From the Director

Celebrating Volunteers

Like so many museums across the country, the FIA could not fulfill its mission without the valuable contributions of its volunteers. In addition to supplementing the staff’s efforts with hours of assistance, volunteers encourage those they help and motivate others to serve. To recognize the many ways volunteers improve our communities, the week of April 27 to May 3 has been designated National Volunteer Week. The celebration was created in 1974 by President Richard Nixon and the event has honored volunteers every year since.

Volunteers at the FIA work with the public, staff, and other volunteers to provide the necessary assistance needed to deliver the Institute’s essential services. Volunteers of all ages work with all departments performing a variety of tasks from greeting the public to helping with administrative tasks, collection cataloging, building maintenance, education projects, and fund raising. Over the past 12 months, 366 volunteers contributed 7,822 hours worth $146,818.94. Some worked with the FIA for the first time while others added to many years of service.