Volunteer With Us!

Romare Bearden, 'Out Chorus' — Romare Bearden, “Out Chorus” (1979-80)

We are always seeking passionate volunteers to help us carry out our mission — preserving, promoting and presenting jazz by inspiring knowledge, appreciation and the celebration of jazz and jazz-adjacent art and artists — locally, nationally and internationally. Are you looking for a unique volunteer experience with flexible hours and the chance to attend exciting events? The National Jazz Museum has a variety of volunteer opportunities available!

Our volunteers are our most valuable resource; they help with research and preservation, provide support in outreach, programming and exhibits, and help us staff events both at the museum and in the community. Our diverse group of volunteers range from college students to retired seniors. They value being actively engaged in learning, researching, and teaching. While all of our volunteers serve the public, working directly with visitors is not a requirement for all volunteer positions; those volunteers who do are expected to act professionally and courteously.

Volunteers are expected to make a minimum commitment of two (2) hours per week for a three-month period.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please fill out our volunteer application form.

Become a DOCENT:

NJMH is seeking passionate volunteers to serve in docent roles and help us carry out our mission — preserving, promoting and presenting jazz by inspiring knowledge, appreciation and the celebration of jazz and jazz-adjacent art and artists — locally, nationally and internationally.

In this specialty role, you will work both alone and in tandem with Museum staff on educating Museum visitors and tour groups broadly about Harlem, jazz and culture, and various Museum exhibits (with emphasis on our permanent exhibits). Given the nature of this role, experience in education, public speaking, and/or the memorization of information coupled with knowledge of the history of jazz — particularly jazz in Harlem — and the history of the United States is advisable.

If you are interested in becoming a DOCENT, please carefully read and fill out our docent application form.

For additional information or questions, please email coordinator@jmih.org.

Submit an Event Idea?

Have an idea for a performance, art show, film screening, dance performance, or any other jazz related program?

We want to hear about it! Please fill out this form.