Inspire Others: Volunteer!

Every day people are inspired by their experience at the Museum, which couldn't operate without our dedicated corps of nearly 300 adult and teen volunteers.

Their work ranges from helping visitors meet magnificent raptors closeup to reading High Desert stories to preschoolers, portraying pioneers, barkeepers, and gamblers in a frontier town and leading tours.

Every year these passionate supporters donate a combined total of about 35,000 hours here. One of those volunteers, Ann Aines, who dedicated her time here for the last 28 years, working with raptors and giving tours, is retiring.

“I saw it change from an idea, to a clearing where it was to be built, to the structure that became the actual Museum,” she said. “It can be a special day for kids and adults to learn more about the history, the animals and people of the High Desert."

Sally Walker has volunteered since 2001. She developed an iconic Living History character, Grandma Walker, at the outdoor 1880 High Desert Homestead cabin exhibit. She was named Volunteer of the Year in 2008, and retired last month after volunteering more than 6,140 hours.

It is dedication such as this that helps make the Museum unlike any other.


If you'd like to discover the fun of teen and adult volunteering at the Museum, from working in wildlife areas and giving exhibit tours and talks, to working behind the scenes, join us on May 7 at 1 p.m. for an orientation. Or, call 541-382-4754 for more information.