This week, April 21-27, is National Volunteer Appreciation Week. However, at the State Historical Society of Missouri, we value our volunteers 365 days a year for the work they do year-around! This past year, we have 43 volunteers working at our facilities and remotely, doing a variety of necessary tasks in areas including digitization, editorial, art, conservation, manuscripts, oral history, events, communication, hospitality, and more. The number of hours contributed by SHSMO volunteers is over 68 hours a week – almost as much as two fulltime employees!
Last week, the State Historical Society hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Lunch at the Center for Missouri Studies. Senior Archivist Heather Richmond, who helps coordinate the volunteer program, acknowledged the importance of their roles to the Society. “Our volunteers are instrumental in the daily operations of SHSMO, bringing intelligence and dedication to everything they do. More importantly, they help create a sense of community that is irreplaceable,” said Richmond.
THANK YOU to the volunteers who are helping to advance the work of the State Historical Society of Missouri and to all volunteers who make our communities better. Your passion for Missouri history is important to our mission. Your assistance on projects will help future generations learn about the state and its people and culture. We’re grateful and honored to have you part of our team!