Located in the heart of Vancouver's West End, Roedde House Museum is a beautifully restored Victorian home dating back to 1893. It was built for Gustav and Matilda Roedde, who emigrated from Germany to Canada in the late 19th century. Gustav, a trained bookbinder from Leipzig, established Vancouver's first bookbinding business after arriving in the young city in 1888. Their family home, designed by renowned architect Francis Rattenbury, has since become a museum offering visitors a glimpse into everyday life in early Vancouver.

Today, the museum welcomes visitors from around the world and plays an important educational role through its popular school programme. Elementary school students explore the historic house, discover original artifacts, and learn about local history through guided tours and hands-on activities led by dedicated volunteers.

To support this programme, the museum is currently looking for new volunteer docents and group leaders. Volunteers guide small groups of children through the house, share stories about life in Victorian Vancouver, and help make history engaging and accessible for the next generation. No teaching experience is required—just a good command of English, an interest in history, and enthusiasm for working with children.

For members of Vancouver's German-speaking community, this is also a unique opportunity to help preserve and share an important chapter of German-Canadian history.

If you are interested in volunteering or would like to learn more, please contact Larissa Higgins at larissahiggins@gmail.com.

Roedde House website