John Walter Museum

Position Title:                       Costumed Volunteer Interpreter at the John Walter Museum.

                                                Individual Adult Volunteer (sole adult individual)

                                                Family Volunteer (parent or parents with children)

                                                Junior Volunteers (ages 12 to 17 years)

Purpose/Goals of Position: To provide authentic and educational insight into the history of the community of Walterdale, the Walter family and Edmonton through the use of costumed interpreters.     

Purpose/Goals of Unit: To enhance visitors experience at the John Walter Museum. To work with staff and other volunteers as a team to provide an engaging and authentic experience while on site.                                 

Responsibilities:

 - To attend all training sessions and orientations.

 - To provide excellent and quality customer service to a diverse range of visitors.

 - To authentically represent the lives of our ancestors through various programs.

 - To interpret specific facts and sources of information pertaining to the assigned historical era.

- To share experiences and directives with interpretative staff.

- To wear hair in a historically appropriate hairstyle.

- To use historically appropriate language onsite.

- To abide by and preserve building standards and artifacts.

Training & Supervision:  To work with the Education and Interpretation Programming Unit and Program Coordinator. Volunteers are required to attend orientation sessions, on site training, workshops, and will be provided with historical information.

 Requirements:  - Strong verbal communication.

                             - Willingness to learn and share new skills.

                             - Ability to work both independently and as part of a staffing team.

                             - Ability to work with people of all age groups.

                             - Curiosity and interest in human history and material culture.

                             - Knowledge of heritage crafts/trades would be an asset.

Health & Safety: Position may require performing physical activities to represent a historical lifestyle (i.e. hauling water and fire wood, being near wood burning stoves, etc.).  Individuals must wear historical costumes, hairstyles and conduct themselves in a historically appropriate manner.

Benefits: Partaking in the volunteer program at the John Walter Museum provides the opportunity to interact with a diverse group of people in a unique museum setting. The time spent in costume permits volunteers to gain hands on experience with Edmonton’s history and the material culture of the era. In addition, working in this environment leads to the acquisition of new skills and talents.  Volunteers will be included in the branch-wide volunteer appreciation program.

Time Commitment: 4 to 12 hours/month during regular operating seasonal hours (March through November).  Shift occurs on Sundays (March through November), Saturdays (July through September) and/or Tuesdays (July & August).