The Livermore Heritage Guild
Volunteers Make It Work!

Over thirty years ago a group of concerned citizens joined together to save the Southern Pacific Railroad Station on L Street in Livermore. Ever since then volunteers have been giving freely of their time helping collect and organize the history of Livermore and the stories of its people. In the end it really is the story of the people in Livermore that bring the town’s history to life.

It is the people like you who donate their time to the Livermore Heritage Guild that allows us to collect and tell these stories. As an organization we tell these stories to young and old alike at the Carnegie Library Museum and Research Center, at the DUARTE GARAGE, with our traveling History Mobile, at the monthly History Talks and with our monthly newsletter. Each year 2500 hours are donated by our members, making this all happen.

It is important your experience with us is a pleasant one. We realize your time with us is a gift and we appreciate it. Whether you can donate one hour per month or ten it is all appreciated and we want you to feel it was worthwhile!

As a volunteer you probably have some questions, below we have tried to anticipate a few of these and provide answers.

Do I need to know all about Livermore’s history before I volunteer?

No, very few of us knew the town’s history when we first volunteered. During your time as a volunteer we hope you will become more familiar with Livermore’s history. We can provide assistance. We have extensive research capabilities at the Carnegie Library, and we will train you on their use and make them available to you.

Do I need to know how to operate a computer?

No, most research material is available in printed form. It is just faster to use the computer because of the speed and the ability to search many sources in a matter of minutes. If you would like to learn to use the computer aids, we are happy to train you.

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

As much as you feel comfortable with. We do ask that you sign up for specific duties and let us know when you will be available so we can plan ahead and schedule the proper resources and staff to support you. Depending on the hours and times you are available some volunteer opportunities may be more appropriate than others; we will need to discuss that with you.

Will I always be working with the same people who train me?

In the beginning we will try and have one person assigned to you as a “History Buddy”. This person will be your “go to person” and will assist you in anyway they can. Depending on the type of volunteer work you sign up for, they may be at all the functions you participate in or they may let you work more independently after a few days training. Some people’s jobs, such as Greeter, Docent, Exhibit Creator, Publicity, Speakers Bureau, or Garage Helper, will work more independently after they are trained. Other volunteer opportunities are with committees that meet as a group. In any case, you will be given a list of Officers in the Heritage Guild with contact information; they are all very helpful and available to assist you.

How do I let you know when I can be available?

We keep calendars at the Carnegie Library and the Duarte Garage that we ask volunteers to use as a sign-up sheet. We ask you sign your name and the hours you wish to work on the appropriate day or days on the calendar. Many of us check the calendars regularly to see who is doing what and when.

Does everyone sign up on the calendar?

No, committees use their own system to record volunteer hours and organize their activities. It is important all volunteer hours are recorded because the Heritage Guild can take credit when applying for grants as a “matching contribution”. We are allowed to translate volunteer hours at $15 an hour as a matching cash contribution when applying for certain types of grants.

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

Yes, we have a wide variety of volunteer opportunities and we want to make sure you feel comfortable with your experience with us. If you decide you want to try something different at anytime we should be able to accommodate your request. We ask that you give us some notice to adjust schedules and make any necessary arrangements. We will be happy to discuss this with you.

Volunteer work is supposed to be fun and rewarding. We appreciate the efforts of everyone and want you to know your contribution is important to use.

If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer, please contact our Office Manager, Lydia Carpenter, at (925) 449-9927 or by e-mail at lhg@lhg.org.