Join the squad!
A group of dedicated community volunteers in Anoka County founded the historical society in 1934. They made it their mission to discover, preserve, and disseminate knowledge about the area. Continuing that tradition and maintaining their legacy is a vital part of ACHS today.
Our volunteers provide the equivalent of three full-time staff!
Find your niche in our variety of volunteer opportunities.
ACHS volunteers behind the penny candy counter in the General Store during the Nowthen Threshing Show
Summer 2024 Volunteer Opportunities
Riverfest: July 13
We need help at our yard sale, Jackson St. booth, and selling liquor as a fundraiser during music at the Veteran’s Park.
Anoka County Fair: July 23-28
Greet and interact with the public attending the Anoka County Fair who visit the Old Farm House. Translation: have fun with the old stuff with new friends.
Nowthen Threshing Show: Aug. 18-20
Great visitors to the ACHS Old Timey General Store. Chat about history and the old stuff, as well as sell penny candy, pickles and various trinkets.
Festivals, Fairs
Everyone loves a good parade and social gathering in the community park! It’s a great time to meet neighbors, friends, and even make some business connections. ACHS strives to have a presence at the city festivals and fairs during the summer season, but we just can’t be in 21 communities at once! If you love chatting with passersby, sharing the exciting new things happening at the history center, and reeling in people who enjoy a good story, this is a great opportunity for you.
We provide you with a “to go box” of business swag, old county maps, FAQ sheets, and helpful words so you’re not on your own.
Qualifications
Enjoys getting people’s attention and chatting about the museum in a public setting
Likes being outside at community functions near a table with props and talking points
Wants to help ACHS grow our outreach and communication efforts
Ghost Tour Docent
Donn a costume, grab a group, and take to the streets of Anoka during September and October to share the History and Mystery of these historic neighborhoods. You’ll take your group door-to-door and view (from the outside) homes and businesses while regaling your guests with stories of unexplained events. You’ll encourage your guests to share real stories of their own while fostering a relationship with ACHS.
Qualifications
Eager to learn stories of the supernatural
A fun personality who enjoys performing
Physically able to stand and walk for two hours
Creatively costume yourself for WARM!
Able to commit to leading a minimum of four tours
Attend a training session
Front Desk Help
If you like answering the phone, helping library patrons, doing a little research, a little data entry, a little barber-shop style listening to guests, directing traffic through the exhibit hall, checking out library books…you get the idea…this position is for you! Shifts are generally two or three hours long, but we don’t argue if you want to stay all day.
Qualifications
Knowledge of basic computer skills
Polite, welcoming tone of voice for patrons
Basic knowledge of ACHS library resources
Willingness to learn Collective Access software
Able to commit to two shifts per month
Ambassador of goodwill — you’re the first impression!
Internship
The Anoka County Historical Society has a number of internships available on an ongoing basis – check out the full list of possibilities here! Descriptions of projects are provided, as well as a preferred minimum weekly time commitment for each project. Please contact us with any questions!
To apply, you will need to provide the following:
1) ACHS Internship Application
2) Cover letter stating your interest in the project
3) Resume
4) One letter of recommendation
Qualifications
Ability to commit to a five, 10, or 20 hour per week program of your choice
Come with a great attitude to contribute professionally to our fun-loving team
Jump in with both feet and be ready to conquer the world
