Heritage Park Historical Village

Townsfolk Volunteer Role

Step into the Past and Bring History to Life!

As a Townsfolk volunteer, you’ll embody the spirit of the early 20th century, developing a unique character from 1910 and engaging guests through immersive living history experiences. Under the guidance of the Artistic Liaison, you’ll perform in character, interact with visitors, and help them connect with Western Canada’s vibrant past in a truly memorable way.

Role Overview

Townsfolk volunteers create a living, breathing historical atmosphere in the Park by portraying fictional or composite characters from 1910. Under the direction of the Artistic Production Coordinator and Character Lead Hand, the volunteer Townsfolk will develop a 1910’s character and actively participate in a related scenario in order to engage guests and provide them with an opportunity to experience living history. Such scenarios include playing the role of suffragettes petitioning the town, croquet enthusiasts, settlers travelling west, the town barber, the town busybody, a young newsgirl/boy, and the clerk at the Munson Bank.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Attend Townsfolk training sessions and complete assigned character development homework.
• Participate in Public Programming spring training sessions.
• Greet and interact with guests in character, maintaining period-appropriate language, customs, and deportment.
• To be involved in at least one of the assigned stations in the position summary and to commit to developing a character for that particular station.
• To perform to the best of your ability your character in the assigned station.
• To continuously develop your character and find new approaches to hooking people into the activity you are doing.
• Use creative approaches to engage guests in historical activities or conversations.
• Stay informed about the Park map, daily activities, and general Heritage Park information.

Expectations

The ideal Townsfolk volunteer:

• Has theatrical or public speaking experience (or a willingness to learn).
• Is comfortable improvising and taking creative risks within historical boundaries.
• Enjoys interacting with people and can stay in character during guest interactions.
• Is eager to research and develop a historical character over time.

Knowledge of Heritage Park and Western Canadian history is an asset but not required — we’ll provide training to help you succeed!

Training and Support

Heritage Park is dedicated to providing volunteers with the tools they need to thrive. Townsfolk volunteers receive specialized training, including:

• Townsfolk Training Sessions: Focused on character development, improvisation, and historical accuracy.
• Public Programming Training: Learn about guest engagement, Park operations, and exhibit interpretation.
• Mentorship: Ongoing support and guidance from the Artistic Liaison and experienced interpreters.

Time Commitment:

• Volunteers are asked to commit to one shift per week or 50 hrs during the season (May – October). This commitment helps maintain continuity in historical interpretation and reflects the care put into training and outfitting volunteers in accurate, high-quality period costumes.
• Shifts vary depending on exhibit needs, but typically last 4 hours from 10:00AM - 2:00PM and 2:00PM - 5:00PM.
• Full-day shifts (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM) with breaks are also available.
• Shifts are available daily from May through Labour Day, and on weekends only from Labour Day to Thanksgiving.

Clothing and Equipment

• Costumes: Heritage Park provides period-appropriate costumes to enhance historical authenticity.
• Footwear: Volunteers provide their own footwear as approved by the Costuming Department.
• Props: The Park supplies props relevant to your character and scenario.

Identified Risks and Hazards

• Trips, slips, and falls on uneven ground or boardwalks.
• Strains from prolonged standing or walking.
• Exposure to extreme weather conditions.

Safety protocols and training are in place to mitigate these risks and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience.

Why Volunteer as a Townsfolk?

Volunteering as a Townsfolk is a unique opportunity to blend history and performance, enriching guests’ understanding of the past while honing your theatrical and storytelling skills. You’ll join a passionate community of volunteers, contribute to preserving Western Canada’s heritage, and create lasting memories for visitors of all ages.

Ready to step into character and make history come alive? Join us as a Townsfolk volunteer and help turn Heritage Park into a vibrant, living time capsule of 1910!