Volunteers empower museums to preserve and present heritage. At Kelowna Museums Society, over 100 volunteers are at work every year.
How will you share your skills?
Volunteers welcome guests at the front desks of our 3 museums, or serve as hosts at special events. Some work with historical materials, conduct research, catalogue collections, and clean objects. Others participate in exhibition creation or family programs.
Volunteers with particular knowledge or abilities get the satisfaction of applying their skills to meaningful projects. These volunteers include people with traditional skills, model railway or radio hobbyists, carpenters, artists, writers, photographers, videographers, and even apiarists!
An area of interest for everyone!
People with a particular interest in military history, local sports, and Okanagan’s fruit and wine industries enjoy mobilizing that knowledge in museum projects. Between the Okanagan Heritage Museum, Okanagan Military Museum, Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame, and Okanagan Wine and Orchard Museum, Kelowna Museums Society presents topics that speak to a wide range of interests.
Want to learn more?
Contact the Museums Services Coordinator at 250-763-2417, or [email protected].
Kelowna Museums Locations
Okanagan Heritage Museum
Kelowna’s flagship museum, the Okanagan Heritage Museum, invites visitors to discover how the Okanagan Valley was formed, to gain insights into the world of our syilx hosts, to learn about the arrival of traders and settlers and so much more.
Okanagan Military Museum
Devoted to the preservation and greater awareness of Okanagan military heritage, the Okanagan Military Museum features uniforms, insignia, badges, firearms and fascinating stories of how locals have contributed to events on the world stage.
Laurel Packinghouse
One of Kelowna’s most historic and beloved buildings, the Laurel Packinghouse is the oldest and largest packinghouse in BC. Part atmospheric rental venue, part museum, this is a building that charms both locals and visitors alike.
Kelowna Museums’ Upcoming Events & Workshops
Canadian Multiculturalism Day Tour
On June 27th join us for a special day dedicated to honouring the rich diversity that makes Canada so vibrant. Discover the heritage, history, and culture of the Okanagan through a guided 60-minute tour at the Okanagan Heritage Museum—offered by donation. After the tour, stick around to enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages as we celebrate community together.
nakulamen (what we do): syilx Traditional Plant Use Walking Tour
The Okanagan is incredibly biodiverse, and the syilx/Okanagan people have deep knowledge of how to use the different plant species for food, medicine, shelter, even natural deodorant! Put on your walking shoes and join us for this always popular outdoor event.
Go Go Power Ranchers!
Saddle up for ranch-style fun at the Okanagan Heritage Museum! Go Go Power Ranchers is a hands-on, drop-in kids’ program included with general admission. Explore ranch life through interactive activities like butter-churning, cowboy crafts, puzzles, rodeo games, and more!