Museum Attendant
- Program stream:
- Young Canada Works in Heritage Organizations
- Job title:
- Museum Attendant
- Organization name:
- Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History
- Job location:
- Dresden, Ontario
- Length of assignment:
- 2022-05-03 to 2022-08-20 (16 weeks)
- Hourly wage:
- $15.00
The successful applicant shall be responsible for:
Assisting in the day to day operations of the museum, which include providing virtual guided tours of the historic site, operating the gift shop, and cleaning maintenance of the three period structures and the museum.
Preparing social media postings focusing on museum operations, African Canadian history, general Black history and current events on a regular basis.
Promoting special events throughout the summer season at Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site, including Dresden Hometown History Day, Identity Dialogue Youth Symposium, Canada Day and Emancipation Day.
Conducting historical research in the development of tours and site exhibits.
The position runs from May 3, 2022 to August 20, 2022. 36.25 hours per week.
Candidates must be registered within the YCW job bank, and meet the Young Canada Works eligibility requirements. Check Young Canada Works website for eligibility.
Wage: $15.00 per hour
Location: 29251 Uncle Tom's Road, Dresden, Ontario
Access to a vehicle and a valid driver's license is required.
Candidates may apply by contacting Site Manager, Steven Cook, at steven.cook@heritagetrust.on.ca.
Uncle Tom's Cabin Historic Site is a museum in the rural northern ward of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. It is a place of interest for visitors from around the globe who are interested in the history of the Black presence in Ontario, retracing the path of the Underground Railroad to freedom, and discovering the life of Josiah Henson, who became known as Uncle Tom through his association with the lead character in Harriet Beecher Stowe's 1852 anti-slavery novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin.
Chatham-Kent was one of the primary settling points for freedom seekers from U.S. slavery during the mid to late 19th century. As a result, three of the leading museums on Black history in Canada can be found in this region. They include the Buxton National Historic Site, Chatham-Kent Black Mecca Museum, and Uncle Tom's Cabin Historic Site. These three entities work closely with one another, along with the regional destination marketing organization called the Municipality of Chatham-Kent to build awareness and attract patrons to each of their museums.
The Uncle Tom's Cabin Historic Site's exposure is heightened through its member association with the African Canadian Heritage Tour as well as its profile on the Ontario Heritage Trust Slavery to Freedom web resource: www.heritagetrust.on.ca/slaverytofreedom.