Celebrating National Volunteer Week 2026

Behind the scenes, volunteers play an equally vital role. They support education programs, assist with collection care and research, and help ensure that the WDM continues to grow as a place of discovery and belonging. Many also contribute by keeping traditional knowledge and skills alive, sharing stories, practices and expertise that connect generations and strengthen our community ties.

Whether they are building relationships with visitors, supporting special events or helping programs come alive for learners of all ages, our volunteers truly embody the spirit of this year’s theme. Their dedication ignites volunteerism by inspiring others to get involved, give back and care deeply about our shared heritage.

During National Volunteer Week, we extend our heartfelt thanks to every volunteer who contributes their time, energy and passion. Our museum community is stronger because of you.

Tamiko Rogers & Terry Hanley

Terry & Tamiko help out at the Heritage Festival of Saskatoon, February 8, 2026

As a child growing up in Saskatoon, the WDM was one of Tamiko Rogers’ favourite places. She still loves wandering through the Museum galleries and checking out what is new. That’s what drew her to volunteering. Tamiko began volunteering while still working and helped when she could. Now that she has retired, she has more time to focus on volunteer activities ranging from helping with school programs and special events to cleaning artifacts.

Making connections is why Tamiko volunteers. “My favourite thing about volunteering is engaging visitors (young and old) in discussions about our Saskatchewan history and the past. I have noticed that many of our visitors are new or newer Canadians and they are really interested in learning about our history…Volunteering is important to me because it keeps me active and engaged in the community as a whole and gives meaning to my life. I truly look forward to the hours I spend at the Museum.”

It was this passion that drew Tamiko’s partner, Terry Hanley, to want to volunteer when he retired from his job as a research scientist. “My interest in volunteering was piqued by two events. First, Tamiko always comes home after her WDM shifts with a contagious, tangible enthusiasm. It is infectious. Secondly, when I toured the Museum I was captivated (understatement) by the Doctor’s Office and Coad’s Pharmacy displays.” Terry has really enjoyed sharing his knowledge with visitors of all ages.

When asked what he’d tell someone who was thinking of volunteering, Terry had this advice: “There may be others out there that have knowledge or expertise on some of the things exhibited at the WDM. If you do, this is a perfect chance to share your passions with others.”

Thank you, Tamiko and Terry for sharing your expertise and passion for history with the WDM!

Dorothy Caldwell & the Battleford Quilters

Dorothy Caldwell

If you’ve attended an event at the WDM North Battleford, you may have seen the cheerful members of the Battleford Quilters, happily showing visitors the art of hand quilting. When the Battleford Quilters are asked to take part in large WDM events like History in Motion and the Museum Days school program, Dorothy Caldwell puts out the call to their members. These events are an opportunity to share their skill and knowledge of hand quilting with Museum visitors of all ages. WDM visitors get to enjoy the work of the quilters and the quilters get to do something they love. For Dorothy, there’s personal connection too: “I enjoy meeting the people and interacting with children. They have many interesting questions.”

The Battleford Quilters formed in March 1974, part of an initiative to preserve the skill of hand quilting. Over the years, this small group has given many, many hours to the WDM North Battleford and to other organizations in the area. Today, the Battleford Quilters are made up of seven dedicated quilters.

As members of the Battleford Quilters, you might only expect to see members like Dorothy quilting when they’re at the WDM North Battleford. In fact, Dorothy’s volunteerism, and that of other Battleford Quilters, goes beyond quilting. Dorothy started volunteering at the WDM North Battleford five years ago. Since then, she has taken part in many volunteer activities ranging from baking cookies and selling tickets to helping with the Great Pumpkin Masquerade and Family Dance. The same can be said for member Mary Scherman who has also volunteered in various capacities over the years.

The WDM is grateful to the Battleford Quilters who have shared their talents with the Battlefords community over the years and who continue to support the WDM today.

John Westervelt, Russ Wheatley & Mike Stobbs

Detailing crew (L-R) John Westervelt, Russ Wheatley & Mike Stobbs with the airplane engine (WDM-1976-MJ-12) they cleaned up for display.

Have you ever toured through the WDM Moose Jaw and wondered how we keep all of those cars so clean? Over the past two years, you can thank volunteers Mike Stobbs, John Westerveldt and Russ Wheatley who make up the detailing crew. Their role is to gently dust and clean artifacts. All three volunteers have backgrounds in mechanics and autobody, so helping maintain the Museum’s many vehicles is a great fit. Russ, Mike and John received training in how to safely clean and care for the artifacts. Under the direction of WDM Moose Jaw Exhibits Technician, Jason McBain, they ensure that the artifacts are well maintained.

Besides cleaning the vehicles, these volunteers have helped with events like Pop The Hood, they assist with exhibit maintenance and help look after the Museum’s Ford Custom Sedan. The Ford Sedan is part of the operating collection and is used at special events. Another task they have helped staff with is moving larger artifacts like the STC bus and the City of Moose Jaw ladder fire truck. While most moves go smoothly, sometimes the unexpected can happen. Mike remembers helping to get the fire truck moving and accidentally turning on the siren which sent everyone in the Museum scrambling. The wail of the siren likely hadn’t been heard in nearly 40 years.

Each of these volunteers came to the WDM looking for a way to use their skills to help the WDM and contribute to their community. As volunteers, they’ve had the opportunity to meet new people and answer visitor questions about the vehicles they are cleaning and the work they are doing.

Thanks to Mike, John and Russ for the enthusiasm and energy they put into caring for our artifacts and ensuring they can be displayed for many years to come.