As Canada’s largest living history museum, Heritage Park invites visitors to explore Western Canada’s past through historical exhibits, costumed interpretation and hands-on demonstrations.

Interpretation Volunteers help bring that history to life. Through storytelling, conversation, demonstrations, music and immersive experiences, they help guests connect with the people, skills and everyday experiences represented throughout the Park.

The Interpretation volunteer program is supported by Heritage Park’s Interpretation team.

What Interpretation Volunteers Do

• Welcome guests and invite them to explore Heritage Park’s stories
• Share accurate historical information in an engaging and approachable way
• Use conversation, storytelling, demonstrations or role-play to connect with visitors
• Answer questions and adapt the experience to different ages, interests and backgrounds
• Learn about the history, people and time period connected with an assigned role or exhibit
• Work alongside staff and other volunteers to create an immersive guest experience

Explore Interpretation Roles

Interpretation offers a range of roles for different interests, skills and comfort levels. Available opportunities may vary from year to year based on program needs and capacity.

Exhibit Host

Welcome guests, answer questions and share the stories connected with one or more historical exhibits.

Townsfolk

Develop a historically inspired character and interact with guests through immersive role-play.

Fibre Arts Demonstrator

Demonstrate period-appropriate skills such as knitting, spinning, embroidery, quilting or weaving.

Exhibit Musician

Perform period- and site-appropriate music that adds to the atmosphere of Heritage Park’s exhibits.

Trades Demonstrator

Share traditional trades, tools and skills with guests through demonstrations and conversation.

Telegrapher

Learn and demonstrate railway Morse code while sharing the history of telegraphy at Heritage Park.

Exhibit Door Host

Welcome visitors, support guest flow and serve as a friendly first point of contact at an exhibit.

Encampment Volunteer

Support the sharing of the cultures, traditions and histories of the local Treaty 7 Nations.

This Program May Be a Good Fit If You

• Enjoy learning, researching or talking about history
• Like meeting people and sharing information
• Have a traditional skill, craft or musical interest you would enjoy demonstrating
• Are interested in storytelling, performance or immersive role-play
• Can commit to training and regular participation throughout the season
• Are comfortable working with guests of different ages and backgrounds

Training and Support

Interpretation Volunteers receive role-specific training before beginning their assignments. Training generally takes place during the first two weeks of May and varies according to the role and the volunteer’s previous experience.

Training may include historical research, interpretive techniques, hands-on practice, mentoring and access to exhibit profiles, research materials and other role-specific resources.

Scheduling and Commitment

Interpretation Volunteers are generally asked to contribute at least 50 hours during the May to September season. Regular participation helps volunteers strengthen their knowledge and skills while supporting continuity in the guest experience.

Available schedules vary by role and exhibit. Specific opportunities and shift details are shared with trained volunteers through MyImpact.

Costuming and Working Conditions

• Heritage Park provides period-appropriate costuming for costumed Interpretation roles.
• Volunteers provide their own footwear as approved by the Costume Department.
• Many roles involve standing or walking for extended periods over uneven ground and boardwalks.
• Assignments may take place outdoors or in non-climate-controlled historical exhibits.
• Depending on the role, volunteers may encounter wood smoke, working stoves, historical tools or repetitive motions.
• Role-specific safety information and training are provided before volunteering.