Where History Comes Alive: Why Volunteering at Sharlot Hall Museum Matters More Than Ever

A conversation with Volunteer Coordinator Greg Kenny on Arizona Roundup (hosted by Stuart Rosebrook) History is not meant to sit silently on shelves or behind glass. It is meant to be shared, lived, and passed forward—one story, one conversation, and one volunteer at a time. That message comes through clearly in this Arizona Roundup episode, as Stuart Rosebrook welcomes Greg Kenny, Sharlot Hall Museum's Volunteer Coordinator. From Classroom to Museum Campus: A Calling Discovered Greg Kenny's path into museum work began in education. With a social science degree focused on history and experience teaching middle and high school students, he learned that curiosity accelerates when learners step into real places—museums, historic sites, and the landscapes where stories happened. That insight led him into the museum world, including years at the Palm Springs Air Museum, and eventually to Prescott—where he has spent the last two years building one of Sharlot Hall Museum's most vital strengths: its volunteer community. The Heart of the Museum: Nearly 175 Volunteers Strong Sharlot Hall Museum relies on an active corps of roughly 175 volunteers supporting both the main museum campus and the Fort Whipple Museum. These volunteers power the day-to-day guest experience—greeting visitors, interpreting history, supporting programs, preserving collections, and helping the museum remain a living place of learning. As Kenny notes, volunteers bring more than time: they bring life experience, curiosity, and a willingness to share. For many children and first-time visitors, museum volunteers provide something increasingly rare—authentic connection across generations. Many Roles, One Mission The episode highlights a wide range of volunteer roles, including: Historic building docents and interpreters Tour guides for school groups and adult visitors Living history volunteers Library and archives support (including genealogy and oral history) Curatorial and collections support (with specialized training) Gardens and grounds (seasonal needs) Guest services, bookstore support, and event helpers Volunteers are encouraged to explore where their interests and talents fit best—and many choose to serve in more than one area. Training That Builds Confidence—and Community New volunteer training classes typically begin in the second week of February and meet on Thursday mornings for a couple of hours. The sessions provide a well-rounded introduction to the museum's campus, programs, research center, and operations. To keep the process accessible, classes are recorded for those who miss a session or join later in the season. Still, the museum strongly encourages attending in person—because the best learning happens through human interaction, questions, and shared discovery. One favorite highlight: a behind-the-scenes look into the collections vaults, where decades of Arizona history are preserved beyond what the public typically sees. More Than Information: Creating Connection A strong theme throughout the episode is connection—docents adapting stories to visitor interests, tour guides reading the room for fourth graders or senior groups, and archivists helping people find family and community history. Kenny emphasizes that volunteers often receive as much as they give: stories from visitors, new perspectives, and those memorable moments when a "light bulb" turns on—when a guest realizes why Arizona history matters to their own life. Things to Remember Museums are living classrooms powered by people, not just artifacts. Volunteers are essential to Sharlot Hall Museum's daily impact. History becomes meaningful through conversation and connection. There are volunteer opportunities for many interests and skill levels. Things to Share Sharlot Hall Museum offers a diverse volunteer program serving both campus and Fort Whipple. Training is supportive and designed to build confidence. Volunteers include educators, storytellers, researchers, gardeners, and event helpers. Volunteering is a meaningful way for newcomers to Prescott to connect and contribute. Things to Take Note Of—and Act Upon Volunteer training begins each February, with options to catch up if you miss a session. Opportunities exist year-round, including tours, events, and research support. Both working professionals and retirees are welcome. A willing heart and curiosity matter more than prior museum experience. A Challenge Worth Accepting If you're looking for more than something to do—if you're looking for something that matters—consider volunteering at Sharlot Hall Museum. This is not about filling time; it is about preserving memory, serving community, and helping Arizona's story stay alive. Take the next step: visit the museum's volunteer page and reach out to Volunteer Coordinator Greg Kenny to begin the process. Volunteer Contact Website: sharlothallmuseum.org/volunteer Email: [email protected] Volunteer Office: (928) 277-2006 History is calling. The next chapter may include you.