Heritage houses struggling to find volunteers
Nelson’s heritage houses are struggling to fulfil their opening hours as the number of volunteers to keep them running shrinks.
But, while volunteer numbers are down, the number of visitors to the popular attractions is on the rise, a report to the Nelson City Council this month said.
Nelson has two heritage houses - Isel House and Broadgreen Historic House - which are open to the public.
The community services six monthly report for July 1 to December 31, 2023 reported that the houses had “proved popular” over the six month period “particularly on public holidays when cruise ships were in Nelson and during the Christmas holiday period“.
Visitors at Isel House were up 21.3% to 1280 when compared with the same period in 2022, the report said.
But while the number of visitors was up, the number of volunteers was down.
“These facilities continues to rely heavily on a reducing pool of volunteers, which created challenges keeping the doors open seven days per week,” the report said.
Nelson City Council group manager community services Andrew White said Nelson was home to a range of heritage houses that played an important role in the city’s history.
“The houses were initially owned by the community rather than Council, and therefore entirely run by volunteers.
“This hasn’t changed since Council took over management of the buildings.
“Every day, volunteers from our community help run these facilities, bringing with them a variety of useful skills and experience.”
While the volunteers’ efforts were appreciated, they were looking for more people, he said.
Isel House had 10 volunteers, but an “ideal number” would be 14 to 16, which would allow the house to open seven days.
With current volunteer numbers the house has to close on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons.
Broadgreen Historic House had 25 volunteers, but some were only able to commit to one or two shifts a month, he said. “Broadgreen is open every day but sometimes has to shut at short notice if one of our volunteers is ill.”
Volunteer numbers had been reducing over the past five years, he said.
“Although we have recruited new volunteers, we have also had many retire from volunteering. In 2018 we had 33 volunteers at Broadgreen and 14 volunteers at Isel.
“During and after the Covid-19 epidemic, a number of volunteers resigned. Some lost confidence and some retired due to concerns about health.”
The work for volunteers at Broadgreen included greeting visitors and taking guiding tours of the house, helping with special events and projects such as collection conservation, and running educational or holiday programmes and school visits.
At Isel House volunteers hosted visitors, and were house guides and stewards. They also assist with special events and group tours, public talks, piano recitals and sharing expertise.
“The majority of our volunteers are retired people seeking something meaningful, fulfilling and enriching as well as connecting with other people,” White said. He encouraged people to sign up to volunteer, either at the houses or Founders Park.
“An interest in history and heritage, culture and community is extremely helpful, and the role suits people who like to share their knowledge and skills and who have a desire to learn.”
People didn’t have to give up a lot of time, he said. “In return, they get to join a passionate team of volunteers, connect with fellow history enthusiasts, learn new skills, and help create experiences that inspire and educate visitors.”