Volunteer at the Village

Supervisor: Public Programming Coordinator

Purpose: Interpretation Volunteers support Fanshawe Pioneer Village by working alone, or as part of a team to bring Fanshawe Pioneer Village to life, by portraying the 19th century rural Ontario lifestyle to visitors. Costumed interpreters share history , demonstrate, and offer hands on activities to visitors.

Historical Interpreters are often located in one of the buildings in the Heritage Village and are an important part of connecting with visitors and engaging the public.

Volunteers may specialize in the history and activities of a particular building or may demonstrate in the Village a heritage craft to share their skills and knowledge. The Village will train volunteers on our various spaces based on their interests and personal skills & experiences.

Interpretation Volunteers support Fanshawe Pioneer Village work during the museum’s open hours and during special events.

Volunteers with prior Trade and Artisan Trade experience may also be trained to demonstrate in one of the Heritage Trade buildings, including Blacksmith, Woodshop, Print Shop, Weaving Shed, Tinsmith, Harness Shop.

Duration of Position: The Interpretation Volunteer position is a seasonal placement. Interpretation Volunteers will be asked to commit to a minimum of 6 hours of volunteer time per month during the summer season (May – October). During the off-season (October to December), Interpretation Volunteers may continue to assist during ticketed special events.

Supervisor: Education Coordinator

Purpose: Working as part of a team, Education Volunteers work directly with schools, families, and groups visiting Fanshawe Pioneer Village. Education Volunteers will be involved in the delivery of Core and Special Education programs designed for students Grades JK – 12. Education Volunteers will assist Education Staff with set up/clean up and the development of Education Programming.

Education Volunteers may be interested in providing outreach. This opportunity would entail going out into the community and providing information about the village history, activities, buildings and artefacts. In addition, the volunteer will be responsible for pick up, transport, set up and tear down of exhibits and return of outreach exhibit material.

Note: Previous experience working or helping with children and youth is required. Preference is given to volunteers that already have experience as an Interpretation Volunteer at Fanshawe Pioneer Village. If you are new, it is recommended to apply under the Interpretation Volunteer position first.

Supervisor: Maintenance Coordinator

Purpose: Working alone, or as part of a team, the Garden Volunteer will create and maintain Fanshawe Pioneer Village’s heritage flower and vegetable gardens.

Key Responsibilities:

• Adhere to Fanshawe Pioneer Village’s Landscape Master Plan

• Attend or offer suggestions at seasonal Garden forum meetings.

Duration of Position: The Garden Volunteer position is a seasonal placement. The volunteer will commit to a minimum of 4 hours or more per month for the duration of the season (May – October).

Garden Days at the Village are Mondays during the season.

Supervisor: Maintenance Coordinator

Purpose: Working alone, or as part of a team, the Maintenance Volunteer in consultation with the Maintenance Coordinator, will assist with the overall maintenance of Fanshawe Pioneer Village’s site and support the activities of Gardener and Farm Volunteers.

Farm Volunteers are a sub-sect of the maintenance volunteers, with primary focus on the farming equipment and care of the Village’s farm fields. Note: prior farming experience or practical knowledge is required for farm volunteers.

Duration of Position: The Maintenance Volunteer position is a seasonal position, with the possibility of year long responsibilities.

Maintenance days are typically Mondays during the season, with additional opportunities during our shoulder (off) season.

Supervisor: Collections Coordinator

Purpose: Working alone, or as part of a team, the Curatorial Volunteer will assist with managing Fanshawe Pioneer Village’s artefact collection. This may include maintaining the Village’s collection of artefacts and artefact records including data entry, updating collection records, verifying location records, and cataloguing artefacts

This is a year round position. Curatorial Hours are Mondays-Fridays.

Please Note: Experience working with collections/artifacts and/or research experience is required. Fanshawe Pioneer Village volunteers in other departments may also apply to be a Curatorial Volunteer.

Supervisor: Public Programming Coordinator

Purpose: The Costume Volunteer will assist with creating and/or maintaining Fanshawe Pioneer Village’s reproduction costume collection and/or with the sewing and repair of necessity items needed through-out the Village.

Costume Volunteers assist with creation of costumes and/or necessity items. Adhere to sewing and construction methods that are time period appropriate for Fanshawe Pioneer Village. Assist with repair of costumes

This is a year round position. Hours are flexible, and can be done from the comfort of home!

Previous experience sewing is required.

To find out more information on joining our Board of Directors or a Community Committee please visit our Board & Committees Opportunity page.

A separate application is required.