Educational Programs Volunteers (In-Person)

OVERVIEW:

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino (NMAL) is recruiting volunteers for its upcoming exhibition, ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa. Volunteers will support educational programs by engaging in hands-on activities and tours in the museum’s Molina Family Latino Gallery at the National Museum of American History. You'll get to enjoy fun, educational, and participatory experiences while positively impacting our museum visitors.

"¡Puro Ritmo!" explores how Afro-Cuban music evolved into a defining sound in the U.S. from the streets of Havana to the dancefloors of New York and beyond. This exhibition traces salsa’s roots and rise through nearly 300 objects. Highlighting artists from Tito Puente and Celia Cruz to local legends and hidden pioneers, "¡Puro Ritmo!" celebrates salsa as one of America’s great musical traditions.

VOLUNTEER MAIN DUTIES:

• Offer (45 minutes) highlight tours of ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa.
• Support facilitating activities at the General Motors Learning Lounge, assisting with hands-on activities that engage visitors to make connections about the exhibition content, people, and places. Activity themes are related to music, history, arts, culture, science, and technology.
• Facilitate the activity carts. Volunteers will facilitate short (no more than 15 minutes) hands-on activities or demonstrations outside the gallery in the museum as part of school programs.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Provide a welcoming experience by greeting visitors, answering general gallery questions, and encouraging them to experience the gallery in multiple ways.
• Support the GM Learning Lounge Coordinator with general daily operations of the GM Learning Lounge space, which includes preparing materials for the hands-on activities and making sure the educational space activities are functioning properly for school programs.
• Provide occasional support during NMAL special events like family days, festivals, and special celebrations.

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Have a strong interest in learning and sharing history as it pertains to Latino communities and cultures.
• Previous experience working with families and school groups is recommended but not required.
• Comfortable facilitating hands-on activities or demonstrations for visitors of multiple ages.
• Ability to communicate in public and interact with groups of 15-25 people.
• Have the ability to work in teams and provide excellent customer service.
• Additional language fluency is a plus but not required.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to pass a federal background check.
• Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.
• Basic computer skills and access to a device with an Internet connection to participate in virtual trainings and enrichment opportunities.

SCHEDULING REQUIREMENTS:

• Two (3.5 hours) shifts a month, starting in April 2026.
• Applicants must commit to a minimum of one year of volunteering.
• Volunteer shifts (Weekdays or Weekends): 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. or 1–4:30 p.m.
• Training begins in January 2026, and in-person volunteering begins in April 2026.

TRAINING:

• NMAL volunteers are trained in the content of each exhibition. Additionally, volunteers receive training on facilitating tours, staffing the Active Learning Carts, and assisting the GM Learning Lounge with hands-on activities.
• The orientation and training consist of online classroom modules, including reading material, videos, and short assignments. Content will be related to the museum’s exhibition, ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa. Themes include Salsa’s Roots, Latin Jazz & Mambo, The ‘60s Generation, and the golden age of Salsa.
• The exhibition also features stories through digital interactive platforms.
• Volunteers are expected to complete the required training courses both online and in person.
• Volunteers are trained in other areas like customer service and visitor experience interactions.

Volunteering Location:

• Shifts will be for volunteering at the Molina Family Latino Gallery of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino. The gallery is located inside the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History at 1300 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC.
• Occasional volunteer shifts will be available at other venues for special events within the Washington, DC, Metropolitan area.

HOW DO I APPLY?

The application deadline is November 15, 2025.

Interested candidates must create an account and apply through the Smithsonian volunteer management system Vsys. Click on the "sign up" button to create an account and complete the entire application. https://vol.si.edu/pages/opportunities

• Attach your resume.
• State what are your objectives in seeking a volunteer position at the Smithsonian.
• Please include any relevant skills, previous volunteer experience, and work experience.
• Select your possible weekday availability.

For questions, please contact us, at NMALvolunteer@si.edu.