Heritage Park Historical Village

Exhibit Host Volunteer Role

Share Your Passion for History and Create Lasting Memories for Guests!

As an Exhibit Host, you’ll play a key role in connecting visitors with the history of Western Canada. Working alongside Heritage Park’s Public Interpretation team, you’ll help bring historical exhibits to life by welcoming guests, sharing stories, and answering questions. Whether you're stationed in a Cottage Hospital, a Victorian house, the Post Office, or demonstrating a trade, your presence helps guests step back in time and experience living history firsthand.

Role Overview

Under the direction of the Exhibit Lead Hands and in collaboration with the Interpretation Team, Exhibit Hosts assist in interpreting one or more exhibits throughout the Park. This role involves greeting visitors, answering questions, and using various interpretive techniques to enhance the guest experience. Your enthusiasm and dedication help guests gain a deeper appreciation for Western Canada’s rich heritage.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Greet guests warmly and make them feel welcome in the exhibit(s).
• Answer basic questions about the exhibit’s history and artifacts.

• Support the Historical Interpreter Staff in delivering programming, including informal guided tours of the exhibit, hands-on activities or demonstrations.

• Ensure the proper care and handling of artifacts and exhibit materials.
• Help manage visitor flow and provide crowd control when needed.
• If there is no Door Host, the Exhibit Host is responsible for counting the number of guests into the exhibit using a hand-held counter and relaying the number at the end of their shift to the Interpreter Staff
• Appear in period-appropriate costume (supplied by the Park)
• Stay informed about the Park’s layout, daily activities, and special events.

• 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 succeed as an Exhibit Host, you should:

• Enjoy interacting with people and have excellent communication skills.
• Maintain a friendly, courteous demeanor when engaging with guests and staff.
• Be willing to learn and share historical information related to the exhibit(s).
• Feel comfortable standing for long periods and moving around the exhibit area.
• Be adaptable and ready to support various needs within the exhibit space.

A note: There are some exhibits where no staff are present – if a volunteer wishes to be an Exhibit Host at those sites, they must complete a mentoring period before being permitted to sign up for solo exhibits.

Knowledge of Heritage Park or Western Canadian history is an asset but not required — we’ll provide all the training you need!

Training and Support

Heritage Park is committed to setting volunteers up for success! All Exhibit Hosts receive thorough training, which includes:

• Interpretation Training: Learn about the Public Interpretation Department, exhibit history, and guest engagement techniques.
• Exhibit Resources: Gain access to site binders, exhibit profiles, and historical research materials.
• On-Site Mentoring: Receive hands-on support and guidance from experienced Site Interpreters and Lead Hands.

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 period-appropriate costumes to enhance historical accuracy.
• Footwear: Volunteers provide their own footwear as approved by the Costuming Department.

Identified Risks and Hazards

• Trips, slips, and falls on uneven ground or boardwalks.
• Strains from prolonged standing or walking.
• Exposure to extreme weather conditions.
• Exposure to wood smoke (in exhibits with working stoves or fireplaces).
• Burns from hot metal or flames (in applicable exhibit areas).

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

Why Volunteer as an Exhibit Host?

By volunteering as an Exhibit Host, you become part of a passionate community dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Western Canada. You’ll develop valuable skills, make meaningful connections, and contribute to creating unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages. Plus, you’ll enjoy benefits like free parking, access to historical training materials, and the opportunity to earn a membership pass through accumulated volunteer hours.

Ready to bring history to life? Join us as an Exhibit Host and help make every guest’s visit to Heritage Park a memorable journey through time!