In 1973 concerned citizens joined together to save the Southern Pacific Railroad Depot. Ever since, volunteers have donated time helping collect and organize the history and stories of local people. In the end, it is the story of the people that bring Livermore’s history to life. People like you collect these stories. We in turn tell these stories to young and old alike.

It is important that your experience as a volunteer with us is pleasant and historically worthwhile! Your time is an appreciated gift whether you can donate four or forty hours.

History Center Docents

There is always something happening at the History Center! Guests come to learn the history of an old house or building, find high school yearbooks or vintage photos, donate artifacts or visit our museum. There are many resources - books, tax rolls, photo archives, local newspapers - to help visitors learn who and what came before and why Livermore is so special.

We need your help to share Livermore's story! History Center docents - individuals or couples - usually volunteer one or two days each month, Thursday - Saturday from 11:30am - 4:00pm or Sunday from 10:00am - 2:00pm. Others divide a day into two shifts. No matter what type of shift you prefer, we guarantee you will have fun meeting new people, seeing old friends, and sharing stories of our fascinating town of Livermore! We use our computer files to search for data in minutes. Archival objects and filing cabinets are other important resources. We will help you access our extensive materials.

Click on Help Wanted flyer. Contact:volunteer@livermorehistory.com

Oral History Chairperson and Team

The Oral History Team records the stories and recollections of people who are familiar with, or were involved with, Livermore's early history. This task is a time-critical need since family members who were children in the "old days" are now senior citizens. If you might enjoy recording (and transcribing to text) memories from our elders who have fascinating Livermore stories, let us know!

Hagemann Heritage Gardeners

Volunteers work socially distanced outside. Can you spare an hour or two a week at the Hagemann Ranch Heritage Garden? Planting seeds, harvesting, weeding, or singing to the Heirloom plants: there's something for your gardening passion.

Hagemann Ranch Hands

The Hagemann Ranch is a treasure! Come learn about it! There are so many projects to be done at the Hagemann Ranch, it is guaranteed you'll find something intriguing to do.

HistoryMobile Docents

Give two or three days to bring Livermore history alive to third graders, mostly in April and May, with our traveling History Mobile. You will learn everything you need to know during the training and will enjoy working with your fellow docents.

Duarte Garage

Help develop and improve displays, participate in Duarte Garage projects and activities, help host visitors at open houses and events, and learn some history of Livermore and of the United States’ industrial development in the early 20th Century.

Midway School

Join the Midway School committee charged with moving Livermore Valley’s last remaining one room schoolhouse to Hagemann Park, next to Hagemann Ranch. Help with strategizing, fundraising, and curriculum writing, or be a docent teacher.

Other Questions Volunteers Ask

How much time do I need to volunteer per month to be of help?

Members donate over 2500 hours a year to make all Guild activities happen. Schedules range from five hours per month (Duarte Garage or History Center) to many more hours for a complicated firetruck, or organizing a fundraising event. Some activities are seasonal. You might work 40 hours in April and May with the HistoryMobile, but five hours a month the rest of the year. Some duties require specific hours (History Center, HistoryMobile, Ranch Open House), others are very flexible. Depending on your schedule, some opportunities may be more appropriate than others. Let's talk!

What kind of work will I do?

If you have a skill or an interest, we probably have a place to apply it. Docent roles are social. Research roles are technical. Garage projects are mechanical. Ranch projects are physical. Exhibit projects are creative. Advertising materials are artistic. There are a thousand things to do.

How do I coordinate availability?

The chairperson for each project tracks your availability. We are usually flexible and will work it out.

Can I change the type of volunteer work I do after I sign up?

Absolutely, we have many projects. Switch around or do more than one. We will be happy to talk with you to make it historically worthwhile and personally rewarding. We appreciate your in-person contribution of time.

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To volunteer, e-mail (do not telephone) at volunteer@livermorehistory.com

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