The Johnson County Historical Society is seeking people just like you to intern or volunteer. If you have time or talents to share, please view our opportunities below and contact the JCHS staff using our Contact Us page. Unless otherwise indicated, all volunteer and intern opportunities are unpaid.
Internship
The Johnson County Historical Society is looking for an Event and History Intern for The Historic Poor Farm.
The Johnson County Historic Poor Farm provides a public space for connecting to the land and local history through inclusive, community-led opportunities.
Internship Summary: The intern will bolster ongoing efforts to support art, events, and interpretation onsite.
This includes assisting with summer events, providing tours, and improving and expanding the Historic Poor Farm Interpretation Manual which will facilitate the training of incoming docents and onsite partners and support education about the Historic Poor Farm to members of the public.
This internship is funded in conjunction with a Silos and Smokestakes National Heritage Area Internship Grant and support from Johnson County and the Johnson County Historical Society.
Start Date and Compensation: The intern is required to complete 240 hours of satisfactory work between May 27- August 21.
An average of 20 hours per week is anticipated for the 12-week time frame.
Compensation for this position is $17.25/hour for 12 weeks of work.
To Apply: Send a cover letter stating your interest in this position along with a copy of your resume to alexandrajchs@gmail.com by March 31, 2026.
Board Members
This position is a 3-year term, providing governance oversight for the JCHS. Board members are expected to attend regular, quarterly Board meetings, actively participate in JCHS fundraising efforts, and act as an advocate for the museum’s mission. We’d love to have you join us!
If you are interested in becoming a JCHS Board Member and would like more information, please call our Executive Director, Alexandra McKendree, at the Johnson County Historical Society Museum or send an e-mail.
Plum Grove Volunteer Interpreters
Plum Grove Historic Home, the home of Robert Lucas, Iowa’s First Territorial Governor, needs volunteers to conduct tours for visitors to the 1844-53 period home. Interested people should be able to serve at least two afternoons (1pm-5pm) a month from May through October. Training will be provided. Serving as a Plum Grove Interpreter is an exciting opportunity to meet people and become involved with an important community landmark while at the same time explore the way of life of another era. Please consider helping us to interpret this significant landmark. Plum Grove Historic Home is located at 1030 Carroll St. in Iowa City.
If you are interested in becoming a Plum Grove Interpreter and would like more information, please call our Executive Director, Alexandra McKendree, at the Johnson County Historical Society Museum or send an e-mail.
Download the Plum Grove Volunteer Interpreter opportunity here (PDF).
Coralville Schoolhouse Volunteer/Intern Interpreters
Built in 1876, this two-room red brick schoolhouse served the children of the Coralville area from 1876 until 1951. Today, the school’s two classrooms interpret what school in Iowa was like in the 1870s and the 1940s. The Coralville Schoolhouse is open Thursdays and Saturdays from 11AM-3PM.
Purpose: To interpret for visitors the Coralville Schoolhouse and education in Iowa during the 1870s and 1940s in such a way that visitors to the Schoolhouse have an educational and fun experience.
Time Required: At least two afternoons (eight hours) per month time commitment. Also, if possible, be available to assist with events at the Schoolhouse and scheduled group tours of children or adults where more than one interpreter is needed.
Responsibilities include:
- Conducting interpretive tours of the Coralville Schoolhouse for visitors. Tours will focus on the Coralville Schoolhouse itself, education in Iowa, and some of the artifacts of the period.
- Answering visitor’s questions.
- Being a friendly and enthusiastic representative of the Coralville Schoolhouse to visitors.
Training:
- A two-hour training and orientation session will be held at the Coralville Schoolhouse for interpreters.
- Each interpreter will receive an interpreter’s manual which will include a tour narrative and supplemental information about education in Iowa in the 1870s and 1940s, as well as information about Coralville and Iowa history.
Download the Coralville Schoolhouse Interpreter opportunity here (PDF).
