Residents interested in helping to preserve and shape how local history is presented for the future can now make their voice heard. By joining the Huron County Museum & Historic Gaol’s Collections Committee, interested individuals will have a say in how the Museum grows, expands and diversifies the stories shared through its unique collection.
The County of Huron invites applications for an open position on the Huron County Museum & Historic Gaol’s Collections Committee. The position is for a volunteer community member from Huron County. The committee welcomes applicants that represent different communities, backgrounds, age groups, and cultures across Huron County, including newcomers and generational residents. Volunteers meet every third month, generally on Tuesday mornings, for terms of one, two, or three years with the potential of two consecutive terms.
The Huron County Museum’s collection is built from community donations from people, homes and businesses across Huron, following a collections policy and mandate.
“This is a great opportunity for those who are passionate about Huron County’s on-going history and heritage,” said Senior Curator Elizabeth French-Gibson. “If you love material culture, and want to engage others with the memories, stories and community ties that can be evoked so powerfully by objects from the past then this is a great opportunity for you!”
The Collections Committee presents a volunteer opportunity that is short on time-commitment, but makes a long-term impact on how our community recognizes, prioritizes and preserves history close to home.
The purpose of the Committee is to advise County Council with respect to matters pertaining to the Huron County Museum and Historic Gaol collection. Recommendations include review of short and long-term planning regarding collections, site policies in relation to collection development, and requirements of the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries’ Museum standards.
“When I was a child, a visit to the pioneer museum, which is what we called it then, was a confirmation that you don’t throw anything out; there was a story or use to every item,” said Collections Committee member Rhea Hamilton-Seeger, who shared what this volunteer experience has taught her. “As a member of the Collections Committee, I now get to learn more of the stories and appreciate what people collect and donate. One of the criteria for items to be in the Collection is that they relate to our [Huron County] history. While I would like to keep everything, there are some unique pieces that simply don’t relate. The staff of the Huron County Museum and this committee work hard to ensure a home is secured where these items do relate. A very interesting committee to be a part of and I have been able to share some of the stories with friends and better understand my local museum and how it teaches us, and reminds us, of our history.”
Those interested in applying for the volunteer position of Huron County Museum Collections Committee Member can submit a written application by Monday, Nov. 21, 2022 to:
Senior Curator
Huron County Museum & Historic Gaol
110 North St., Goderich, ON, N7A 2T8
museum@huroncounty.ca