Stephan G. Stephansson – Poet of the Rocky Mountains – was born in Iceland in 1853.
In 1889, he brought his family to Alberta near what is now the Markerville area. Within the view of the Rockies, he homesteaded with his family, farming by day and writing by night. Stephansson’s prolific literary output has helped make him one of the greatest poets in the western world.
The Stephansson home is a snapshot in time. With costumed interpreters helping bring this story to life, you’ll find beautiful original furnishings, a wood-burning stove, newspaper wallpaper, a serene landscape, the smell of baking, and, of course, the poetry of Stephan Stephansson himself.
Volunteer
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Stephansson House Provincial Historic Site.
As we work towards our 2024 summer opening, we are looking for volunteers to assist us in a number of areas: special events, program preparation, gardening, administrative support, research, translation (which can be done remotely!) and more.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us at Stephansson.House@gov.ab.ca.
For updates on any future volunteer opportunities, please follow us on our Facebook page.
Employment
We are still seeking applicants for our Historical Interpreter - Seasonal positions.
If you are interested, please send a resume and cover letter and resume to Edward.vanVliet@gov.ab.ca.
About us
Stephansson House Provincial Historic Site is located 7 km north of Markerville, off Secondary Highway 592 west of Hwy 781, approximately 30 minutes west of Red Deer and 20 minutes south of Sylvan Lake. The site depicts the history of Stephan Stephansson and his family. Restored to its 1927 appearance, Stephansson’s historic home offers a glimpse into the life of this pioneer poet and Alberta’s Icelandic heritage.
Role
Are you interested in working in an historical environment with people of all ages? You could spend this summer sharing and celebrating the lives and experiences of Icelandic poet and Alberta pioneer Stephan G. Stephansson, his family, and the settlement experience of the Markerville Icelanders.
As a member of a dynamic team of interpretive staff, dressed in period costume, you will plan, develop, present, and evaluate educational, special event and public interpretive programs. Other duties will include the collection of admission fees and visitor statistics, administering site surveys, marketing and promotions of the site and events, volunteer recruitment and supervision, day-to-day administration, research, social media, and maintaining general cleanliness and order of visitor facilities. This position requires weekend work.
A successful candidate for this position will be comfortable speaking to small and large groups of people, and able to read and assimilate large amounts of information quickly. They will have the ability to work with a range of audiences, from young children to seniors, and to work as a member of a team. They must also be able to walk and stand for extended periods and be able to lift and carry moderate loads. This position requires a basic understanding of the history of Alberta, an interest in historical interpretation and literature, as well as planning and organizational skills. Job specific training is provided.
Qualifications
Post–secondary education and or/experience in the following fields is desirable: Historical Interpretation, Education, Canadian and/or Icelandic History, Language Arts, Dramatic and performing Arts, Marketing and/or Recreation Administration. The successful applicant will have a current Standard First Aid Certificate and a Class 5 driver’s license. Successful candidate must provide proof of first aid training and a driver’s abstract and undergo a Vulnerable Sector security screening before hiring.
Salary
Wage rate: Interpreter $20.05/hr - $24.22/hr
Closest town for rental accommodations is Sylvan Lake. On-site shared accommodations are available but are very limited and somewhat isolated. Personal transportation required. Some conditions apply. This position runs from May 1 to September 5, 2025.
