Apr
07

We Appreciate Volunteers…

To continue our virtual celebration of Volunteer Appreciation Month, volunteer coordinators across the Smithsonian share, in our own words, exactly why we appreciate volunteers.

Bridget Balog
Office of Visitor Services and Volunteer Management

Bridget Balog selfie
I appreciate our volunteers because they are generous, accomplished, interesting people who always inspire me to be my best. We couldn’t do what we do without them. I can’t wait to see them all in person!
(Photo courtesy Bridget Balog)

Geoffrey Cohrs
Smithsonian American Art Museum

Geoffrey Cohrs selfie
I appreciate volunteers because… neither rain, nor snow, nor pandemic can dampen their passion, dedication, or enthusiasm for working with our visitors to bring our collections alive. (The photo is the last picture I took of myself in the museum before the we went on telework.)
(Photo courtesy of Geoffrey Cohrs)

Abbey Earich
Office of Visitor Services and Volunteer Management

Abbey with Pepper the Robot
I appreciate volunteers because… you talk back! This past year has proven to us all that technology is great, but it does not replace human, physical contact. I can’t wait until we can be together again. Until then, thanks for all that you continue to do for the Smithsonian. (Photo courtesy of Abbey Earich)

Michelle Edwards
National Museum of African American History and Culture

Edwards holding note saying thank you
I appreciate volunteers because of their dedication and the various ways they give their time at the Smithsonian. Volunteers matter a great deal at the National Museum of African American History and Culture! They strengthen our ties to the communities by helping visitors get the most out of their experience in-person and virtually.
(Photo courtesy Michelle Edwards)

Jess Greensmith
National Zoological Park

Elephant holding thankyou sign
I appreciate volunteers because…they’re my inspiration. Volunteers continue to show their passion and support for the Zoo’s mission regardless of physically visiting the Zoo. Conservation never takes a break and neither do they! Our volunteers live the Zoo’s mission by sewing masks for the animal care staff, virtually recording panda behavior data, reporting for shifts to assist with animal care and science, and reaching out to just see how we are doing. When I am feeling down from today’s difficult realities, remembering their passion and commitment energizes me and reminds me that we’re still saving species – together.
(Photo courtesy Elephant Animal Care Staff)

Caitlin Haynes
Smithsonian Transcription Center

Caitlin at podium in front of presentation screen
I appreciate volunteers because they help us bring history to life. One of the best things about the Smithsonian Transcription Center, is that our digital volunteer community is so diverse, curious, and knowledgeable. Not only does their hard work transcribing ensure Smithsonian collections are readable and searchable, but their dedication and investigate skills help connect disparate collections and uncover previously unacknowledged individuals who made major historical contributions. I’m truly learning new things everyday thanks to our TC “volunpeers.”
(Photo courtesy Caitlin Haynes)

Elizabeth Herndon
National Museum of African American History and Culture

Herdon wearing hardhat
I appreciate volunteers because…you make things happen! This picture was taken at the NMAAHC Welcome Desk in August 2016, just a few weeks before the Museum opened. Look how far we’ve come! I can’t wait to see your faces at the Welcome Desk again. Thank you for all you do for NMAAHC, the Smithsonian, and for each other.
(Photo courtesy Elizabeth Herndon)

Jenna Jones
Smithsonian Associates

Jones oncreen in Zoom meeting
I appreciate our current volunteers because they learned how to work with Zoom lickety-split last year. By handling the Zoom Q&A, Chats, and screen sharing, remote volunteers make live streaming our Smithsonian Associates programs a success. Our staff values their time and talent!
(Image courtesy Jenna Jones)

Alexis Miller
Office of Visitor Services and Volunteer Management

Alexis at Udvar-Haxy Center
I appreciate volunteers because of their dedication to, and passion for, the Smithsonian. From caring for animals and welcoming visitors, to assisting with research and preparing special events, the Smithsonian is what it is because of volunteers. I was able to get this picture when I visited Udvar-Hazy during the summer/fall opening – I can’t wait until we open again and can be together! Thank you for all you do.
(Photo courtesy Alexis Miller)

Lisa Porter
National Museum of Natural History

Porter at NMNH
I appreciate volunteers because no one on Earth has more passion and dedication to the mission and vision of NMNH than our volunteers. They freely give their time to educate the public and support our scientists, researchers, and collections managers behind-the-scenes. And, they always want to contribute more and learn more. I miss our onsite comradery, though I have gotten to know so many of our amazing volunteers in the virtual realm that I never had the opportunity to onsite. I am looking forward to continuing that in the museum. Thank you all for all you do! (Photo courtesy Lisa Porter)

Chad Rabago
Office of Visitor Services and Volunteer Management

Chad with volunteer holding needlework image of Castle
I appreciate volunteers because your time and talents leave a lasting impact on visitors from all over the world! (Photo courtesy Chad Rabago)

Rebecca Regan
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

Regan looking at art exhibition
I appreciate volunteers because their work, welcoming visitors to the museum and engaging with them in the galleries, is essential to the Hirshhorn’s mission of sharing the transformative power of modern and contemporary art by creating meaningful, personal experiences in which art, artists, audiences, and ideas converge. We are truly grateful for all that they do. (Photo courtesy of Rebecca Regan)

Brooke Rosenblatt
National Museum of Asian Art

Brooke with three volunteers
I appreciate volunteers because they help us be a better museum. From useful information to fun and friendly conversations, volunteers enhance our service to the community.
(Photo courtesy Brooke Rosenblatt, on left)

Susan Rosenvold
Office of Visitor Services and Volunteer Management

Rosenvold with beautiful dog
I appreciate my Call Center volunteers because they have been so patient during the pandemic! It may seem to them that they’ve been forgotten, but I think of them all the time, missing their expertise and feeling very impatient to be working in the Castle with them every day, especially since I have yet to even meet them in person! (Photo courtesy Susan Rosenvold)

Michael Rubin
Office of Visitor Services and Volunteer Management

Rubin holding paper and addressing audience
I appreciate volunteers because they are an essential part of what drives the Smithsonian. When you think about it, the thousands of people who volunteer for the Smithsonian every year are mostly ordinary citizens who care about their communities, their country, and their world. Whether behind the scenes or engaged directly with the public, Smithsonian volunteers in every corner of the institution are a critical force in our mission of the increase and diffusion of knowledge. Thank you, volunteers! (Photo courtesy Michael Rubin)

Rebecca Sullesta
Renwick Gallery

Embroidery by Ethel Mohamad "Me at the Renwick"
I appreciate volunteers because of all they do for us. At the Renwick Gallery the volunteers are essential. They warmly welcome visitors and share their passion for art. They create positive energy and enliven our space. I am constantly impressed by their knowledge and experience. Working with the volunteers is one of the perks of my job. I greatly value the time and effort they contribute. Hoping we can all be back at the museum soon!
(Image courtesy of Rebecca Sullesta)

Michelle Welker
National Air and Space Museum

Welker giving virtual talk and Udvar-Hazy
I appreciate volunteers because your dedication and passion inspire us to make lofty ideas a reality. Thanks to you, we were able to connect with visitors and still showcase your amazing talents even away from the building. Thank you for your flexibility, patience, and ingenuity! (Photo courtesy Michelle Welker)

Richard Weld
National Air and Space Museum

Weld next to "This Section Closed" sign
I appreciate volunteers because they do what they do because it is a calling. Because they love helping others. Because they bring their big hearts to the Museum. Because they have chosen to make a difference. Because they share themselves, their kindness, their stories, and their smiles, with people every day. Because they are the bridge between the Institution and the Community we serve. Because they make the Smithsonian a better place to visit, and to work. Because of all of that and so, so much more, I appreciate volunteers.
(Photo courtesy of Richard Weld)

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Posted: 7 April 2021
About the Author:

Alexis Nolan (nee Miller) is the Lead Volunteer Coordinator with the Office of Visitor Services and Volunteer Management.