Through the creation of an online video series, the Greenwood Military Aviation Museum has expanded its story-telling to an online audience, providing additional opportunities for aviation enthusiasts – and others – to learn more about the rich aviation history and people of the region.
Sophie Saulnier, a museum volunteer, created the online series with the purpose of “providing a spotlight to the volunteers who are always behind the scenes.” The online video series is great for “giving volunteers a voice and a spotlight.
“People see the beautiful artifacts and aircraft and have no idea the amount of effort that goes into it,” she says.
“Effort” from the volunteers is an understatement: the amount of time, proficiency, attention to detail, collaboration and brilliance that goes into some of the restoration projects is truly remarkable. Everything from custom cockpit moulds, re-upholstery, electrical wiring and aircraft painting; to specialized wheel stands, tools, engine mounts, processes and more are all fashioned by a dedicated team of volunteers who, together, tie these elements and create the displays museum visitors see and interact with today.
Presently being shared on the museum’s social media, the Behind the Scenes video series has generated interest.
“The first episode has been viewed over 3,200 times to date, with many shares,” Saulnier says, noting the reach and engagement with aviation enthusiasts and other interested viewers. The videos aims to tell “a compelling story – one that will keep people interested.”
With four episodes to date, Saulnier is busy working on the next episodes, continuing to highlight the volunteers who make it all possible and providing historical insight into Greenwood aviation.
In addition to creating the online video series, Saulnier is an active 14-year museum volunteer. She serves as a lead instructor for the Grade 6 Flight Education Program and helps with the reupholstering and restoration of the interior of the display aircraft. When asked about the best parts of volunteering at the Greenwood Military Aviation Museum Saulnier says, “it’s the social aspect, we’re like a family. Learning from others and learning through experience. Most people have shared, similar experiences.”
The museum is always looking for new volunteers to join, with “a variety of jobs available,” Saulnier says. Regardless of prior military experience – or none, the Greenwood Military Aviation Museum welcomes “anyone interested in aviation or who wants to work on real planes.” Volunteers range in age from 18 to 87, and your commitment may be as little or as much as you want.
“It’s important to record that history of what we’re doing here. While volunteers are preserving history, they are also making history – leaving a legacy,” Saulnier says, reflecting on the past, present and future endeavours of the volunteers and the museum.
For information on how to become a part of the Greenwood Military Aviation Museum community visit gmam.ca, follow on Facebook @Greenwood Military Aviation Museum or stop by the museum and speak to a volunteer first-hand. To view the Behind the Scenes video series, visit the museum’s Facebook page, or YouTube Channel @Greenwoodmilitaryaviationm8224
