Volunteer & Intern Spotlight
Passion for work inspires virtual volunteer in Canada
After volunteering at the History Center during the summer, Erica Whalen said, “The passion at [the Minnesota Historical Society] is infectious.”
Erica became interested in volunteering for the Society while earning her MA and planning for a career working in museums. She was curious about how large museums with multiple sites coordinate to create programming. She didn't know she'd enjoy her assignment so much that she'd want to continue to work from Canada as a virtual volunteer. (Virtual volunteers work though the Internet.)
Last spring, Erica was matched with education staff that coordinated focus groups on school field trips. Erica organized the groups’ transcript data, identified themes and drew conclusions about what will be needed by 21st century learners.
Erica planned to relocate to Vancouver, British Columbia by autumn, but she found she wanted to continue to volunteer for the Society too. Society staff didn’t want to let her go—and they won’t. The data is in an electronic format so Erica can continue her work from Canada. She’ll compile the transcript data into a report to help the Society with exhibit and program planning.
Erica enjoyed the chance to meet Society staff, learn about their work, and see the museum through the eyes of focus group parents and children. She hopes to eventually be employed in one of Vancouver’s museums and to apply what she has learned at the Society. She has a passion for it.
Erica and her companion stopped at Coeur d'Alene, Idaho on their way to Vancouver, British Columbia.
Children's Days at the Fur Post
Children's weekend at North West Company Fur Post on August 20-21 was a success, thanks to the volunteers and staff who helped with the 
event. Their enthusiasm was enjoyed by young visitors.
Over the two days, fifteen volunteers helped visitors complete voyageur contracts, make toy cattail ducks and play many 19th century games.
The North West Company Fur Post is an authentically reconstructed post from the winter of 1804-05, the days when furs were traded under the British flag. Costumed interpreters lead hands-on activities teaching about trade goods and pelts, canoe routes, and the roles of the different cultural groups who came together in the fur trade.
Hill House volunteers restore woodwork
Volunteers have contributed in many ways to the maintenance of the James J. Hill House. Recently, a father-daughter team eliminated some of the woodwork's wear and tear.
While on a tour of the James J. Hill House in the Fall of 2010, John Hurn was greatly impressed with the woodwork and the amount and extent of the carvings throughout the house.
John is currently enrolled as a student at the National Institute of Wood Finishing at the Dakota County Technical College in Rosemount, MN. So, his trained eyes also noticed touch-up needed on the damage that has occurred over the past 120 years. John contacted the Hill House Site Manager, and a project was developed.
During March, April, and May 2011, John and his daughter, Abby, volunteered 80 hours restoring water damaged surfaces, repairing holes, and removing tape from windowsills, wall panels, and banisters in four rooms and the main staircase. Due to their hard work and skill, all visitors to the Hill House can now see bright, well-maintained historic surfaces.
The water-damaged finish areas are the lighter colored vertical streaks on the edges of the panels of the first floor breakfast room window gate shown in the top photo. The bottom photo shows the same areas after treatment.
Interns and Asian Pacific Heritage Day
3 College Interns + 1 Teen Advisory Student = Amazing Visitor Engagement
Sunday, April 3, 2011 was Asian Pacific Heritage Day at the Society. The internship program partnered with Teen Advisory Council students to engage museum visitors at the event. Jesada Moua, Francis Dimapelis, Steve Yang, and Sergio Portesan planned a Hmong Clothing Dress-up and Printing Activity that engaged hundreds of the 1,040 visitors at the event. The team had three planning sessions and took a fieldtrip to Hmong Archives and Hmongtown Market.
In two weeks, the team developed a Hmong Paj Ntauj (flower cloth) print activity; a video on Hmong history, clothing, and culture; and an educational Hmong clothing dress-up opportunity for children. For many of the interns this was their first experience planning an event and engaging with visitors. By the end of the day, their sore feet told them they should have planned to have chairs for themselves.
Francis Dimapelis noted, "The major thing I learned is that commitment to this project or any project in the future is important, because with commitment, everything is in place and more organized. Time isn't an issue and everything gets done if you're willing to put your best effort into the projects."
Volunteer featured in a winning film
Volunteer Jim Brown is featured in the winning film from the Moving Pictures Film Festival, “Mr. Brown.”
Description of Film: Jim Brown grew up in the Twin Cities during the 1930s and 1940s. As an African American he was subjected to numerous insults, indignities, and open discrimination. Yet, he persevered to become a Chief Engineer in the Military Sealift Command, an accomplished dancer, an author, father, grandfather, and positive force in his community.
Volunteer Program Annual Report FY 2010
More than 2,000 volunteers contributed to Society programs during the past fiscal year. Read the Volunteer Services Annual Report to learn more.
