Volunteering AT DALNAVERT

Dalnavert Museum runs on the dedication of its volunteers. Our volunteers are the force driving our success. Without our committed community members, this historic home and community resource wouldn't exist. Keep reading to find out what volunteer opportunities are currently on offer at the museum.

The minimum age to volunteer is 14 with a parent. Certain roles may have an increased minimum age.

For more information, email your questions to volunteerservices@dalnavertmuseum.ca or give us a phone call at 204-943-2835.

Current Volunteer Opportunities

We are recruiting for volunteers to help with Doors Open 2026 (Saturday May 30 and Sunday May 31). Please keep reading to learn more about the Outdoor Crowd Ambassador and Walking Tour Walk-Along roles.

For both roles, volunteers must be able to attend a 1-hour training session. Training is being offered Sunday May 17 from 2pm-3pm and Saturday May 23 from 10am-11am. (Volunteers only need to attend one training session.)

Apply to Volunteer For Doors Open

Outdoor Crowd AmbassaDor

The Outdoor Crowd Ambassador will help Dalnavert create a welcoming environment for visitors attending Doors Open 2026. Doors Open is the museum’s two busiest days of the year. As part of this city-wide event, we provide free admission to share our built heritage and history. As an Outdoor Crowd Ambassador, you will help us ensure this event runs smoothly.

You will provide basic information to visitors waiting to enter the historic house, help manage crowds, answer basic questions (ie. ‘Where is the washroom?’ rather than ‘Tell me about the history of Dalnavert’), and give directions. Make sure the line-up is orderly and stays in the intended areas.

This role will involve working outside. Please dress for the weather and bring a reusable water bottle. We will attempt to provide you as much relief from weather as possible (ie. shade, breaks) but Dalnavert does not control the weather. Doors Open will proceed rain or shine. Please bring your own sunscreen, layers, and umbrellas as necessary.

- Minimum age = 14
- Fluency in spoken English is required. Additional languages an asset
- Interpersonal skills – friendly and able to start conversations with strangers
- Ability to stand and/or walk for extended periods of time outdoors (including with the use of mobility aids) – This is a minimum 2.5 hour outdoors shift. Opportunities to sit may be available depending on crowd volumes
- Ability to take direction
- Passion for museums, history, and/or built heritage not required but welcome and encouraged!
Develop your skills in Communication & interpersonal skills, community events, public speaking, working with the public, teamwork, and customer service
Gain experience in museum and heritage related fields
Minimum one 2.5 hour shift during Doors Open (May 30 and 31 shifts available between 9:30am and 4:30pm) plus 1-hour training session.
Training is being offered Saturday May 23 from 10am-11am and Sunday May 17 from 2pm-3pm. (Volunteers only need to attend one training session.

Walking Tour Walk-Along

Come along on Poverty and Prosperity: A Walk Down Early 1900s Broadway and help ensure the walking tour goes smoothly.

In this role, help to check-in pre-booked guests before the tour starts. During the tour, walk at the back of the group and ensure we don't lose any guests. (You are not delivering the tour and are not expected to be able to answer factual questions or be a history expert.) Your primary responsibility is to make sure the group stays together and to notify the tour guide if there are any problems.

The volunteer shift begins and ends at Dalnavert Museum (61 Carlton St.), but will involve walking downtown.

For this Walking Tour, you must be able to walk for 60 minutes. This outdoor walking tour proceeds rain or shine, so please dress for the weather. (Walking tour will be cancelled only in the event of extreme/unsafe weather such as lightning.)

- Minimum age = 18
- Fluency in spoken English is required. Additional languages an asset
- Interpersonal skills – friendly and able to start conversations with strangers
- Basic cash handling, including ability to make change and knowledge of Canadian currency
- Ability to be outdoors for extended periods of time
- Ability to walk for 60 minutes
- Ability to take direction
- Teamwork
- Passion for museums, history, and/or built heritage not required but welcome and encouraged!
Develop your skills in: communication and interpersonal skills, community events, public speaking, working with the public, teamwork, and customer service
Gain experience in museum and heritage related fields
Must be available either Saturday May 30 or Sunday May 31 for a 1:30pm-3:15pm shift and be able to come to a training session (Sunday May 17, 2:00pm-3:00pm or Saturday May 23, 10:00am-11:00am).

Accessibility requests and questions relating to volunteering should be directed to volunteerservices@dalnavertmuseum.ca or 204-943-2835.