Took a shift at the museum on Sunday to help with the Heritage House Tour that occurs in that city once a year. All heritage houses can register to be in it etc, then of course the museum/house I volunteer at, is one of them.
What a blast!
Got paired up with a great guide. (one volunteer for every one costumed guide)
To see people of all ages get excited about the facts we told them about the house, the research we're doing on wall paper, renovations we've done, and what year the museum is hoping to choose to make the house consistent throughout. Right now it's a mishmash of 1865, 1903, 1913, and 1950. Chatting with people who's grandparents were alive when this house was still very much part of the social status (1865-1930's)
It made me feel good to see the work we do behind the scenes and how it connects to the house and the educational programming. I told the curator, upon my return, I wouldn't be completely against alternating between the curatorial dept and being a guide... yes even in costume. (ugh I'd have to work with crazy c though - she's the costume coordinator = power trip. hence why most the house staff hate her).
The curator (who will now be known as RJM moving forward) and I got some time to chat throughout the hours I was in the house, (we saw roughly 200-300 people take our tour in my 4.5 hours there - 800 in 9 hours is normal) Lots of joking. It was nice. It was the most relaxed I think I've ever seen him. He made a point of mentioning that he'll give me his personal contact infor etc, and add me to facebook to stay in touch. I'm surprised. Most people say, ya ya lets stay in touch, when they leave a job etc and never do. A few of the younger guides were giving me the happy eyes, cos everyone loves him. I can only imagine I'm fitting in better with him over others due to our age and the fact I'm friggin NORMAL!.
Couldn't help hear the hum of guides (paid or volunteers) talking softly that many of them are considering leaving when he's gone, if the newbie doesn't have the same love and enthusiasm for everything the way the RJM does. Awwww feeling the love? Bittersweet moment for him. :)
In short, it was a great day all around.
I'm still up in the air about continuing my volunteer-ship in November. If there is no curator on staff, I won't return, solely cos the current manager is a joke. Nice older man, but a joke when it comes to his position. There will be a very high turn over of people if he doesn't step up or get another curator in there asap. Btw the city job site does not have a listing for his position posted. :(
How was your weekend?
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