The London and Middlesex Heritage Museum owns and operates the living history site known as Fanshawe Pioneer Village. The museum tells the many stories of the people that lived in what is now known as London, and its surrounding rural communities from 1820-1920. It does so by using heritage demonstrations, activities, and historical interpretation of its over 30 heritage structures, including the recently re-located and restored African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church.
Under the general supervision of and reporting to the Executive Director, the Black Histories Program Developer is responsible for the research and development of a comprehensive Interpretation Guide for the AME Church, and Black Histories through connections to other heritage buildings within the Village, and at points along the Museum’s 100-year timeline. They will use the information gathered to develop interpretive programming of the heritage Village, guided tours, special events, and education programs, and have the opportunity to present some of the programming they have developed.
Candidate Eligibility:
This is a Young Canada Works (YCW) at Building Careers in Heritage Internship Position.
To be eligible, candidates must:
• be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, or have refugee status in Canada;
• be legally entitled to work in Canada (have a valid social insurance number);
• be under 30 years of age inclusively at the start of employment;
• be a graduate from college, CEGEP or university; and
• be registered in the YCW online candidate inventory (See https://young-canada-works.canada.ca/ )
Hours/Days of Work: 7.5 hours/day, 5 days per week as scheduled. (37.5 hours/week)
Weekends and statutory holidays may be required.
Term & Location: 33 weeks (approximately May 5th – December 20th, 2025). In-person/on-site work.
Salary: $21.03/hr
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Utilize existing information and conduct additional research to develop a Black Histories Interpretation Guide for the AME Church in both digital and print versions – similar to existing Interpretation Guide binders for other Museum buildings
• The Guide will also include Black History connections to other heritage buildings within the Village, and at points along the Museum’s 100-year timeline, to be used as a resource for programming and heritage interpretation
• Develop and deliver Black Histories focused programming, demonstrations and activities to support special events, education programs, and heritage interpretation for visitors to the Village
• Collaborate with the Education Coordinator, Collections Coordinator, and Public Programming Lead include more Black histories in the story the Village shares
• Participate on the Museum’s Black Histories Advisory Committee
• Support Fanshawe Pioneer Village customer service initiatives; ensure the safety of visitors and staff and protect the site’s resources when working in the Village
JOB POSTING – BLACK HISTORIES PROGRAM DEVELOPER
(Young Canada Works at Building Careers in Heritage)
Qualifications:
• A post-secondary degree, diploma or equivalent, in Black Studies, Public History, Education, Museum Studies, Library Studies, or Archival Studies
• Experience with historical research, program development
• Experience delivering education or public programming activities, making presentations and engaging with the public
• Prior experience in a museum or living history setting an asset
• Excellent written and verbal communication, problem solving, time management, and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite applications
• Excellent customer service skills and strong organizational abilities
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment
• Knowledge of 19th century Canadian and south-western Ontario history and/or heritage, specifically focused on Black histories and local communities is an asset
• Bilingualism or fluency in French an asset
• Valid first aid and CPR certificates an asset
• Physical requirements of the position include the ability to lift and carry 20-30lbs, ability to navigate gravel paths and uneven surfaces, ability to work outdoors in an environment with air pollutants (pollens, dust, and wood smoke), ability to tolerate exposure to nuisance wildlife, and inclement and severe weather
• Must have own transportation (No public transportation available to site.)
• Ability to provide a satisfactory Criminal Record and Judicial Matters police check.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates are requested to apply online at: https://young-canada-works.canada.ca/
*Only Candidates who have applied through the Young Canada Works Website will be considered.
Deadline to Apply: 5pm – Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Organizational Contact Information;
Dawn Miskelly, Executive Director E-mail: [email protected]
London & Middlesex Heritage Museum –
Fanshawe Pioneer Village www.fanshawepioneervillage.ca
2609 Fanshawe Park Road East, London, Ontario N5X 4A1
Please Note:
• Accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process as required under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Integrated Accessibility Standards. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance. The London & Middlesex Heritage Museum is an equal opportunity employer.
• Given the historical significance of this project to members of the Black Community, hiring a candidate representative of this community is a priority.
• Fanshawe Pioneer Village thanks all those who apply, but only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
• Public transportation to the site is unavailable, the Museum is not on a public transit route. Applicants must arrange their own transportation.
