Volunteering

Why Volunteer?

Meet new people and help bring the community together!
 Have fun! Bring your friends, children or even grandchildren with you to volunteer!

Enjoy free admission and a meal coupon on the day you volunteer!

Become a Volunteer

A variety of volunteer opportunities are available throughout the year.

Winter school program interpreters (February to April)

Spring and summer school program interpreters (May – September)

Tour guides (May – September)

Events: parking, baking, interpreters, food services and others

Daytime Education Program Volunteer

Type: Labour
Period: Year-round

Overview

Daytime Education Program Volunteers are volunteers who have daytime availability to volunteer in a variety of positions which are used for our Education Program. These positions could include interpreting in the Semlin, Housebarn, Old Colony Church, Blumenhof Private School, Barkfield Public School, Blacksmith Shop, Printery, or Windmill.

Responsibilities

  • Attend Volunteer Orientation
  • Engage school-aged children in the material you are presenting
  • Be flexible as you will be working with a variety of different ages of children
  • Logging your volunteer hours

Opportunities

  • During May & June, we have school field trips almost every day. We are also expanding our school program to offer Fall & Winter programming which span from October until April. Most volunteer shifts are from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Daytime Village Interpreter

Type: Labour
Period: Year-round

Overview

Daytime Village Interpreters are volunteers who have daytime availability to volunteer in a variety of positions. These positions could include interpreting in the Housebarn, Old Colony Church, Blumenhof Private School, Barkfield Public School, Blacksmith Shop, Printery, or Windmill. These volunteers will be in costume on the grounds during the week to interact with visitors who come to the museum. We are a living history museum and interpretation and demonstration in various heritage buildings help to share that history with the public!

Responsibilities

  • Attend Volunteer Orientation.
  • Be friendly and welcoming to visitors.
  • Be in character as you interpret the history of the specific volunteer position you are in.
  • Logging your volunteer hours on a Volunteer Hours Log.

Opportunities

  • We aim to have volunteers in 2-5 buildings from Monday-Friday 10am-4pm. Individual shifts will be either 10am-1pm or 1 p.m.-4 p.m. There is much flexibility for this though and we are willing to work with your schedule!

Volunteering

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General Volunteering Signup

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Auxilary

  • Village Quilters: design, sew, piece and then quilt beautiful works of art. The quilts are usually pre-ordered or made to sell in the Gift Shop or used for the Quilt Raffle. The quilting is also a demonstration at the many MHV events.
  • Auxiliary Faspa: an annual event to bring history alive with a program of skits and music and a traditional faspa.
  • Film Nights: an educational component to our fundraising. Otto Klassen films have been featured in the past and again teach and remind us of our journey to Canada. Delicious home made pies complete this fundraising event.
  • Waffle Booth: our biggest fundraiser! The waffle booth is open at all MHV events and features the old-fashioned heart shaped waffles topped with white vanilla sauce, just like Grandma used to make!
  • Rollkuchen and Watermelon: another favorite at events! Special orders have been made for weddings and staff barbecues!
  • Catering: during the winter months the Auxiliary accommodates rentals at MHV by providing light lunches, snacks or dinners.
  • Apron Project: inspired by the book “Mennonite Girls Can Cook” the Auxiliary sews aprons to sell in the Gift Shop.