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Volunteer Call: Santa Monica Conservancy Seeks Ambassadors of History for the 150th Anniversary Celebration
Conservancy docents (Michelle, Ellen, Anita) at the outreach table at State of the City, before hosting tours of the Historic Miles Playhouse.
[FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE] Santa Monica, CA – The Santa Monica Conservancy is looking for volunteers to tell the stories of Santa Monica’s most iconic and beloved sites in celebration of the city’s 150th anniversary.
Volunteer opportunities range from conducting guided tours of historic places like Main Street and the Marion Davies Guest House (at Annenberg Community Beach House) to writing stories about the city’s colorful history for the Conservancy newsletter.
“Working with volunteers has been one of the most meaningful parts of my journey,” says Alissa Reid, the Conservancy’s community outreach coordinator. “Each person brings their own story, passion, and reason for wanting to preserve the history of this city. I’m constantly reminded how deeply people care about the places that have shaped their lives.”
Community Outreach Coordinator Alissa Reid and Communications Association Melina Castorillo host check-in member event including a guided tour of a historic Cecil Gale home.
Volunteers who complete at least four events annually are eligible for a complimentary Conservancy membership, which includes access to member-only events and special guided tours of historic places throughout Los Angeles and beyond.
Volunteers are needed at the following Conservancy events:
- Doors Open California: Explore a Tiny Home Turned Local Landmark! | Sept. 13–14, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (2520 Second Street)
Tour the Historic Shotgun House during Doors Open, a statewide celebration of over 70 historic sites. Built in 1897, the tiny house was saved from demolition by local community members and now serves as the Conservancy’s headquarters. - Route 66 Centennial Exhibition | POSTPONED TO 2026 (2520 Second Street)
Commemorate 100 years of Route 66 with a special exhibition at the Shotgun House. - Untold Stories: The History of the Marquez-Reyes Family with Sharon Reyes | Oct. 8, Reception: 5:00 p.m. (2520 Second Street) • Talk: 6:30 p.m. (Ocean Park Library) An evening of storytelling with Marquez-Reyes family member Sharon Reyes and historian Nina Fresco, highlighting the impact of Mexican American families in Santa Monica through rare photos and family stories.
The Conservancy has many ongoing volunteer opportunities:
- Guided tours, highlighting Santa Monica’s architectural and cultural landmarks, including the Main Street Walk, Downtown Walking Tour, Shotgun House Tour, and Tour of Marion Davies Guest House at Annenberg Community Beach House.
- Gardening at the historic Shotgun House Native Plant Garden, led by garden expert and docent Hilda Weiss, who also brings volunteers on field trips to local nurseries!
- Writers’ Circle, where volunteers collaborate with the Conservancy’s communications team to craft stories and relay news on architectural preservation, local history, and cultural events shared with over 4,000 subscribers.
To learn more about volunteering at the Santa Monica Conservancy, contact Community Outreach Coordinator Alissa Reid at alissa@smconservancy.org.
Docent Patty Godon-Tann shows a visitor a miniature version of the Shotgun House (Doors Open California 2024).
Hilda and Mya host a Seedball workshop at the Shotgun House Garden dedication to Doris Sosin.
About the Santa Monica Conservancy
The Santa Monica Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to celebrating the city’s historic places and cultural heritage. Through walking tours, educational programs, and community events, the Conservancy helps foster deeper connections between residents, visitors, and the stories that shape Santa Monica.
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