Fresno Historical Society

Volunteer power! It plays an important role in fulfilling the Historical Society Archives mission of serving as a research center for the study of the Central California history. The work of organizing and describing historical material housed in the Archives is advanced through the participation of volunteers. Volunteers take on a variety of duties including:

Researching printed materials and conducting internet research to answer genealogical requests and historical research.
Processing historic documents and inventorying or creating finding aids.
Working with photographs: identifying, scanning, and researching collections.
Transcribing and scanning historical records for the Historical Society website.
Assisting with special research and education projects.

These projects, requiring many different talents and skills, are integral to the operation of the Archives. Volunteers have the opportunity to interact with our staff, gain proficiency in historical research, and play an important role in preserving the Valley’s remarkable history. The Archives provides orientation, training, and supervision for all volunteers.

Currently, the Archives is seeking volunteers for the following projects:

Scanning historical photographs and documents. Individual must have experience working with a scanner and photographs.
Transcribing Oral Histories. Individual must have experience working with computers and word processing programs. Also seeking Spanish proficiency to help with Spanish- speaking tapes.
The Archives is planning to work on its Sheet Music Collection during the spring/summer months of 2008. Basic knowledge of music history (1870s-1911) and a background in reading music is helpful.
The Fresno Historical Society is working with the Fresno County Superior Court Archives providing consultation and advice on the preservation of historic court records (from the beginning of the County’s history in the 1860s through 1911). We need volunteers to assist in flattening court records – qualities needed are patience, dexterity, attention to detail, and the ability to sit for at least 3 hours (with breaks)! A commitment of at least two days a week is optimum. Training will be provided.

If you are interested in these or any future opportunities, please submit the Volunteer Application and the Archivist will contact you within 10 working days from its receipt.

The Archives also encourages Student Interns (from the local university and colleges) to work one or two semesters with our collections. For further information, please contact the Archivist.
(fhsarchiv@aol.com)

Download the Volunteer Application Form (.pdf)

RESEARCH SERVICES

*Required fields.

* First Name:
*Last Name:
*Mailing Address: (include Address, City, State, Zip Code)
*Email Address:
Area Code & Phone number:
Area Code & Cell Phone number:
*Please describe your research request: If you have a lengthy request, please send an additional email to fhsarchiv@aol.com.
Provide all information you have already compiled concerning your request:
List reference sources and Libraries already consulted:
Is there a deadline for your project?
Age (Check one)	Under 21 21-59 60+
EMERGENCY CONTACT
* First Name:
*Last Name:
*Mailing Address: (include Address, City, State, Zip Code)
Email Address:
Area Code & Home Phone number:
Area Code & Work Phone number:
EMPLOYMENT
Current Employer:
Position:
Dates:
PAST EMPLOYER
Past Employer:
Position:
Dates:
EDUCATION
Name of School:
Location:
Major:
Level	High School College/University Graduate School
PLACEMENT INFORMATION
Special interests (Include hobbies, volunteer activities or other):
Computer Skills (Include programs familiar with, scanning skills, etc.)::
Are you a member of the Fresno Historical Society?	YES NO
How did you learn about the Fresno Historical Society’s Volunteer Program? Example: Member newsletter, Society Web Site, Flyer, Newspaperm, Society Staff/Volunteer, Other
Special interests (Include hobbies, volunteer activities or other):
Special interests (Include hobbies, volunteer activities or other):
Hours available to volunteer/ preferred days:	Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun
How many hours per week are you able to volunteer?
Please list any physical limitations that should be considered in volunteer assignments:
Some volunteer positions may involve exposure to dust or outside elements. Do you have any allergies or sensitivities we should know about?
Fluent in any languages other than English? (please list)
Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a crime? YES (If yes, please explain below) NO (A “Yes” answer to this question will not automatically disqualify you from being considered)
REFERENCES Please provide two personal, work or academic references with complete addresses. The Fresno Historical Society reserves the right to contact references and conduct background checks if necessary.
Include Name, Address, Relationship, Phone:
Include Name, Address, Relationship, Phone:
By submitting this form, I give permission to check the references I have listed. I certify that the facts set forth in the volunteer application are true to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification, misrepresentation, or concealment of information on this application may be sufficient grounds for disqualification from further consideration of volunteering or immediate discharge and that the Society shall not be liable in any respect if my volunteership is so denied or terminated. I, the undersigned, do hereby agree to allow the individual named herein to participate as a volunteer in the Fresno Historical Society’s Volunteer Program and I further agree to indemnity and hold the Fresno Historical Society, its employees and contractors, harmless from and against any and all liability for any injury which may be suffered by the aforementioned individual arising out of or in any way connected with his/her participation in this program. I also agree to grant full permission to the Fresno Historical Society to use my name and any photographs, videotapes, motion pictures or recordings for any publicity and promotional purposes without obligation or liability to me. PLEASE NOTE: A Signature of Parent/Legal Guardian (if under 18) will be necessary. Completion of this form does not automatically qualify you for acceptance as a Fresno Historical Society volunteer. Interviews and training are required before you can begin volunteer service.
INFO	YES NO

(Rev: 2.2007)