Volunteer
Help keep history alive!
Museums conjure up many images, mostly involving displays of objects. But the real lifeblood of a museum is not only in the things it collects, but in the people who immerse their time and talents in the work of the museum.
At the Western Development Museum, along with a handful of dedicated staff, museum work is accomplished by thousands of extra hands. The hands belong to over 500 volunteers who generously support Saskatchewan heritage every day, every year.
Thank you to all of our volunteers for all of the time and talent they dedicate in helping make us a living and vibrant Museum!
Why volunteer at the WDM?
Meet new people: the WDM volunteer program hosts over 500 volunteers across our museums. With thousands of people visiting a year, there are ample opportunities to socialize with like-minded folks and Museum visitors of all ages.
Help keep history alive: Whether in a visitor facing role or working behind the scenes, WDM volunteers keep history alive through heritage demonstrations, artifact showcases, guided tours, crafts and activities, and delivering educational programming.
Learn and develop skills: the WDM offers specialized training for many of our unique volunteer roles. Learn how to handle and care for artifacts, practice telegraphy, blacksmith and operate steam traction equipment.
Volunteer benefits
The WDM recognizes the ongoing commitment of our active volunteers by offering the following benefits:
Volunteers who give 4+ hours per year receive:
- Museum Musings emails to keep you in the loop about WDM happenings at all locations.
- Complimentary general admission passes, redeemable at all four WDM locations.
- Discounted registration fees for WDM classes and workshops.
- Discounted admission on select WDM events and programs.
Highly active volunteers who give 30+ hours per year receive:
- A complimentary single membership which includes:
- Museum Musings emails to keep you in the loop about WDM happenings at all locations.
- Free single adult admission to all four WDM locations.
- Free single adult entry to select special events.
- Discounted registration fees for WDM classes and workshops.
- Discounted admission on select WDM events and programs.
- A 10% discount on regular-priced items in WDM gift shops.
- A 10% discount at the WDM Saskatoon’s Boomtown Café.
- Invitations to special events and behind-the-scenes tours.
Engaged volunteers who give 100+ hours per year receive:
- A complimentary family membership which includes:
- Museum Musings emails to keep you in the loop about WDM happenings at all locations.
- Free family admission to all four WDM locations (two adults and up to three children/youth).
- Free family entry to select special events.
- Discounted registration fee for WDM classes and workshops.
- Discounted admission on select WDM events and programs.
- A 10% discount on regular-priced items in WDM gift shops.
- A 10% discount at the WDM Saskatoon’s Boomtown Café.
- Invitations to special events and behind-the-scenes tours.
Want to receive these benefits immediately? Consider purchasing a WDM membership!
- Single memberships start at $45/year
- Family memberships start at $101/year
The WDM is pleased to offer a 10% membership discount to Indigenous Peoples, including First Nations, Métis or Inuit, as well as military members and first responders.
Meet a few of our volunteers
Volunteering has many benefits to the community – and many benefits to the person doing the volunteering!
“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.”
“I enjoy meeting the people and interacting with children. They have many interesting questions.”
– Dorothy Caldwell, WDM North Battleford Volunteer
“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.”
– Tamiko Rogers, WDM Saskatoon Volunteer
“It’s a family thing. We have a good time. That’s what it’s for, to have fun!”
– Greig Pearce, WDM Yorkton Volunteer
Help us bring history to life!
Each WDM location has a different opportunities to get involved.
