Members of Parliament Arnold Viersen (Peace River-Westlock), Michael Cooper (St. Albert-Edmonton), and Dane Lloyd (Sturgeon River/Parkland) met with summer museum staff from their constituencies at this year’s Heritage MP Tea at the Onoway Museum on July 4.
Those able to attend were from the Westlock Pioneer Museum, Canadian Tractor Museum, Redwater Museum, Gibbons Museum, Onoway Museum, and Muséé Héritage, St. Albert.
These five regional museums received funding through federal programs Canada Summer Jobs and Young Canada Works and were able to hire 11 young adults for the summer season - the presence of summer staff is essential to running events and programming.
At this tea, the MPs received reports from students about the projects that the staff are working on, showcasing the positive experiences and skills they are acquiring, and emphasizing the importance of these summer work opportunities. Each student shared their experiences, and it was amazing to hear the different tasks and programs being developed and carried out by each institution; these projects include but are not limited to developing a guided walking tour, planning and running weekly children’s activities, and advanced research skills. Among these examples, students have learned what it takes to keep a museum in pristine condition through maintenance and grounds work, while also learning how to enhance the visit of anyone walking through the doors.
This summer employment opportunity is a well-rounded and educational experience for everyone involved, teaching and developing many invaluable skills that help all participants on any career path they choose.
