Description

Established in 1976, the Multicultural History Society of Ontario has a dual mandate as steward of heritage resources and educator. It collects, preserves, and makes available significant, irreplaceable records documenting immigrant and ethnic experiences, and it undertakes educational programming illuminating our histories of migration and ethnicity.

The Society is the creator of the most extensive assemblage in Canada – and one of the largest in North America – of archival materials documenting immigrant and ethnic experiences. Over 70 ethnocultural and Indigenous communities and some 240 municipalities are represented in the MHSO’s archival holdings.

During the last few years, the MHSO has focused its efforts on the creation of a digital archive, the 'anchor' archive in its online repository Discovering Multicultural Canada. The digital archive will include digitized oral history interviews, ethnic newspapers, and historical photographs from the Society’s extensive archival holdings, augmented by contextual materials and reference information.

The MHSO is looking for dedicated individuals who are interested in the experiences of immigrants who came to Ontario both before and after the Second World War and who wish to support the establishment of the digital archive. Although the Society is located in Toronto, individuals living anywhere in the province can volunteer since resources and materials will be made available virtually.

Volunteer Opportunities

• Transcribing oral history interviews
• Transcribing non-English-language oral history interviews (many are in a variety of heritage languages) and translating these transcripts into English
• Editing transcripts

Required Skills

We are seeking responsible, organized, enthusiastic individuals who can work well independently.

Time Commitment

Volunteers must be able to commit 4 hours per week towards the project. Since volunteers will be working from home rather than on-site, the exact days and times of volunteering are flexible.

How to Apply

Individuals interested in volunteering should send resumes outlining their skills and experience to the MHSO’s Outreach & Digital Archive Officer, Cassandra Tavukciyan, at cassandra.tavukciyan@mhso.ca .Providing an indication of what the individual can contribute to the project and the MHSO will also be helpful.