Volunteer | Issaquah History Museums

Volunteer with IHM

Do you like to tell stories? To explore history? To renovate and maintain historic structures? Issaquah History Museums welcomes you! Our organization relies on a community of people like you to operate its museums, maintain its exhibits, digitize its collections, and run its programs. Volunteer opportunities include diverse positions such as leading history hikes, docenting at the museums, and leading custom tours.

See open roles

Many hands make light work

A group of staff and volunteers smile over a reproduction mine cart during the uninstall of our primary exhibit at the Issaquah Depot. (April 2026)

A fresh coat of paint

Volunteers Philip and Amy Diodato work together to sand, prime, and repaint our Depot's historic Freight Room. (June 2026)

Playing conductor (in real life)

Jake Olsen-Jacobsen welcomes guests aboard the Issaquah Valley Trolley.

Many hands make light work

A group of staff and volunteers smile over a reproduction mine cart during the uninstall of our primary exhibit at the Issaquah Depot. (April 2026)

1/8

Our greatest need

Wondering where to begin? Our greatest need today is for museum docents.
Just bring your curiosity and a willingness to welcome others.

Learn more

Why volunteer with us?

Volunteering with IHM is a great way to meet new people, learn about local history, and amplify your unique skills—whether they're creative, technical, interpersonal, mechanical, or something else!

Get 10% off IHM gift shop merchandise and facility rentals

Contribute meaningfully to Issaquah's civic life

Experience history firsthand—the artifacts, buildings & stories firsthand

Grow your professional skills, meet new people, or close a resume gap

WE DELIVER

WORLDWIDE

Open volunteer roles

Title	Description (Short)	Event Date
Trolley ticketing agent	Help trolley riders purchase and use their tickets to board the Issaquah Valley Trolley.
Sign-in table: Pavement and Plucky Girls	Help us welcome guests for our September 11 talk by Washington Humanities Council Speaker's Bureau presenter Teresa Andre.	09/12/2026
Sign-in table: Let's Talk Local History	Help us welcome guests for Let's Talk Local History: Episode 1 on September 22 at the Issaquah Depot Museum.	09/23/2026
Wooden window repair	Keep our historic caboose in visitor-friendly condition by repairing the wooden window frames in its cupola, which is currently off limits.
Salmon on Sunset Table Volunteers	Take a 2-hour shift at IHM's Salmon on Sunset table, and enjoy the sights and sounds of this salmon season kickoff event while you're at it.	09/12/2026
Salmon Days event staff	Greet museum guests during Issaquah's annual Salmon Days festival, October 3–4. No prior experience required.	10/04/2026
Salmon Days event staff	Greet museum guests during Issaquah's annual Salmon Days festival, October 3–4. No prior experience required.	10/03/2026
Trolley Track Maintenance	Perform routine maintenance and repair of the railroad trackage to ensure it remains in a state of good repair for safe travel.
Trolley Mechanic	Perform preventative maintenance and as-needed repairs to the trolley and power car.
Trolley Platform Agent	Depot platform lead managing ticketing, ticket scanning, boarding logistics, and ADA lift operations to ensure a safe, efficient start to every trip.
Trolley Conductor	The Conductor acts as the primary safety officer and passenger service representative, including providing historical information.
Trolley Operator	Drive the trolley! Perfect for safety-conscious volunteers who enjoy the public. Includes full training and a one weekend per month commitment.
Talent pool: Event tablers	Help us staff tables at events in and around our community—places like elementary schools, Salmon Days, culture fests, and other local organizati. . .
Event openers and closers	Help us welcome renters who've reserved the Issaquah Depot Museum's Freight Room on evenings and weekends. These events occur once every few . . .
Museum docent	Docents are the first faces our visitors see when they enter the historic Issaquah Depot Museum. If you love meeting new people, spending time . . .
Event photography and videography	Help us capture the spirit of community at IHM events by photographing our attendees, volunteers, and historic locations. Some events . . .

Ready to jump in?

Register your interest using our sign-up form.

First-time volunteers: You'll also need to submit our volunteer details form (which includes signing our Volunteer Agreement) before you can start your role. We also perform a routine Washington State Patrol background check. Depending on the role, you may be asked to provide 2 personal or professional references.

Sign up now

Upcoming volunteer events

Sun, Aug 23
Trolley Crew: Hands-On Training Session
Issaquah Depot Museum
RSVP
Aug 23, 2026, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Required training for aspiring trolley operators and conductors. This training will cover trolley systems, normal and emergency procedures, and operation.
Date and time is TBD
Trolley Work Party
Issaquah Depot Museum
RSVP
Date and time is TBD
A family-friendly event where you can lend a hand in and around the Issaquah Valley Trolley
Date and time is TBD
Trolley Crew: Classroom Training Session
Issaquah Depot Museum
RSVP
Date and time is TBD
Required training for aspiring trolley operators and conductors. This training will cover trolley systems, normal and emergency procedures, and operation.