Get Involved: Volunteer

MAKE HISTORY…
BECOME A VOLUNTEER FOR
GALVESTON HISTORICAL FOUNDATION!!

Every year thousands of volunteers assist Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF) with its goal to "preserve and revitalize the architectural, cultural and maritime heritage of Galveston Island for the education and enrichment of all".

There are literally countless opportunities to aid GHF with its mission.

Whether you are able to help with the major events GHF organizes or you have the time to assist on a regular basis, a rewarding and invaluable experience awaits you.

Dickens on The Strand, the largest of GHF's fundraising activities, involves over 900 volunteers who participate in manning pubs, escorting Her Majesty Queen Victoria as Beefeaters and London Bobbies, greeting and selling tickets to over 50,000 annual visitors and acting as Stage Managers to the over 150 entertainers.

Also, Galveston Historic Homes Tour is a unique Galveston tradition and requires the time, talent and energy of 1,200 or more volunteers who, each May, act as ticket sellers, takers and greeters, and as docents who guide guests through extraordinary private homes.

Can you spare just two mornings or afternoons a month? Volunteering is a wonderful way to meet others who share interests and to spend time in Galveston’s most prestigious and authentic Victorian home, Bishop’s Palace. Volunteers with an interest in history and who enjoy working with a diverse range of people are needed. People who can spare just two mornings or afternoons a month and love history and architecture are perfect candidates! Learn more about volunteering at Bishop’s Palace.

But these are just two of the many and varied projects GHF carries out each year! If you're looking to help with community service oriented programs, GHF is primed for you. The Paint Pals program assists lower income families with preparing and painting their homes and with the generous help of volunteers, each home is painted in one day!

Stewardship Days bring together dedicated volunteers who help to maintain GHF's architecturally significant historic properties.

For those who are able to give more time, Office Pals provide countless hours assisting GHF staff with mailings, data entry, filing, etc. Or if you're a "people person", docenting may be just for you. Guiding the thousands of visitors, who annually tour GHF properties, provides a wonderful opportunity to not only learn about the history of each home or museum, but to act as a "preservation ambassador" to Island guests.

Aye, Captain!! If the high seas are your calling, have we got your vessel to volunteer opportunities. The tall ship Elissa, Texas Seaport Museum's 1877 square-rigged barque is always in need of mates. If, however, you prefer dry land TSM has a place for you. Guided tours, speaking to area students about the Museum or researching and working on collections are just a few of the ways you can help. The list is endless! GHF is what it is because of volunteers. You too can be a part of an exciting organization, whose "foundation" is based on over 134 years of devoted and caring individuals.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities, please contact GHF’s Events Department at 409 765-7834.

Downloadable Volunteer Information Sheet >