The Greenwood Military Aviation Museum (GMAM) did not officially open its doors until 1995, but a small cadre of volunteers and one staff member worked tirelessly from 1993, incorporating a society to support the museum and producing a plan for the future. That society, with wing commander and senior staff support over the years, and now with a serving Reserve officer general manager; has been the driving force behind the museum’s design, development, administration and accessioning. It has also included restoration, displaying and maintenance of aircraft and artifacts, and the design and conduct of the museum’s highly successful Flight Education program.
Today, the museum includes a large outdoor air park, with 11 restored aircraft representing all those flown from Greenwood, and with a final one under restoration; and an indoor display area with two other Second World War aircraft and many artefacts of the period. The museum’s large main display area covers the history of the base and its units from 1941 to present day; the facility also maintains accessioning and storage areas and a workshop.
To recognize the GMAM’s valuable volunteers and their significant contributions to the wing’s history and heritage, a new museum patch has been procured for them to wear, recognizing their skills, dedication and perseverance in the many aspects of museum volunteerism. Volunteers pitch in in many areas, from administration to public interaction to hands-on display and restoration work. An indication of the enjoyment and satisfaction of being a volunteer here is reflected in the fact several volunteers having been with the museum since its beginning, and many more exceeding 15 years!
Most volunteers are retired or serving military members, and interested civilians. This has proven to be a very effective and interesting mix, bringing people of diverse backgrounds together to make new friendships – even coffee breaks are both enjoyable and educational!
As volunteers age, take permanent retirement or pass, new volunteers are always needed. Additional support would be welcome in society leadership roles, as project managers and policy makers; in display design and maintenance, especially in the use of technology in dioramas and lighting; accessioning, including computer entries of data and physical storing of new artifacts; historical research and media services; website maintenance of gmam.ca and other media management; our Flight Education program, including providing briefings and museum tours; aircraft and equipment periodic cleaning, repair and painting; and cleaning and care of our Commemorative Gardens.
For more information on volunteering at the museum, drop by the reception desk, call 902-765-1494 local 5955, send a Facebook message or email the society volunteer coordinator at dndwingmuseum@bellaliant.com. You’ll never regret making a small – or even large – contribution to the museum and our community: volunteering simply makes you feel good.
