic credit, career experience, or both. The museum staff is highly recognized and offers insights into the museum world that can benefit interns professionally.

We need enthusiastic volunteers to join our membership sales team. Recruiting members is not only fun but also rewarding, and with all the exhibits, festivals, and educational programs planned, the Eiteljorg practically sells itself to prospective new members. Volunteers are generally needed during museum events, special exhibits, and Jingle Rails.