Heritage Park Historical Village

Fibre Arts Demonstrator Volunteer Role

Share Your Craft, Bring History to Life

Step back in time and showcase your passion for fibre arts! As a Fibre Arts Demonstrator, you’ll be part of a dedicated interpretation team that animates Heritage Park’s exhibits through live demonstrations of historical handicrafts. This role is a unique opportunity to share your love of traditional crafting while enriching guests' understanding of Western Canada’s early settlement history.

Whether you’re an experienced artisan or eager to learn, you’ll play a vital role in connecting visitors to the past through hands-on heritage skills.

Role Overview

Under the direction of the Exhibit Lead Hands, Fibre Arts Demonstrators help bring historical exhibits to life by demonstrating period-appropriate crafts and interacting with guests. Your demonstrations will showcase traditional skills, offer historical insights, and invite visitors to appreciate the artistry and resourcefulness of early settlers.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Engage guests by showcasing fibre arts techniques, such as knitting, spinning, embroidery, or quilting. Share the history, significance, and uses of the craft within the context of early Western Canadian life.
• Greet visitors warmly, answer questions, and provide thoughtful explanations of the activity you're demonstrating.
• Learn and share basic information about the exhibit space, including the historical context and significance of the items on display.

• Sign in and out on My Impact and check in/out at the Prep Room.
• Attend the morning meeting (for morning shifts) led by Public Programming Specialists for daily updates.
• Notify the Lead Hands in advance if unable to attend a scheduled shift.

Expectations

To thrive in this role, volunteers should:

• Have a passion for crafting and some existing skill (or enthusiasm to learn new skills while volunteering).
• Be friendly, approachable, and patient when answering guest questions or explaining crafting techniques.
• Wear period-appropriate costumes (provided by Heritage Park) and represent the time period of the exhibit.
• Understand the Park layout, daily activities, and top guest questions to enhance the visitor experience.

Examples of Fibre Arts

Volunteers can demonstrate a variety of historical fibre arts techniques, including:

• Knitting, spinning, crochet, tatting, lace making, and embroidery
• Quilting (hand quilting, sewing on a treadle machine, quilting on a frame)
• Rug hooking, braided rag rug making, darning socks, and needlepoint
• Finger weaving (e.g., l’Assomption Sash), loom weaving, and more

The activity must fit the time period of the exhibit, and volunteers are welcome to share their ideas for additional crafts with the Lead Hands!

Note: Materials for Fibre Art projects can be provided by the park for the volunteer to work on while volunteering. All projects made by the volunteer with park materials belong to Heritage Park and are required to stay on park. If a volunteer wishes to bring their own project to the park, they are required to have their materials vetted by a Programming Specialist before they bring them to the park to ensure historical accuracy and relevance.

Training and Support

All Fibre Arts Demonstrators receive comprehensive training to ensure they are prepared for their role:

• Interpretation Training:
• Attend volunteer training sessions to learn about historical interpretation techniques and guest engagement.
• Exhibit Resources: Access exhibit site binders and profiles for historical context and research materials.
• On-Site Mentorship: Receive ongoing support and feedback from Site Interpreters and Lead Hands to build confidence in your demonstrations.

Time Commitment:

• Volunteers are asked to commit to one shift per week during the season (May – September). 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 typically last 4 hours, from 9:45 AM – 1:15 PM or 1:15 PM – 5:00 PM.
  • Full day is also available from 9:45AM – 5:00PM (with 30 minute lunch break and 15 minute afternoon break)

• 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 historically accurate costumes and designates appropriate footwear.
• Fibre Art Supplies: Volunteers are welcome to bring their own historically accurate supplies (which remain their property) or use materials provided by Heritage Park (which will remain Park property).

Identified Risks and Hazards

Volunteers will be briefed on safety protocols to mitigate potential risks, including:

• Trips, slips, and falls on uneven ground or boardwalks
• Strains from prolonged standing or repetitive motions
• Eye strain from intricate fibre work
• Exposure to wood smoke (in certain exhibit areas)
• Burns from hot metal or flame (if working near open fires or heated tools)

Volunteers are trained in safety protocols to help mitigate these risks and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience.

Ready to Share Your Craft and Keep History Alive?

If you love fibre arts and want to share your passion while immersing yourself in history, we’d love to have you on the team! Click the apply button and start your journey as a Fibre Arts Demonstrator at Heritage Park.