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Two banner stands in hallway at service exhibit. each showcasing a story of service

Create Your Museum

Stories of service should be shared where they happen.

Every community has people and organizations who serve, and every community has the power to create a museum that celebrates service.

You already have what you need.

To create a museum or service, you don’t need a professional curator or a massive budget. Every community already has the three most important resources:

  1. People and groups committed to serving their communities.
  2. Places where people naturally gather, such as schools, libraries, and community centers.
  3. Local skills, talent, and passion to make your museum possible.
Group photo of five people near signs set up for museum exhibit

Types of museums

From school hallways to public libraries, you can turn everyday spaces into museums of service:

CEO of Rotary International John Hewko with others reading signs at NMCFS exhibit showcasing Rotary International

Community museums

These are uplifting museums located in public spaces like libraries, town halls, sports stadiums, businesses, and community centers, wherever people go in their daily lives.

Banner stands in English and Spanish on display at a service exhibit

Campus museums

These museums are created by students and faculty at K-12 schools and colleges.

Museums in action

Read all museum stories

Steps to create your museum

Every community has its own stories of service, talented individuals and public spaces to tell these stories. We are here to help you tell those stories. 

Step 1: Register your interest in creating a museum of service with NMCFS and join a national network of community curators.

Step 2: Build your team and identify your story, learn about service happening in your community. Utilize our free resources to help you identify partners, find your why and develop your story.

Step 3: Choose your locations: Identify public spaces in your community to host your museum, or exhibits (posters, structures, or digital displays).

Step 4: Access free templates: Log into the NMCFS resource portal for free templates and tools to help create your museum of service.

Step 5: Share your event: Select a launch date, and advertise your museum and events. Be sure to register with NMCFS.

Final Step: Launch and celebrate!

Just like that, you have started a local legacy for years to come!

Have questions? Need support? Connect with our programs team at [email protected].