Volunteers receive many benefits from their work at Grey Roots. Most importantly, they have the satisfaction of seeing Grey County’s history preserved, shared and enjoyed through their efforts. Volunteers participate in learning workshops and seminars, meet new people and make new friends, and share their unique talents with thousands of people who visit the Museum and Archives every year. With 20 hours of completed service, volunteers visit Grey Roots free of charge, receive discounts in the gift shop and are eligible for other benefits at partner sites. Volunteers celebrate their successes at volunteer appreciation events!
There are 18 different volunteer positions at Grey Roots, from Junior Interpreters to Archives assistants to site maintenance support! Each summer in Moreston Heritage Village, costumed volunteers depict life as it was in Grey County long ago. All Grey Roots volunteers play important roles in preserving and sharing our heritage.
Featured Volunteer Opportunities
This position demonstrates historical activities, skills and trades within a designated location in Moreston Village. As part of the Village’s interpretation program, heritage demonstrators provide insight into the people and times represented in the period village exhibits.
Do you love antique vehicles? Do you love talking about antique vehicles? We need you to share your knowledge and passion in the Bluewater Garage this summer!
Junior Interpreters are youth volunteers between the ages of 14 and 18. They assist in the presentation of our Grey Roots KidsCamps, children’s activities and programs, gallery and heritage village tours. They also provide support for gallery supervision, special events, and clerical duties as needed within the Heritage Interpretation Department.
Other Current Volunteer Opportunities
Visitor Services provides the first impression of Grey Roots, assists with admissions and Gift Shop sales, and responds to requests for tourism and museum information. Volunteers have the opportunity to meet and support visitors by assisting with these activities and enabling visitors to have the best experience possible at Grey Roots.
Special events volunteers facilitate Grey Roots special events and activities, both on- and off-site. They successfully engage visitors in extraordinary demonstrations, presentations, activities and other remarkable, short-term events.
Museum docents will provide interpretive services to Museum visitors by sharing information and stories about the displays in the exhibit galleries.
Marketing at Grey Roots is very active and multi-faceted. Volunteers have the opportunity to make contact with the community directly and in-directly through events, advertising, and market research.
Volunteers are needed to perform a variety of administrative behind-the-scenes support tasks to ensure the smooth operations in the Heritage Interpretation department.
Heritage Gardeners plan, plant and maintain the heritage flower and vegetable gardens in Moreston Village. These gardens create an authentic environment for the interpretation and display of the period buildings. They also plan, plant and maintain the public gardens at Grey Roots. These gardens create a welcoming and scenic environment for visitors.
Education Program Assistants work with Historical Interpreters to deliver educational programming to groups of all ages that visit the museum. They lead some aspects of the programs, including crafts, some demonstrations and other hands-on activities. This ensures that the visitors have a well-rounded, enriching and personal experience at the museum. Adult assistance for KidsCamps, both March Break and Summer, is also appreciated. The Archives also conducts a Gr. 2 genealogy program in late fall for which help from an Archives Education Program Assistant is welcome.
Costume Assistants will sew identified pieces of clothing or textile materials necessary for the interpretive costume program. Costumes are selected and constructed to replicate authentic historical fashions. Historic costumes are an integral component of the interpretive program for Moreston Village and are worn by historical interpreters and village volunteers.
Grey Roots has several important vehicle restoration projects underway, and is looking for interested, enthusiastic and knowledgeable vehicle restoration volunteers to join our team to restore the 1918 Model T and the 1923 American LaFrance Fire Pumper Truck.
Filled Volunteer Opportunities (not currently accepting applications)
Site Maintenance Assistants help to ensure the grounds and equipment at Grey Roots are safe, clean and in good repair for the enjoyment of all visitors and staff.
The Collections Research Assistant will assist in researching the function, use, manufacture and history of artefacts for cataloging purposes. This will require working with and accepting direction from the Collections Manager and Registrar.
The Collections Photographer is needed to digitally photograph aspects of the museum collection. This will require working with and accepting direction from the Collections Manager and Registrar.
The Collections Assistant will aid in the unpacking and inventory of the museum collection. This will require working with and accepting direction from the Collections Manager and Registrar.
Fundraising at Grey Roots is central to expanding and enhancing the Grey Roots Heritage Village – Moreston. Volunteers have the opportunity to facilitate fundraising through event support, direct contact with the community, and preparation of supporting documentation and marketing.
Volunteers assist in a range of collections management, description and public access related duties. They support the Archives in preserving, protecting and sharing the documentary history of Grey County with researchers and visitors.
Personal information provided is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act (2001) and will be used for the purposes of maintaining contact information for volunteers. Questions about this collection can be directed to the County Clerk at clerk@grey.ca or 519-370-2340.