The International Museum of Surgical Science is always looking for reliable volunteers who are willing to spend time and energy making the Museum a fun and exciting place for its visitors. Volunteer opportunities include:

Visitor Service

Visitor Service volunteers assist Museum staff and help carry out the IMSS mission by interacting with visitors and serving as welcoming representatives of the Museum. As the face of the Museum to members and guests, it is your duty to make sure that everyone who walks through the entrance is greeted warmly and receives the information necessary to make their experience an enjoyable one.

Docent

If you love learning about medical history and art and would like to share that knowledge with others, consider becoming a docent at the International Museum of Surgical Science! Docents give public tours of the exhibits to visitors and receive ongoing training from educators, curators, artists, and medical professionals.

Public Programs and Events

These volunteers assist with Museum programs and special events, ranging from lectures and gallery openings to private dinners and receptions. Most take place in the evening or on weekends. It is your duty to greet and usher guests to ensure that they feel welcome in addition to assisting with group management in the galleries, during the program or event, and during cleanup. Public Programs and Events volunteers are required to wear an all black dress code during shifts.

Education

Education volunteers put their passion for medical history and art to use in ensuring that visiting school groups and families have an enjoyable and informative visit to the Museum. This includes facilitating drop in science and art making activities throughout the galleries and in our education room.

Exhibition

Exhibition volunteers work closely with Museum staff to assist with exhibition installation and de-installation as needed. This is a great opportunity to learn more about safe art and artifact handling practices and to meet contemporary artists, scientists, and researchers working in Chicago.

Requirements

At the International Museum of Surgical Science, we look for individuals who are passionate about medical history and art and who desire to learn more about the collections. Volunteers must be open to working with visitors from around the world, have excellent communication skills as well as basic computer skills, and be reliable. In addition, volunteers must be able to commit to coming in at least two shifts a month for six months.

Benefits of volunteering at IMSS include:

  • 10% discount in the gift shop
  • Holiday Volunteer Appreciation Party
  • ASTC Membership after 3 Months of Service
  • IMSS Gift after 50 hours of service
  • IMSS Award after 100 hours of service

Applications should be emailed to info@imss.org with the subject line Volunteer Application.

Application for Volunteer Services


For more information, please contact us at info@imss.org.