Our museums remain closed due to COVID-19. While LA County Public Health has entered Phase 3 of the Roadmap to Recovery, allowing for the reopening of museums on June 12, our museums are still slowly welcoming back staff and are in the process of planning for new health and safety protocols in our galleries and gardens. Therefore, we will not be reopening until later in the summer. Sign up here to be the first to know when we will safely re-open to the public and in the meantime, stay connected from home.

Volunteer with young girl

Become a Volunteer!

Our Volunteer Program is currently on hiatus. Due to concerns regarding the ongoing pandemic situation, we will not be accepting new volunteer applications until early 2021. Please check this website at that time for updated information. If you have questions in the meantime, you are welcome to contact us at volunteer@nhm.org.

Join the team at La Brea Tar Pits, where fossils are being taken out of the ground right before your eyes! People from all over the world visit our museum for its fascinating content and unique setting, and you can be their guide.  

  • Interpretive Volunteers Engage with museum visitors to bring the Ice Age to life. Learn more about L.A. during the Pleistocene Era and reveal that unique story with our guests. Share museum research and content stories using our exhibits and touchable objects! Opportunities to join regular shifts are available most days of the week. 
  • Behind-the Scenes Volunteers Support ongoing research in the Fossil Lab and at Project 23. The work is fascinating, but it is also challenging and meticulous, so it helps to be detail-oriented and patient! Opportunities are dependent on project needs and availability, and require commitment to a weekly, 8 hour shift.
Volunteer holding skull and talking to visitors

Have experiences you won't find anywhere else

Volunteers cleaning fossils at the Tar Pits

Build on your passion for learning new things

Volunteers by the Lake Pit at the Tar Pits

Inspire a deeper look into our world

Young volunteer at La Brea Tar Pits

Become a science communicator

Volunteer in Fossil Lab at La Brea Tar Pits

Explore unique museum collections

Volunteers at La Brea Tar Pits

Connect with people who share your interests

1 of 1

Have experiences you won't find anywhere else

Build on your passion for learning new things

Inspire a deeper look into our world

Become a science communicator

Explore unique museum collections

Connect with people who share your interests

Floor Volunteer at La Brea Tar Pits
I love seeing museum guests relate to the fascinating story of Rancho La Brea.

-Tar Pits Volunteer

Feed your curiosity!

  • Enrich your volunteer experience and develop new skills by participating in trainings led by renowned curatorial and education staff
  • Explore unique behind-the-scenes opportunities
  • Become a Docent, one of our highest achieving interpretive volunteers