United States Capitol Historical Society

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

We are seeking individuals with a passion for U.S. history, Capitol history, a background in politics, or experience working in the Capitol to serve as volunteers. Volunteers perform various tasks that enable the Society to carry out its educational mission. Whether leading a tour, speaking to a civic group, or even stuffing envelopes, volunteers partner with the Society’s professional staff to bring the history of the Capitol and Congress to the public.

Volunteer Opportunities

– Tour Guides:  Guiding Capitol tours is a unique opportunity to share your knowledge and enthusiasm with visitors worldwide, helping them connect with the heart of American democracy. The Society provides formal training for persons interested in leading occasional group tours. Assignments are scheduled at the volunteer’s convenience. 

– Speakers Bureau: The Society invites public speakers with experience or expertise in any area pertaining to the history of the Capitol or the history and functioning of Congress to join the Society’s Speakers Bureau.

– Research, Outreach, Events, and Clerical Support: The Society seeks interested volunteers available on-call to assist with specific research projects, outreach promotion for our educational programs, staff assistance at events, and clerical office support.

Congressional Staff Alumni Association

We invite you to become a member of our Congressional Staff Alumni Association (CSAA) and join a community that values and supports the essential work of Congress and its staff. By joining the CSAA, you have the opportunity to reconnect with fellow former staffers, share experiences, and contribute to the preservation of our democratic institutions. Together, let's celebrate the impact we made during our time on Capitol Hill and continue to promote the values that drive Congress forward.

Volunteer Appreciation

The Society organizes Appreciation Events for its volunteers and partners, which include a welcome reception and a special guest speaker. These events demonstrate our gratitude for the valuable contributions made by our volunteers and partners toward successfully fulfilling our mission.

Want to Support Civic Education?

We believe that every student deserves an education about our nation’s history, that inspires them to be the best citizens they can be, no matter their background. Our “We the People” Constitution Tours™ provide immersive educational experiences for eighth-grade students from D.C. Title I schools, ensuring that students from historically underserved communities can explore the foundations of our democracy firsthand. During the program, students visit important sites related to the Constitution including the George Mason Memorial, the National Archives, the U.S. Capitol Building, and The People’s House: A White House Experience. As the cost of providing these tours continues to rise, your donation will help cover essential expenses, including transportation, lunches, knowledgeable tour guides, and educational materials.

  • A $111 donation covers all expenses for one student, covering all costs associated with the tour.
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  • $325 provides lunches for 25 students during their trip, ensuring they stay energized and engaged.
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  • A donation of $3,880 will sponsor an entire trip for one class.

“We the People,” speaks to the freedoms and responsibilities inherent in the Constitution of the United States of America. For Jim and me, it has been of the greatest importance that all citizens have an understanding of the democratic process and rule of law in order to be active participants in the form of self-governance laid out by the Constitution and Bill of Rights. I believe that my support in Jim’s name of the “We the People” tours is essential for the future of our country.

– Mrs. Penny Morrill on why she supports the “We the People” Constitution Tours

Support Civic Education in 2025

Join us in our mission to educate, inspire, and encourage informed civic participation. By becoming an annual member, your support funds vital programs such as the ‘We the People’ Constitution Tour for DC students, free resources and lesson plans for teachers, and our series engaging virtual and in-person public history events. Together, we will preserve Congress’s history and empower citizens to influence the future of our democracy.

Join Today!

Help preserve and share the history of democracy with a year-end donation! Join as a member today and enjoy unique benefits—all while contributing to our mission of preserving history and promoting civic education.

Donations received by midnight tonight or checks postmarked on or before December 31, 2024, will be applied to the 2024 tax year.