Museum of Science and Industry

Opportunities

U-505 Facilitator

Would you like to guide guests through the history of World War II?  The Museum’s new 35,000-square-foot U-505 Submarine exhibit is the ideal volunteer opportunity for those with a passion for history, submarines and world-class exhibits.  Volunteers move through the gallery, answering questions on artifacts, naval technology and the sub’s capture and journey to Chicago.

Great Train Story Exhibit Facilitator

Escort guests on a trip from downtown Chicago to Seattle, Washington at the Great Train Story model exhibit.  Built in HO scale, the Great Train Story contains 34 running trains, 1400 feet of track and more than 500 scale structures and custom-made buildings.  Volunteers are provided resources and materials to lead informal mini-tours, challenge guests to “spy” numerous spots through the layout and facilitate a cart activity to explain the differences in past and present railcars.

U-505 "Cartifacts"

Imagine handing someone a piece of a historical war memorial.  U-505 Cartifacts volunteers lead a cart presentation designed to explain the history and uses of artifacts found onboard the submarine.  These artifacts include a sonar sensor, a firearm magazine, a torpedo gyroscope and the binoculars from the conning tower.

Collections "A La Carte"

Science and industry have come a long way over the years and “A La Carte” volunteers are here to prove it.  This unique activity cart promotes hands-on learning and out-of-the-box thinking as guests are asked to examine objects no longer in use and determine how many years ago they were thought of as “cutting-edge technology.”

Science Connections

Science Connection facilitators incorporate hands-on activities to further examine the science found throughout our exhibits.  Current Science Connections topics include genetics, space, naval technology, flight and microscopy.

Museum Greeters and Way-Finders

The Museum is a big place and Greeters and Way-Finders are here to help.  Greeters are positioned at the Great Hall entrance to offer a big smile and friendly “hello” as guests begin their visit.  Way-finders roam the Museum floors and exhibits in search of guests in “directional dilemmas” and help them find their way to the experiences they should not miss.

Temporary Exhibits

Each year volunteer opportunities occur in a number of temporary exhibits.  In the past few years, volunteers have helped to decode Da Vinci, explore the droids of the Star Wars universe and share the magic of holiday legends and folklore in Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light.  This year volunteers will be needed to assist with gardening in the upcoming Smart Home: Green + Wired exhibit (May – December) and Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light (November – December).

Helping Hands

Whether it’s stuffing, filing, sorting or collating, Helping Hand volunteers are on the job.  Volunteers operate in congenial small groups to perform these crucial tasks.  Scheduling is determined by the projects available.

Special Interests

Are you interested in a specific area or posses expertise in something not covered in our current volunteer program?  Please let us know and we can look into matching you with the appropriate Museum area.

 
To become a Museum volunteer call the Volunteer Coordinator at (773) 753-1382, e-mail matt.porth(at)msichicago.org or download and complete the volunteer application.  You will be notified about orientation dates once your application has been received and processed by the Volunteer Office staff.