We rely on our volunteers to keep moving forward. It can also be a highly rewarding experience, to be invested in preserving the history of Ladysmith and surrounding area for generations to come.
Please get in touch below if you would like to volunteer your time and let us know what you would like to do.
Whatever you would like to contribute, we have a spot for you. Time commitment varies so please talk to us so we can together find the best fit. For more information, please call the Archives 250-245-0100, Monday to Friday, between 9 am and 2 pm or the Museum at 250-245-0423 Saturdays and Sundays, between 10 am to 4 pm or leave a voice mail message.
Opportunities
Archives
Archives Volunteers help to preserve the history and adhere to established archival guidelines. Archives Volunteers usually work one day shift together from 9 am to 2 pm.
Archives Public Reading Room
This is the public area of the archives. Public Reading Room Volunteers greet visitors, take enquiries, and work on research projects. Volunteers usually work one day shift together from 9 am to 2 pm.
Docents
Ladysmith Museum Docents Volunteers leading daily guided tours of the permanent collections and special feature exhibitions, as well as privately booked tours. Volunteers interested in taking on the docent role should be prepared to commit to a half shift a day minimum. The hours are from 10 am to 4 pm during the summer season. During spring and fall, the hours are reduced to Friday, Saturday and Sunday season, closed during winter.
Ladysmith Industrial Heritage Museum Docents Volunteer operate Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm.
Family Days/Heritage Week
Family Day Volunteers facilitate our weekly family-oriented events that start on BC Family Day in February at the Ladysmith Museum and then finish at the Ladysmith Industrial Heritage Museum. Volunteer duties include leading activities for children, helping families compete in Vintage Board Games, creating displays and serving refreshments, and more! Volunteers interested in volunteering for Family Day/Heritage Week should be willing to commit to a minimum of two days and have an interest in working with children.
Learning Centre
Learning Centre Volunteers provide a welcoming, interactive, experience for the community from hosting speakers, education programs for children and adults. This is a great role for anyone who is interested in working directly with the community. We ask Learning Centre Volunteers to commit to one four-hour shift per month during the spring to fall months when the Ladysmith Museum is open.
Gallery
Gallery Volunteers provide customers with information about artists and pieces that are on display, as well as organize exhibits, and assist with displays. We ask Shop Volunteers to commit to as-needed basis for a minimum of one year.
Industrial Heritage Museum
Industrial Heritage Museum volunteers work on restoring industrial artifacts mainly from the Comox Logging & Railway forestry and rail era. Artifacts include a steam locomotive, humdirgen, tube tumbler, boxcars, etc. Work parties are held every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm. Volunteers who enjoy working with their hands with a great group of workers should be ready to commit to one shift a month.
Many volunteers find these additional experiences volunteer opportunities rewarding and enjoyable.
- Administrative Volunteers: Ranging from envelope stuffing to making phone calls, administrative volunteer opportunities arise on a regular basis. The specifics of the required task is always given before the shifts are released.
- Special Events Volunteers: The Ladysmith & District Historical Society holds a variety of programming and special events throughout the year. Duties vary depending on the event, and details are always given beforehand.
- Fundraising: The Ladysmith & District Historical Society fundraises for the Archives and Museum, hosting an annual Thanksgiving Salmon Dinner coordinated by our volunteers.