King for a Day, more accurately: Temporary Museum Caretaker

As my experience as Summer Intern here at Banting House comes to its close (with only two weeks more until September), I’m starting my second-biggest challenge of all – Grant is on vacation!

I say “second-biggest” because nothing can beat how busy we were with Banting & Friends VI (an event that turned out to be well worth it)!

So, with our curator away, for the next two weeks, I’m in charge of the museum.

The most important things I have to do are to make sure we’re open on time every day, that Sir Frederick G. Banting Square stays clean and beautiful, and that our volunteers have everything they need when they come in to help.

I have some new, more minor responsibilities too, like watering the plants once a week (three times in total, starting today).

I think the most intimidating thing is having to be able to handle the random, unexpected things that might come up. To be honest though, I’m pretty confident I can manage – yesterday, we had a surprise group of about 20 people come into the Museum; I might’ve looked a little wide-eyed as I watched them all filing through the door, but between yesterday’s volunteer, Steph, and I, we were able to make sure things went smoothly.

It’s fun when the unexpected happens here, it keeps me on my toes, and gives me a break from research and Wikipedia editing!

There haven’t been many surprises today though, so, for now, I guess my next task is to water the spider plants (which I actually just learned have better air purifying qualities than many other plants – good choice Grant). Then, I’ll hope someone comes in for a tour, despite today’s dreary weather.

I wonder if Sir Frederick ever wishes sculptor John Miecznikowski had made him an umbrella…

This blog was written by Siena McLachlan, Special Events Assistant/Interpretive Guide at Banting House NHSC. Siena specializes in English Literature and Creative Writing at Western University.