The Sundre Pioneer Museum's new manager admits she wasn't altogether keen on learning about the past when she was little.
The Sundre Pioneer Museum's new manager admits she wasn't altogether keen on learning about the past when she was little.
But as the years have gone by, Tami Parkinson has become increasingly interested in history and even began collecting antiques along the way.
"Heritage needs to be preserved," she said, adding, "Children need to be introduced to it."
Parkinson moved east of Sundre from Yorktown, Sask. in August with her significant other Tim.
"I love it here. Everybody is so friendly, everywhere you go — it just blows my mind!"
When she saw the position at the museum advertised, Parkinson decided to submit an application. With a background working in a family support organization as a coordinator and program manager for almost 20 years, she felt her experience and qualifications would be an asset to the museum. Additionally, the passion she's developed for heritage and history also motivated her to apply.
"I love heritage and historical stuff — it's kind of how my mom was."
So she hopes to do everything possible to preserve the local history for future generations.
Parkinson also enjoys working with others and called the number of volunteers who pitch in at the museum, which is about 85, "astounding."
The museum's former manager, Darlene Temple, is well organized so the transition should be easy, said Parkinson.
Since she's not from around here, Parkinson also said she looks forward to hearing people's stories and learning more about how the museum came to be.
While she had done some research on the museum before and after her interview, Parkinson said there's still a lot to see and learn.
"The museum is awesome."
In an effort to engage more youth at the museum, she hopes to work with the schools to get students involved and volunteering, such as inviting an art class to offer face painting for Canada Day.
"I've got lots of ideas and thoughts," she said, adding it's a matter of working out details.
"I'm just looking forward to working with the community and I'm glad and excited to have gotten the position."
Temple, who had recently started her seventh year as manager on top of about 10 years as a volunteer on the board before that, still plans to pitch in when she can at the museum.
"I was born and raised in Sundre, so I have a real connection."
Over her years at the museum, many people would come in and ask about certain individuals, and with her local roots, Temple often recognized the names or at least knew someone who would be able to provide more information.
Also, her father, Niels Eskesen, was instrumental in making a reality the reception centre and the Chester Mjolsness (pronounced Melsness) Wildlife Exhibit, which opened in 2006. The projects were done in two stages, starting with the reception centre.
Eskesen, who at the time had been president for about five years, was seriously hurt during construction work on the rafters in 2002 and later tragically succumbed to his injuries. The reception centre was named after him.
"The museum's kind of near and dear to me with that connection."
Having recently remarried in September, Temple plans to spend more time with her family.
"I just want to stay at home and be a domestic engineer," she said with a laugh.
"I have five grandkids. I want to be able to hang out with them and my kids."
But that doesn't mean she plans to head off into the sunset.
"I'm definitely still going to be here volunteering and helping out if needed. I'm not going to run away!"
The community has also provided much needed support over the years, which Temple would like to see go on.
"I'm just hoping the community continues to support the museum and help Tami and the board out the best they can like they have been."
