The Dufferin Historical Museum is making a public appeal to bolster volunteer support and interest in the local historical hub, which is now in its 65th year of operation.
“We are looking for members and volunteers to help us with our various projects. There is lots of work to be done and many hands make light work,” said museum vice-president Lori Keith.
The museum has many exciting events and activities planned for 2024, including several new artifacts it hopes to put on display.
“We also would like to freshen up our current displays and as usual, we need to do some spring cleaning and dusting to get ready for the new summer season,” said secretary Trish Aubin.
Thanks to support from sponsors, the museum is hosting a membership drive and offering discounts to new members.
Museum staff will be at Homestead Co-op on April 27th selling memberships, which are $10 per person or $25 for a family.
Members are entitled to offer input into the operation of the museum and meet many people who also share an interest in history. Members get free admission to come to the museum at any time.
Currently, all of the museum’s board positions are filled, but it always needs volunteers to help out at events. Volunteers may be asked to open the museum on Sundays or whenever the summer administrator is not available, or to help with tours that come to the museum.
This summer, the museum will host its second annual Duck Race on July 10. The fundraiser will help support a planned renovation project.
“Last year was so much fun and everyone enjoyed spending half an hour watching their ducks race down the street,” said Keith.
Museum staff will be at Carman Co-op on May 11th and June 8th selling ducks for the race. People can also contact the museum or any board member to purchase a duck.
The museum has already registered for a booth at the Carman Country Fair and is excited to participate in the Dufferin Agricultural Society’s first ever bale decorating contest. It will also sponsor four age categories in the exhibit hall at the fair.
Sponsorship applicants are asked to write a story that is 200 to 500 words long, detailing something that pertains to the exhibitor or the history of Carman and area. It can be as easy as an applicant’s favourite memory of skating on the river, or a story that their grandparent told them about moving to the area.
A recent grant from the Carman Area Foundation will allow the museum to replace its sign, which will now include a bulletin board that will provide information about the artifacts that are outside the main buildings.
Keith and Aubin express their thanks on behalf of the museum to the Carman Area Foundation for their ongoing support.
As it has done in the past, the museum is offering scholarship for students graduating in June 2024 who have been accepted into a university faculty for education, or a faculty of arts with a plan to major in geography or history.
In the fall, it will host its second annual Halloween event. Christmas at the Museum will be held on December 14th.
“We would love for you to be a part of our organization. For more information, please email us at info@dufferinhistoricalmuseum.ca or message us on Facebook.”
