Volunteer

Become a part of the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian's mission by volunteering your time and services. Our small staff relies on volunteers to support many of the programs and functions of the museum. Make you time count.

If you are interested in volunteering, click here to email Visitor Services or call the museum at 847-475-1030 for more information.

New Docent Training Program

Have you ever wanted to expand the minds of the young and old, develop and share your knowledge of American Indian culture, and join the volunteers of the Mitchell Museum? Here is the long-anticipated opportunity for docent training to provide you with the skills, education and confidence needed to lead school groups and adult tours through the permanent and temporary exhibitions and demonstrate how to make American Indian inspired crafts.

The program is designed for volunteers willing to commit to the training program and a docent time slot once a week or every other week. The training sessions will be held at the Mitchell Museum. We will be videotaping these sessions for people who want to docent but are unavailable for the training sessions.

For session times and more information, please click here to email Kathleen McDonald. Pre-registration is required.

Volunteer Spotlight: Steve Woods

After 18 years at the Adler Planetarium as Manager of Exhibits, Steve Woods decided it was a good time to retire. Thanks to Devon Pyle-Vowles, Adler colleague and Mitchell Board member, Steve was introduced to the Mitchell where he found ample opportunity to keep skills and imagination in top form.

Steve sets his sights on lighting the cases and exhibits to their greatest advantage. Believing that lighting is an art in itself and that it can make or break an exhibit, his goal for the Mitchell is to work towards an upgrade of all museum illumination. “Jack of All Trades” he long ago mastered lighting techniques in ways both creative and economic even bringing E-bay bargains into the mix to purchase high end fixtures which he donated and installed.

Steve gratefully acknowledges his life-long mentor Chuck Doughty for a satisfying career spanning 20 years in theater, 15 as Preparator and Art Handler at the Woodruff Art Center and High Museum in Atlanta and his time at the Adler Planetarium.
“do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life!”

Steve’s wife Kit retires from AFTRA-SAG (Screen Actors’ Guild) in June. After helping set-up the Plains Reservation exhibit, Steve and Kit will be driving off into the sunset in their new 24 foot motor home. First stop - the Boundary Waters for two weeks of roughing it - backpacking, camping and canoeing in the wilds. Future itineraries include visits with their children Ben (Skywest airline pilot) and Katy (attorney, newly married) as well as Maine, Canada, Banff, Outer Banks, Newfoundland . . . or maybe they’ll just follow old Route 66 . . .

We wish Steve and Kit many happy trails ahead and look forward to their returns in between adventures. We’ll keep the lights on for them!

Volunteer Spotlight: Barbara Johnson

Researching in the library, leading tour groups, writing curriculum guides — Barbara Johnson does it all. After moving back to Chicago in 1996, Barbara missed her connection to the American Indian community in Massachusetts and joined the Mitchell Museum while it was still a part of Kendall College. She has been a dedicated volunteer ever since, enjoying the camaraderie and learning opportunities at the Museum.

As a former teacher and life-experience learner, Barbara brings her presentation skills, knowledge of American Indian history, and first-hand experience visiting tribal cultures to the museum visitor. She is excited to be one of the presenters during the new Docent Training Program and encourages everyone to expand their horizons by volunteering at the Mitchell Museum and discover this “gem” in our community.

HOURS & ADMISSION
Tuesday – Saturday:
10am – 5pm
Thursday: 10am – 8pm
Sunday: 12pm – 4pm

Adults: $5.00
Children, students, teachers, seniors: $3.00 
Mitchell Members: FREE
Tribal Members: FREE

CONNECT WITH THE
MITCHELL MUSEUM
 

Make a craft,
explore inside a
real wigwam, and
much more!
See other great
activities for
Kids & Families>>

GROUP TOURS
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