About the Site: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C. honors the legacy of the renowned civil rights activist and preacher. The Memorial is on a four-acre site in West Potomac Park, situated symbolically between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials. It features the “Stone of Hope,” a twenty-eight-foot statue of Dr. King emerging from the “Mountain of Despair.” The Memorial also includes 182 cherry trees, which bloom each year around the anniversary of Dr. King's assassination on April 4th. The site inspires visitors with themes of justice, peace, and righteousness, reflecting Dr. King's vision and speeches.
Location: Volunteers can utilize the Volunteer Desk and Storage at the Memorial’s Bookstore, located to the west of the Memorial. Here, there are maps, brochures, and resources that volunteers may use to support visitors. Volunteers are encouraged to rove the entirety of the Memorial to interact with visitors. The Volunteer Desk and Window can be used when the weather is not suitable for volunteer roving.
Responsibilities: Welcome and engage with visitors. Share the history and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement. Interpret the Memorial’s design features. Support visitor navigation, wayfinding, and trip planning. Monitor the site for maintenance needs and report them to program staff. Keep the Memorial tidy, as needed. Distribute maps and memorial brochures. Distribute Junior Ranger books and swear-in Junior Rangers. Help visitors with National Park Service passport stamps. Share information about the surrounding area and resources. Inform visitors of basic memorial etiquette as is helpful.
