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About

About Us

Volunteering

Volunteers are the life force of the Heritage Society. The Society is directed by a group of dedicated volunteers, and in every facet of it's work, volunteers are critical. Our volunteers are a diverse and talented group of people who enjoy sharing their knowledge and experience with others, giving back to their community, and preserving the heritage of the Eastern Shore for generations to come.

If you have any questions about volunteering that aren’t answered in the sections below, please get in touch: volunteer@visitmemorylane.ca
 

Why Volunteer?

•   Become part of a warm, welcoming and vibrant volunteer team
•   Meet new people who share your interests
•   Help preserve heritage
•   Support the local community through your time, skills and experience
•   Get to see behind the scenes at a heritage attraction
•   Receive training and develop skills related to your role(s)
•   Gain experience for your resume
•   Earn hours towards school/group community service requirements


How to Apply

Complete either an Expression of Interest form (linked below)

or

Pick up a paper copy from the Hosking General Store at the Heritage Village. The form asks about your volunteering interests, your availability, and your skills and experience. For those 18 and under you will need to include a contact for a parent or legal guardian.

Once we receive your form we’ll contact you for a chat about your volunteering interests and what role(s) might be the best fit. Depending on the time of year and the number of volunteer applications we receive, it may take us a little while to get in touch - we appreciate your patience.
 

Expression of Interest Forms:

•   Adult Volunteer - Expression of Interest Form
•   Youth Volunteer - Expression of Interest Form


Opportunities

We have volunteering opportunities for everyone - adults (19+), youth (18 and under) and families looking to volunteer together - along with many ways to contribute, from maintenance work to animation (costumed interpretation), historical research to event help.

Volunteer time commitment is completely flexible and there is never any pressure to volunteer when you’re unable to.

Click on a volunteer stream below to learn more about the types of roles available.
(Please note that some adult volunteer roles may require a Criminal Records Check.)

Adult Volunteer Streams

•   Admin & Organizational Support (pdf)
•   Animation & Interpretation (pdf)
•   Archives & Collections (pdf)
•   Communications & Marketing (pdf)
•   Cookhouse & Kitchen Help (pdf)
•   Event Help (pdf)
•   Maintenance (pdf)


Youth Volunteer Streams

•   Admin & Organizational Support (pdf)
•   Animation & Interpretation (pdf)
•   Archives & Collections (pdf)
•   Communications & Marketing (pdf)
•   Cookhouse & Kitchen Help (pdf)
•   Event Help (pdf)
•   Maintenance (pdf)

 

Accessibility

A 1940s aesthetic, with modern values...

The Heritage Society encourages and celebrates diversity in our community of volunteer “Villagers” as well as our visitors. We welcome folks from all walks of life.

If you’re a person with a disability or an additional need, please feel free to let us know when you enquire about volunteering. We will do everything we can to provide the support you need to volunteer. We’ll match you with a role that meets your interests, skills and abilities.

Have a question or concern?
Please reach out to us at volunteer@visitmemorylane.ca and we would love to start a discussion!
 

Benefits

As a thank you for their time and effort, all volunteers receive the following:

•   Free Cookhouse meal on volunteering days (Jun-Sept, and during special event / designated volunteering days)
•   Invitation (with plus one) to Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

For 10+ volunteer hours in a year, a free Heritage Society membership which includes:

•   Free admission to Memory Lane Heritage Village (including most special event days)
•   Ability to vote at all meetings of the Society
•   10% off Cookhouse Chow, Special Event Meals, and Heritage Dinners
•   Discounted pricing on many evening events and Heritage Village branded merchandise
 

Resources

Current and prospective volunteers can review our Volunteer Policy to familiarize themselves with the operation guidelines of the Society’s volunteer program. This policy establishes the standards governing the program including volunteer screening, the rights and responsibilities of volunteers, as well as the responsibilities of the Heritage Society towards volunteers.

The Heritage Society operates for the public good and manages a large collection of artifacts and archives in the public trust. All volunteers should review the Heritage Society's adopted Ethics Guidelines as written by the Canadian Museums Association.

In the autumn of 2023, as part of the Volunteer Revitalization & Sustainability Project, the Heritage Society conducted a consultation to learn more about how we can further support our community of volunteers. We have compiled a Summary Report (see below) of our findings. These findings will be used to shape our Volunteer Management Strategy.

LCAHS Volunteer Revitalization Project - Summary Report (pdf)