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WDM can’t wait to welcome back its volunteers

Volunteers at the Western Development Museum have largely been put on hold along with its in-person programs. But volunteers are an essential part of the museum’s life – it can’t wait to have them back

Volunteers at the Western Development Museum have largely been put on hold along with in-person programs. But volunteers are an essential part of the museum’s life — it can’t wait to have them back.

Karla Rasmussen, education and public programs co-ordinator at the museum, said all four branches of the museum are working to welcome back their volunteers.

The WDM has been developing a re-orientation program that will put all its volunteers on the same page. Some of that presentation will include pandemic safety information. Rasmussen said it might take a while to accept new applications because the priority is on bringing back their experienced volunteers.

“We’re going to phase in when our existing volunteers come back. It will depend on the safety of the time, what events we’re running, and also the volunteers’ comfort level. We don’t want to pressure anyone to come back if they’re not ready.”

Many of the exhibits at WDM Moose Jaw are only possible because of the unpaid efforts of local enthusiasts. Notably, the Vintage Aircraft Restorers (VAR) were a group of volunteers who spent nearly 40 years at the museum restoring planes. Their last project was completed in 2017 — a Vickers Vedette Flying Boat, which took nine years to build. It is one of only two replicas in existence and was constructed almost from scratch.

Nearly every plane in the museum was worked on by the VAR, and their hangar-style workshop is one of the exhibits. Some of the planes, Rasmussen said, were restored and cared for so carefully that their engines can still be started.

The Moose Jaw Thunder Creek Model Railroad Club is another group that has contributed to the museum. They have an exhibit that they build and maintain themselves. It showcases four different periods in Moose Jaw history with detailed miniatures. The club normally has a workshop space at the museum.

The steam volunteers are the ones who preserve and operate the K+S Potash Short Line, the province’s only operating coal-fired steam locomotive. In a normal year, they take trips around a short rail line on the museum grounds.

Rasmussen said that in addition to the specialists who put their energy into specific projects, many volunteers help to bring the museum to life generally.

“We have a lot of wonderful people who do a lot of different things. They come to all our special events and school programs, they do demonstrations like ice cream making and butter churning, they do children’s crafts and activities, as well as providing interpretation and acting as tour guides.”

The classic cars section and the various history exhibits have also benefited from volunteer expertise. It is safe to say that volunteers are a major part of the museum’s life and operation.

February Events at Western Development Museum

  • Heritage Month Seek-and-Find – Penny Farthings
    • From Feb. 1 to Mar. 15, images of penny-farthing bicycles will be hidden throughout the museum. By finding each image and the letter that accompanies it, families will be able to solve a riddle. Suitable for children under 12.
  • Heritage Month films from the National Film Board
    • From Feb. 1 to Feb. 27, a selection of short films will be shown on a repeating loop in the museum’s theatre. The films are suitable for all ages. More details on the particular films can be found at wdm.ca/event_manager/heritagemonthfilms.
  • Heritage Month Presentations, Feb. 12 – Toys and Pastimes; The Great Depression
    • On February 12, at 10:30 a.m., Karla Rasmussen will be doing a presentation on historical toys, games, and pastimes. The presentation will be interactive and will include a take-home activity bag so children can make some of the old-fashioned toys at home. Suitable for ages 7+.
    • On the same day, at 2:00 p.m., Rasmussen will give another presentation on The Great Depression. The presentation will include slides and hands-on activities using items from the museum’s showcase.
  • All events are included with museum admission.
  • *All in-person activities require a mask and proof of full vaccination.
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