The Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage needs capable and enthusiastic volunteers before, during, and after its annual Folklife Festival, which will be held on the National Mall Wednesday, June 24 through Sunday, June 28 and Wednesday, July 1 through Sunday, July 5.

Volunteers for "Giving Voice" will assist program participants with the presentation of African American oral traditions as the Smithsonian prepares for the 2015 opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Volunteers supporting the "Las Américas" program will help artists from the United States and Latin America feature a myriad of musical styles from throughout the Americas. Volunteers for the "Wales Smithsonian Cymru" program will help the Festival's Welsh participants share their rich culture and heritage, presenting connections between traditional culture, new technologies, and national efforts for sustainability. Volunteers also are needed to support a wide variety of other areas, including the Marketplace (the Festival's retail venue), information kiosks, and with the Festival recycling program.

Certified American Sign Language interpreters and volunteers who speak Spanish or Welsh are especially needed. More information on all the volunteer opportunities and an application are available here or by contacting volunteer coordinator Laura Jenkins at jenkinsl@si.edu or (202) 633-6484.