Looking for a unique volunteer opportunity?
Volunteers are an integral and valued part of the Museum of Health Care team. Through the involvement and enthusiasm of our volunteers, we are able to increase our capacity and effectiveness as an organization, enhance our programs and collections, and provide our visitors with a fantastic experience. In return, our volunteers enjoy many benefits and play a vital role in preserving and sharing Canada's amazing healthcare history.
The Museum is currently recruiting for the following volunteer positions:
Board or Committee Member
We are looking for enthusiastic board and committee members who will help support museum staff, and work diligently to support our mission and vision. Our vision is to be recognized as the national resource for Canada’s evolving health and healthcare history. Our mission is to inspire wonder, promote learning and create knowledge that contributes to a better future in health and healthcare.
The Museum is currently welcoming statements of interest for the following:
- Board of Directors
- Finance Committee
- Advancement Committee
- Human Resources Committee
Note: Meetings are held virtually. In-person attendance is not required.
Follow this link to find out more about becoming a Board or Committee Member.
Gallery Attendant
Do you enjoy interacting with new people and learning about history? We recruit gallery attendants to look after our nine onsite galleries and help visitors.
Duties include:
- Welcome and orient visitors to the Museum and Ann Baillie Building National Historic Site
- Record gallery attendance and monitor the galleries
- Answer visitor questions about Museum exhibits and the Ann Baillie Building National Historic Site
- Monitor public spaces and communicate any areas of concern to the Museum Manager
- Engage in continuous learning about healthcare history and museum interpretation
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Assist with Museum programs and special projects as needed
Reports to: Programming & Communications Coordinator
Time commitment: At least 4 hours per month. Regular schedule.
English-to-French Translator
Would you like to help the Museum reach a wider audience? We are seeking volunteers with excellent French language skills to translate exhibit, program, and communications content. Work can be completed at the Museum or remotely.
Reports to: Museum Manager
Time commitment: At least 4 hours per month. Flexible schedule.
Museum Docent
Do you have a passion for history and science? Are you an enthusiastic person who loves teaching and working with children? We recruit docents to present tours and programs to the public. French-language profiency is an asset. We also have a special interest in recruiting senior volunteers to facilitate our seniors' programs.
Duties include:
- Deliver hands-on, curriculum-linked in-museum education programs to a variety of ages during school, family, and other large group visits, including some set-up and clean-up and/or conduct guided tours in an engaging manner
- Participate in introductory training (includes study of interpretive program delivery materials and observing fellow docents to gain knowledge and skills in leading groups)
- Report program feedback and identify potential program improvements
- Answer visitor questions about Museum exhibits and the Ann Baillie Building National Historic Site
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Engage in continuous learning about healthcare history and museum interpretation
Reports to: Programming & Communications Coordinator
Time commitment: Docents are added to a contact list and notified as program bookings are received. A schedule will be worked out at the mutual convenience of the docent and Museum staff (docents are not expected to volunteer for every program booking received). A commitment to volunteering for a period of at least six months is required.
Collections Volunteer
Do you have an interest in working directly with the over 40,000 artefacts in our collection? Help preserve and protect our artefacts by supporting one of our current collections projects. Previous collections experience and education a strong asset.
Reports to: Collections Manager
Time commitment: Varies depending on project and volunteer availability.
Digital Object Photographer Volunteer
Work with our specialty medical history collection and archival collection in a variety of projects for a short term or an ongoing project.
Projects include:
- Photographing selected items in a photo studio format,
* This volunteer position requires an experienced digital photographer. As part of the interview process a portfolio of photographic work is required. *
Reports to: Collections Manager
Time commitment: Varies depending on project and volunteer availability.
Special Events Assistant
Do you enjoy interacting with the public and helping to make events successful? We are seeking special events assistants to help promote and facilitate special events.
Duties include:
- Distribute posters, brochures, and other promotional materials
- Assist with the set-up, running, and clean-up of events. This could include preparation of refreshments, set-up of tables, chairs, etc., and welcoming guests.
- Assist with public relations and promotions planning for museum events
Reports to: Programming & Communications Coordinator
Time commitment: 2 - 12 hrs per month. Flexible schedule.
The Benefits of Volunteering for the Museum of Health Care
- The chance to share existing skills and develop new ones
- Lifelong learning opportunities
- Access to free tea/coffee and treats (when available) while working at the Museum
- Invitations to exhibition openings, social gatherings and special events (opt-in)
- Email updates and the annual museum newsletter (opt-in)
- Invitations to special volunteer recognition events, including our annual volunteer appreciation event
- Use of reference library (when available)
- A letter of reference (after 4-6 months regular service)
- An opportunity to work with enthusiastic, knowledgeable and appreciative staff members who value the work of volunteers!
Volunteer Application Procedure
Please submit a resume and a brief letter explaining which position you are applying for and why you are interested in it, as well as your schedule of availability, via e-mail to [email protected] or mail it to the following address:
Museum of Health Care at Kingston
Ann Baillie Building National Historic Site
32 George Street
Kingston, ON
K7L 2V7
For more information:
Please contact the Museum at (613) 548-2419 or by email at [email protected].
