We Value You
Benefits and Perks
Benefits and Perks: We Value You
We appreciate our volunteers and recognize their contributions and gifts of time. As a Museum volunteer, you’ll experience a friendly environment, learn new skills, make new friends, and create lifelong memories. You’ll also receive these additional benefits and perks:
- Free admission to the Museum
- Free tour of RCA Studio B and Hatch Show Print
- Discounts in Museum stores and restaurants
- Free parking while volunteering
- Flexible self-scheduling and volunteer opportunities every day of the week
- Ongoing learning opportunities
- Access to online training materials
- Invitations to private Museum events
- Invitations to social events with fellow volunteers and Museum staff
- Recognition for your hourly, yearly, and significant service
Dick Kottler Volunteer Award
About the Award
In 2018, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum lost a longtime friend, Dick Kottler, to cancer. Dick joined our volunteer team after retiring from a successful career in the aerospace industry and immediately made his presence felt. Wherever help was needed, he stepped forward.
In honor of Dick’s tremendous contribution to the Museum’s mission, a special seat forever bears his name in the CMA Theater, the Museum’s state-of-the-art venue for live concert performances. Volunteers who donate 10 years and 1,200 hours of service in support of the Museum are bestowed the Dick Kottler Award in his memory and receive a special gold-embroidered volunteer vest and their names enshrined on a seat in the CMA Theater.
Dick Kottler Award Recipients
Not unlike Dick Kottler, these exceptional volunteers have touched all areas of the Museum. We are grateful for their friendship and unwavering support. Congratulations to our Dick Kottler Award recipients!
2024: Joe Haase, Julie Bayhi, Larry Johnson, and Lindsey Read
Joe Haase joined the volunteer team in 2004 and has spent more than two decades inspiring students and adults as a dedicated school tour guide, sparking curiosity and deepening their appreciation for America’s musical heritage. He plays a vital role in training new school tour guides, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience to help them feel confident and prepared. As a Rotunda Attendant, Joe delights visitors by sharing stories that bring the Museum’s history to life.
Since 2011, Julie Bayhi has shared her passion for teaching and country music history with students and guests from around the world. A retired high school teacher, she brings lessons to life through engaging tours that captivate both young learners and adults alike. Beyond her exceptional work as a tour guide, Julie generously mentors new school tour guides, offering her expertise and encouragement as they develop their skills. Whether warmly welcoming guests at Front Greet or in the Country Music Hall of Fame Rotunda, Julie’s dedication and joyful spirit shine through in every interaction.
Volunteering with the Museum since 2014, Larry Johnson brings warmth and a love of music to everything he does. He has been an indispensable part of Youth and Family Programs—especially during beloved Musical Instrument Petting Zoos—where he invites guests of all ages to explore music-making while ensuring each instrument is performance-ready. Larry’s impact extends well beyond these programs: he enthusiastically promotes the Museum’s Public Programs, greets guests at the main entrance, supports the team at Hatch Show Print with his trademark friendliness and humor, and represents the Museum with pride at community outreach events.
Lindsey Read became a Museum volunteer in 2014 and has been a cherished part of the team ever since, sharing her deep love for country music and the Museum in everything she does. As a school tour guide, she has inspired countless students with her enthusiasm for the art form the Museum celebrates every day. Now, she channels that same passion into encouraging guests to attend weekly Songwriter Sessions, helping ensure each artist is welcomed by a warm and engaged audience.
2021: Nancy Kruh
Since 2011, Nancy Kruh has generously donated her expert writing, editing, and research skills to the Museum. Her contributions can be found in many of the Museum’s curriculum materials including the award-winning Words & Music program, which she enthusiastically supports. As a captivating tour guide, Nancy also shares her vast knowledge of country music history with students, Museum donors, music industry contacts, and teachers who participate in professional development workshops.
2020: Lynn Nolan
Lynn Nolan has that special something that automatically makes you feel right at home and puts a smile on your face. Lynn can be found volunteering throughout the Museum. She fearlessly entices guests to participate in the Museum’s fun and lively programming and makes every guest feel special and welcome. We’ve been fortunate to have Lynn on the Museum’s volunteer team since 2010.
2019: Bob Petersen
Since joining the Museum in 2008, Bob Petersen has been the epitome of warmth and hospitality, which he extends to everyone he sees. Bob has been a knowledgeable school tour guide, left his creative mark as a video camera operator as part of our “Capture” program back in the day, and has most recently been a friendly ambassador welcoming guests to the Museum.
2018: Jim Shaffer, Sallylou and David Cloyd
Jim Shaffer’s volunteer career at the Museum began in 2002. If there was an additional way Jim could lend a hand—create tour guide materials (check), lead as a volunteer captain (check), or help take photos (check that one, too)—he identified it and took it on. His love of music and joy for helping others is readily apparent, and everyone who meets him is richer for the experience.
Husband-and-wife team, Sallylou and David Cloyd, are volunteers extraordinaire. From leading numerous VIP and school tours, to helping the CEO’s office compile board reports, Sallylou and David have been huge supporters of the Museum’s mission since 2008, and we are big fans of theirs.