Volunteer Form
  • Volunteer Form

  • Join Us as a Volunteer and Be Part of a Bradenton Tradition!

    Since 1939, the Crewe of De Soto and our parent organization, the Hernando De Soto Historical Society has proudly served the Manatee County community through a wide variety of events and programs that preserve local history, promote cultural exchange, and bring people together in celebration. From large-scale parades and festivals to educational outreach and community service, our work depends on the support and energy of dedicated volunteers.

    As our calendar of events continues to grow, we are actively seeking enthusiastic individuals who would like to get involved and make a difference. Whether you're a student looking to earn volunteer hours, a retiree eager to stay active in the community, or simply someone who loves local traditions, we welcome all skill levels and backgrounds.

    Volunteers are needed in many areas—including event setup and logistics, hospitality, float building, merchandise sales, parade coordination, and more. No matter how much time you can give, your help is meaningful and appreciated.

    Join us and become part of a passionate team that makes some of Manatee County’s most beloved traditions come to life.  Volunteer benefits include discounted admission to De Soto events, member pricing for festival week experiences, and access to exclusive, members-only events.

    Together, we’ll continue to build community, celebrate heritage, and make memories that last a lifetime.


    Ready to get started?  Sign up below!

  • Join the Tradition – Become a De Soto Volunteer!

    Since 1939, the Hernando De Soto Historical Society has proudly served the Bradenton community by celebrating local history, fostering cultural exchange, and producing some of the area’s most beloved events—including the De Soto Heritage Festival and Grand Parade. These efforts wouldn’t be possible without the passion and dedication of our volunteers.

    Now, we’re inviting YOU to be part of this tradition.

    As a volunteer, you’ll have the chance to get involved in a wide variety of exciting activities throughout the year—from helping at family-friendly events and community fundraisers to assisting behind the scenes at major festival productions. Whether you have a few hours to spare or want to be hands-on year-round, we welcome your time and talents.

    Volunteer Benefits Include:

    Discounted admission to all De Soto events

    Member pricing for festival experiences

    Access to exclusive, members-only events

    You’ll also gain a meaningful connection to the community, form new friendships, and help preserve and promote Manatee County’s rich history.

    If you’re looking for a fun and rewarding way to give back—while enjoying some of Bradenton’s biggest traditions—we’d love to have you on board.

    Sign up today and help us keep the spirit of De Soto alive for generations to come!
    Visit www.DeSotoHQ.com or contact us directly to learn more.

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  • HOLD HARMLESS & RELEASE OF LIABILITY

    I hereby express that, I freely desire to provide volunteer services and engage in activities related to serving as a volunteer by performing associated duties and release the HERNANDO DE SOTO HISTORICAL SOCIETY, a non-profit corporation, organized and existing under the laws of the State of Florida, and each of its staff, directors, officers, agents, and sponsors.  A Volunteer is defined as, someone who is providing manual labor and or assistance at events organized by the HERNANDO DE SOTO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

    As a volunteer, I understand that the scope of a volunteer’s relationship is limited to a volunteer position only and that no compensation is expected in return for services provided. The HERNANDO DE SOTO HISTORICAL SOCIETY will not provide any benefits traditionally associated with employmentand that I am responsible for my own insurance coverage in the event of personal injury or illness as a result of volunteer services.

    Therefore:
    (1) Waiver and Release: I, the volunteer, release and forever discharge and hold harmless the HERNANDO DE SOTO HISTORICAL SOCIETY and assigns form any and all liability, claims, demands of whatever kind of nature, either in law or in equity, which arise or may hereafter arise for the services I, the volunteer, provide to the HERNANDO DE SOTO HISTORICAL SOCIETY. I understand and acknowledge that this Waiver and Release discharges the HERNANDO DE SOTO HISTORICAL SOCIETY from liability or claims that I may have against the HERNANDO DE SOTO HISTORICAL SOCIETY with respect to bodily injury, illness, death, or property damage that may result from the services that I provide to the HERNANDO DE SOTO HISTORICAL SOCIETY or occurring while I am providing volunteer services.

    (2) Insurance: Further, I understand that the HERNANDO DE SOTO HISTORICAL SOCIETY does NOT assume any responsibility for or obligation to provide me, the volunteer, with financial or other assistance, including but not limited to medical health or disability benefits or insurance of any nature in the event of such injury or medical expenses incurred by me.

    (3) Medical Treatment: I hereby release and forever discharge the HERNANDO DE SOTO HISTORICAL SOCIETY from any claim whatsoever which may arise or may hereafter arise on account of any first-aid treatment or other medical services rendered in connection with any emergency during my tenure as a volunteer with the HERNANDO DE SOTO HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

    (4) Assumption and Risk: I hereby expressly assume the risk of injury or harm from volunteer activities and release the HERNANDO DE SOTO HISTORICAL SOCIETY from all liability for injury, illness, death or property damage resulting from the services that I provide as a volunteer or occurring while I am providing volunteer services.

    (5) Photographic Release: I grant and convey to the HERNANDO DE SOTO HISTORICAL SOCIETY all the right, title, and interests in any and all photographs, images, video, or audio recordings of me or my likeness or voice made by the HERNANDO DE SOTO HISTORICAL SOCIETY in connections with my providing volunteer services.

    (6) Dress Code and Professionalism: As a volunteer with the HERNANDO DE SOTO HISTORICAL SOCIETY you are a representative of the organization and personal cleanliness and good grooming are essential. Your personal appearance and dress should be clean, neat and professional at all times. Your conduct should also be professional. Foul language and rowdiness will NOT be tolerated.

    (7) Other: As a volunteer, I expressly agree that this Waiver and Release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the laws of the state of Florida and that this Release shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the state. I agree that in the event that any clause or provision of this Waiver and Release is deemed invalid, the enforceability of the remaining provisions of this release shall not be affected.

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