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

Dick Kottler giving a tour

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!

2021: Nancy Kruh

Nancy Kruh welcoming a guest
Nancy Kruh welcoming a guest

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
Lynn Nolan promoting a Musical Instrument Petting Zoo

 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

Dick Kottler and Bob Petersen in the Museum’s galleries
Dick Kottler and Bob Petersen in the Museum’s galleries

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

Front: Sallylou Cloyd, Jim Shaffer, and David Cloyd Back left: Former volunteer manager Dani McQuoid and Dick’s widow Carol
Front: Sallylou Cloyd, Jim Shaffer, and David Cloyd Back left: Former volunteer manager Dani McQuoid and Dick’s widow, Carol

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.

Join Our Volunteer Team!

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