The Multnomah Historical Association is run entirely by volunteers who care about the stories, people, and places of Multnomah Village and Southwest Portland. If you love this community, there is a place for you here. No history degree required.

Whether you have an hour a month or a few hours a week, your time helps us preserve local history, welcome new neighbors, and share our community’s stories.

We are building a more organized volunteer program so that volunteers can receive clear information, meaningful assignments, and support. Some roles are ongoing, while others are project based or tied to a particular event. We welcome your interest, skills, and ideas.

Ways You Can Help

Archives & Collections

Help care for the photographs, documents, objects, and stories in MHA’s collection.

Possible activities include:

• Sorting, labeling, and inventorying items.
• Organizing documents, photographs, and ephemera.
• Assisting with research projects and reference questions.
• Helping prepare materials for future digitization, preservation, or public programs.

This is a good fit for people who enjoy careful, detail oriented work and discovering overlooked pieces of local history. Archive volunteer opportunities may be limited or scheduled only when a trained project lead is available.

Time commitment: Varies by project and scheduled work session.istory.

Communications & Social Media

Help keep the community informed, engaged, and excited about MHA’s work.

Volunteers may help:

• Create Facebook posts and other digital content.
• Research the archives for photographs and stories that can be repurposed online.
• Promote events, meetings, membership opportunities, and special projects.
• Help explore new platforms, such as Instagram or YouTube.
• Support strategies that build MHA’s visibility, membership, and volunteer community.

This is a good fit for people who enjoy writing, design, photography, storytelling, or social media.

Time commitment: Approximately one to two hours per week for an ongoing role, or occasional help with individual posts and campaigns.This is a good fit if you like writing, design, or social media, and want to help us reach more neighbors.

Newsletter Committee

MHA’s newsletter is one of the main ways we connect with members and share local history.

Volunteers may help:

• Brainstorm and gather story ideas.
• Write short articles, announcements, captions, or board updates.
• Edit and proofread newsletter content.
• Assist with layout, photographs, and captions.

The proofreader role is an online position focused on proofreading and minor editing of MHA’s monthly five to seven page newsletter. The volunteer works closely with the newsletter coordinator.

Time commitment: Approximately one hour per month for proofreading; other newsletter roles vary by issue and project. enjoy storytelling and like working with words and images, this committee would love your help.

Website Support

Help MHA develop and maintain a useful, active online presence.

Possible activities include:

• Updating website pages with events, news, and volunteer opportunities.
• Adding or organizing historical content, photographs, and resources.
• Helping transfer useful content from older web materials.
• Monitoring site functionality and helping troubleshoot technical issues.
• Reviewing website analytics and identifying opportunities to improve the visitor experience.

This role is especially suited to people with website, content management, design, or technical skills.

Time commitment: Approximately one to two hours per week for an ongoing role; project based assistance is also welcome.Perfect for people who enjoy talking with others and being out in the community.

Membership and Volunteer Support

Help MHA welcome and stay connected with members and prospective volunteers.

Possible activities include:

• Helping maintain accurate email and member contact lists.
• Supporting member communications and outreach.
• Helping welcome new members and prospective volunteers.
• Assisting with volunteer interest forms, welcome materials, thank you messages, and future volunteer resources.
• Helping identify ways to strengthen membership and volunteer engagement.

This role is a good fit for organized, friendly people who enjoy communication and helping others find a place to contribute.

Time commitment: Approximately one to two hours per week for an ongoing role, with flexibility depending on current needs.

Programs, Events, and Outreach

Help MHA bring local history into the community through presentations, gatherings, tabling, and special events.

Possible activities include:

• Helping develop presentations, programs, tours, or special events.
• Assisting with event logistics, schedules, materials, and budgets.
• Staffing MHA’s table at neighborhood events.
• Setting up and taking down displays.
• Greeting visitors, answering basic questions, and collecting local stories and memories.
• Pursuing partnerships with other local organizations and supporting shared events.

This is a good fit for people who enjoy talking with others, planning, organizing, and being out in the community.

Time commitment: Varies by event. Some opportunities involve a few hours on a single event day; ongoing planning roles may require approximately one to two hours per week.

Fundraising and Community Partnership

Help MHA build the relationships and resources needed to preserve and share local history.

Possible activities include:

• Researching grant opportunities and helping prepare applications.
• Supporting fundraising efforts and membership drives.
• Helping cultivate relationships with potential donors, sponsors, and community partners.
• Identifying opportunities to collaborate with other organizations.
• Assisting with materials that explain MHA’s work and encourage support.

This role is a good fit for people with experience or interest in fundraising, grant writing, relationship building, research, or nonprofit development.

Time commitment: Approximately one to two hours per week for an ongoing role, or project based support as opportunities arise.

Don’t See Your Perfect Role?

We are always glad to hear from people who want to share a particular skill or idea. Photography, graphic design, technology, bookkeeping, historical research, translation, videography, grant research, and community connections can all make a difference.

If you have a skill you would like to contribute, please tell us about it. We may not have an immediate opening, but your interests can help us develop future projects and connect the right people when opportunities arise.

How to Volunteer

f you are interested in volunteering, please fill out the form below or send us a brief message. Let us know which area or areas interest you, the skills or experience you would like to share, and your general availability.

MHA is currently developing its volunteer systems and project plans. We will keep your information on file and follow up as roles, committees, and specific opportunities become available. Thank you for your enthusiasm and patience as we build a thoughtful, welcoming volunteer program.

Thank you for considering volunteering with the Multnomah Historical Association. Your time and talents help keep our community’s history alive.