If you love history and enjoy working with people, HSJ has volunteer opportunities for you!
Fill out a volunteer application online now!

Docent – People at Work
Help 3rd grade students explore the work people used to do in the Valley. Guide students through three historic buildings, including Dr. Warburton’s Office, the Print Shop, Ng Shing Gung Chinese Temple Museum, Bank of Italy, or Dashaway Stables. Help students experience hands-on the work done by men and women in the past.
Shifts available Tuesday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Building Interpreter
Present a historic building to the public, answering their questions and guiding them through exhibits. Share your knowledge of diverse aspects of the Valley's past in buildings such as the Umbarger House, Santa Ana School, Stevens Ranch Fruit Barn, Bank of Italy, and Dr. Warburton’s Office.
Shifts available Saturdays and Sundays between noon and 5:00 p.m.

Docent – Public Tours
Guide visitors through a selection of historic buildings at History Park and the Peralta Adobe & Fallon House Historic Site. Buildings include the Umbarger House, Santa Ana School, Stevens Ranch Fruit Barn, and the Peralta Adobe.
Shifts available Saturdays and Sundays between noon and 5:00 p.m.

Docent – Experience Victorian Days
Teach students about daily life in 19th-century San José in the beautiful Fallon House, a lavish Victorian home. Lead students through the Fallon House while demonstrating hands-on activities such as baking scones, chores of the butler and laundress, toy-making and parlor games, and photographing students wearing Victorian clothing.
Shifts available Tuesday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Museum Store Clerk
The Museum Store at History Park specializes in books on regional history and unique gift items such as pottery, jewelry, and toys. Retail clerks greet visitors, sell admission tickets, run the cash register and help maintain store appearance.
Weekday and weekend shifts available.

Ice Cream Parlor Counter Clerk
O’Brien’s Ice Cream Parlor at History Park is an old-fashioned creamery and candy store. Counter clerks greet visitors, sell candy, scoop ice cream, and prepare a simple menu of lunch items such as salads and sandwiches.
Weekday and weekend shifts available.

Docent – Victorian School Kit
Visit schools throughout Santa Clara County and bring objects to students in their classroom. Students discover what life was like for children in the 1880s through touchable objects relating to school, play and daily tasks.
Shifts available Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., plus driving time. Must have own transportation to area schools.

Docent – Westward Ho!
Teach students about the Westward Movement and life for families along the California trail. Take students back in time and help them load a wagon, churn butter, and play prairie games.
Shifts available Tuesdays and Fridays, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

History San José is a great place to share your love of history while meeting interesting people and building friendships. Volunteer benefits include specialized training, lectures and field trips through the continuing education program, a 10% discount in the Museum Store, and invitations to special events and the annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner.