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 provide demonstrations and offer hands on activities to visitors through approved demonstrations and activities (i.e. trades, domestic, foodways, agricultural).

Interpretation Volunteers may specialize in the history and activities of a particular building or craft so they can hone their skills and knowledge. Interpretation Volunteers support Fanshawe Pioneer Village work during the museum’s open hours and during special events.

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: 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 and Public Programming 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 suggestion 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).

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 repair and maintenance as well as the care of the Village’s farm fields.

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

Supervisor: Public Programming Coordinator

Purpose: The Skilled Trades & Artisan Volunteer supports Fanshawe Pioneer Village by working alone, or as part of a team to assist in bringing the Village alive by portraying the 19th Century rural Ontario lifestyles to visitors. The Artisan Interpreter is responsible for interpreting a 19th century trade or craft through explanation and demonstration. This position is a subsect of the Interpretation Volunteer.

Artisan Volunteers may also specialize in the history and activities of a particular building in which is linked to their craft or trade and in this way bring an expertise to the work that they do within the village. Artisan Volunteers work during regular days in the village and at special events.

An Artisan trade may be one of the following:

Blacksmith, Carpenter, Tinsmith, Printer, Quilter, Weaver, Spinner, Lace Maker etc.

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.

Please Note: Preference is for volunteers that have already volunteers at Fanshawe Pioneer Village, or have previous curatorial experience.

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!