In celebration of National Volunteer Week (April 14 to 20), the Mission District Historical Society (MDHS) board of directors thanked its volunteers for tireless service.
Both the Mission Museum and Mission Community Archives rely on volunteers to maintain artifacts and preserve stories in the area.
“Volunteering has been fundamental to the Historical Society since its establishment in 1972. Thanks to a team of over 24 enthusiastic volunteers, both the museum and archives operate and provide meaningful programs and services to the public year-round,” MDHS said in a news release.
At the Mission Museum, volunteer Taylor Wandfluh contributes by updating the online database, preparing reports on various artifacts, and researching their historical significance.
“Her meticulous approach to artifact care demonstrates dedication to upholding preservation standards and practices,” the MDHS said.
Volunteers support the museum collection and operation through their time with many focusing on managing the collection to ensure its proper care.
“The Mission Museum recognizes that without their generosity, our mission would be unattainable,” MDHS said.
“Maintaining an artifact collection is a significant undertaking as artifacts demand ongoing attention.”
Meanwhile, volunteers from a broad range of backgrounds and occupations fill important roles at the Mission Community Archives.
Volunteers help the archivist preserve and make accessible to the public first-hand accounts of the community’s storied past.
olunteers help the archivist preserve and make accessible to the public first-hand accounts of the community’s storied past.
Long-time volunteer Pat Stotyn diligently catalogues local newspaper photographic records from the 1960s to the 1990s for inclusion in the Archives online digital repository.
Jim Hinds researches local veterans from the First World War, Second World War, Korean War, Vietnam War and peace-time for entry into a searchable database that includes their birth date, next of kin, enlistment year, military number, regiment or branch, honours and particulars about their service in some cases.
Those interested in volunteering with the MDHS at the Mission Museum or Mission Community Archives can visit the “Get Involved” page on the Society’s website: www.missiondhs.ca.