Volunteer and Employment Opportunities
The Avon River Heritage Society is always looking for volunteers to help with various aspects of the museum.
Each summer we hire a number of students to aid in the daily operations of the facility.
We are actively looking for volunteers with different interests and skill sets to contribute to our ongoing projects, for example experience in public relations, marketing, sponsorship, construction and fundraising - these are all areas where we could use extra help.
We are always looking for casual volunteers to lend a hand in the café or gift shop during busy events like the Great Little Art Show, the Solstice Market, Avondale Wharf Day and the Honey Harvest Festival, and for those to act as guides and interpreters in the museum, especially during the shoulder seasons (May, June, October & November).
If you have a skill, knowledge or experience you'd like to share and are interested in giving back to your community, we'd love to hear from you!
Each summer we hire a number of students to aid in the daily operations of the facility.
We are actively looking for volunteers with different interests and skill sets to contribute to our ongoing projects, for example experience in public relations, marketing, sponsorship, construction and fundraising - these are all areas where we could use extra help.
We are always looking for casual volunteers to lend a hand in the café or gift shop during busy events like the Great Little Art Show, the Solstice Market, Avondale Wharf Day and the Honey Harvest Festival, and for those to act as guides and interpreters in the museum, especially during the shoulder seasons (May, June, October & November).
If you have a skill, knowledge or experience you'd like to share and are interested in giving back to your community, we'd love to hear from you!
Currently accepting applications for the role of Secretary
Secretary — Board of Directors
The Avon River Heritage Society (ARHS) is seeking a dedicated and community-minded individual to serve as Secretary on our Board of Directors. This volunteer leadership role is ideal for someone who is organized, collaborative, and passionate about preserving and celebrating local heritage.
The Secretary plays a vital role in helping the Board function effectively by maintaining records, coordinating communication, supporting meetings, and helping preserve the ongoing history of the Society and Museum complex. Working closely with the President, Treasurer, Executive Director, and fellow Board members, the Secretary helps ensure the smooth administration of ARHS operations and governance.
Key Responsibilities
Board Support & Governance
Records & Administration
Museum & Community Records
Collaboration & Communication
Skills & Qualities
We welcome applicants who bring:
Previous Board or administrative experience is helpful, but not required. Training and support will be provided.
Time Commitment
Why Join ARHS?
Serving on the Board is an opportunity to:
Nominations being accepted until June 1st, 2026
The Avon River Heritage Society (ARHS) is seeking a dedicated and community-minded individual to serve as Secretary on our Board of Directors. This volunteer leadership role is ideal for someone who is organized, collaborative, and passionate about preserving and celebrating local heritage.
The Secretary plays a vital role in helping the Board function effectively by maintaining records, coordinating communication, supporting meetings, and helping preserve the ongoing history of the Society and Museum complex. Working closely with the President, Treasurer, Executive Director, and fellow Board members, the Secretary helps ensure the smooth administration of ARHS operations and governance.
Key Responsibilities
Board Support & Governance
- Prepare and distribute Board meeting agendas and supporting materials in consultation with the President
- Notify Board members of upcoming meetings and coordinate meeting logistics
- Record accurate minutes during meetings and circulate draft minutes to the Board
- Maintain Board records, policies, and governance documents using shared digital systems
- Help ensure Board members have the information needed to fulfill their responsibilities effectively
Records & Administration
- Maintain organized digital and physical records for the Society
- Oversee incoming and outgoing correspondence and assist with communications as needed
- Support annual filing requirements with the Nova Scotia Registry of Joint Stock Companies
- Help maintain office organization, filing systems, and administrative supplies
Museum & Community Records
- Maintain records of museum visitation and volunteer hours using shared tracking systems
- Assist in documenting significant events, activities, and milestones in the history of ARHS
- Support the preservation and backup of important electronic records and files
Collaboration & Communication
- Work cooperatively with Board members, volunteers, and staff
- Help foster a welcoming, respectful, and community-oriented environment
- Contribute ideas and support initiatives that strengthen the Society’s visibility and impact
Skills & Qualities
We welcome applicants who bring:
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Comfort using email, shared online documents, and basic computer programs
- Attention to detail and reliability
- An interest in local history, heritage, museums, or community engagement
- A collaborative and positive attitude
Previous Board or administrative experience is helpful, but not required. Training and support will be provided.
Time Commitment
- Attendance at regular Board meetings
- Some additional time for meeting preparation, correspondence, and record-keeping
- Flexible volunteer commitment averaging a 4-10 hours per month
Why Join ARHS?
Serving on the Board is an opportunity to:
- Help preserve and share the history of the Avon River region
- Support a vibrant museum and cultural gathering place
- Meet passionate volunteers and community members
- Contribute your skills in a meaningful and lasting way
Nominations being accepted until June 1st, 2026
Our vision is for a sustainable and just community built from understanding cultural and historical interactions among people, river and land, and working through partnerships and collaboration in our community.
General Statement of Activities: The Avon River Heritage Society (ARHS) runs a permanent museum situated in Avondale/Newport Landing on the scenic shores of the Avon River on the site where Planter sloops, The Lydia and The Sally, landed in 1760.
The Museum operates an exhibit area, Café, an Art Gallery, Gift Shop, a Genealogical/Reference Library and the Avon Spirit Shipyard, a popular venue for festivals and events.
Hours of Operation: May, Saturday & Sunday, 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. June - August, Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. September & October, Saturday & Sunday, 10 am to 5:00 pm.
Working in partnership with community, supporters, and other museums the mandate of the ARHS is to:
Our mission is to engage and inspire our community and beyond through preserving, sharing, and celebrating Avon River area stories, heritage, arts, culture, ecology and interrelationships among all peoples of this area and their environment.
General Statement of Activities: The Avon River Heritage Society (ARHS) runs a permanent museum situated in Avondale/Newport Landing on the scenic shores of the Avon River on the site where Planter sloops, The Lydia and The Sally, landed in 1760.
The Museum operates an exhibit area, Café, an Art Gallery, Gift Shop, a Genealogical/Reference Library and the Avon Spirit Shipyard, a popular venue for festivals and events.
Hours of Operation: May, Saturday & Sunday, 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. June - August, Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. September & October, Saturday & Sunday, 10 am to 5:00 pm.
Working in partnership with community, supporters, and other museums the mandate of the ARHS is to:
- preserve and promote the history of people of the Avon River area (Mi’kmaq, Acadian, New England Planter, African Nova Scotian, etc.)
- preserve and promote the history of wooden boat and ship-building in the area
- sustain a vital gathering place for community residents and visitors to explore history and take part in art and cultural activities
- make known the links between local ecology and cultural heritage
- host demonstrations by artisans who work in historical and contemporary trades, crafts, and art forms
- provide a centre of research
Our mission is to engage and inspire our community and beyond through preserving, sharing, and celebrating Avon River area stories, heritage, arts, culture, ecology and interrelationships among all peoples of this area and their environment.
Travailler avec nous!
L’Avon River Heritage Society est toujours à la recherche de bénévoles pour aider avec les divers aspects du Musée.
Chaque été, nous embauchons deux étudiants pour aider avec les opérations quotidiennes de l’installation.
L’Avon River Heritage Society est toujours à la recherche de bénévoles pour aider avec les divers aspects du Musée.
Chaque été, nous embauchons deux étudiants pour aider avec les opérations quotidiennes de l’installation.
