Volunteering at the Museum

The Canada Aviation and Space Museum is proud and fortunate to have so many volunteers taking part in its many projects. Each year, over 200 volunteers contribute on average 14,300 volunteer hours to the Museum.

If you have time to give, are responsible, outgoing, and fun loving, we can use your help! Listed below are the areas where we are currently in need of assistance at this time. If you would like more information, or to receive an application package, please contact us at volunteer.benevole@technomuses.ca or by phone at 613-991-6091.

The activities performed by volunteers at the Museum are quite varied. Our volunteers animate craft workshops and/or prepare materials for these; provide interpretation of the Cessna aircraft and of selected aircraft cockpits to our visitors; scan archival photographs; write essays for our website; give tours of the Museum collection; help catalogue the collection and copy loaned logbooks.

We have “seasonal” volunteers - for example, students who help out with our summer programs; we have “special events” volunteers - who give their time and their much appreciated input and energy to make sure our special events, such as our Holiday programming, our spring break events and Canada Day run very smoothly. Lastly, we have “regular” volunteers - who come week after week to research or share their knowledge of the aircraft in our collection; or to help prepare craft items for our Children’s Workshops.

General Volunteer Opportunities

Cessna Interpretation

Welcome visitors aboard our Cessna, deliver some basic aerodynamics information and answer questions about this aircraft. Some aviation knowledge is required, as well as in-house training (provided). Minimum 18 years of age. N.B. For the summer months, statutory holidays, as well as for Christmas holidays and March Break, the Cessna is open every day, thus requiring further volunteer involvement.

Time commitment: Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays, one to two 3 hour shifts per month.

Featured Programming and Special Events

Time commitment: as required, on average once per month.

Prep Group

Join our devoted group of volunteers for an informal meet, have a coffee, catch up on news as you help prepare materials for our children’s programs.

Time commitment: every other Friday 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

North Star Project

As a pilot project in the area of conservation and restoration of artifacts, the Museum is involving volunteers in all aspects of initial work toward preserving and restoring its historic Canadair North Star aircraft. Volunteer roles include fundraising and documentation as well as limited work on the aircraft. Volunteers are selected from among candidates put forward by a group of supporters for this effort, Project North Star. More information can be found on the group’s website, www.projectnorthstar.ca.

Time commitment: Variable, depending upon role.

Library and Archives

There are many types of projects that you may consider volunteering for in the Library and Archives. These include scanning and cataloguing archival photographs, researching aircraft in the museum collection, shelving, sorting, as well as other tasks.

Student Volunteer Opportunities

Featured Programming and Special Events

Assist our animators in the delivery of one of our many hands-on craft workshops and children’s activities. Special programming is offered to our visitors during the summer , Christmas holidays and during March Break. Special events include Canada Day, Silver Dart anniversary/Member’s day. Volunteers with experience in aviation are needed for some programs, others need no aviation knowledge but must enjoy working with young children. Must be mature and able to interact well with the public.

Time commitment: as required, on average once per month.