On this rainy day, I'm glad to be sitting in my office at Banting House National Historic Site of Canada. Things are moving forward as usual. Construction is wrapping up on the porch, the new exhibit is ready to be installed, and I have a healthy to-do list to tend to. But make no mistake:... Continue Reading →
A (graphic) novel approach: the Banting biography as you’ve never seen it before!
Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you were written into a comic book? What would you do if you found a comic book featuring one of your personal heroes? Can a comic book be a way to teach history? On Saturday, May 3rd, the world will be celebrating Free Comic Day.... Continue Reading →
Behind the scenes: first day in collections management
If you've ever received a tour of Banting House National Historic Site of Canada, you'll know that the historic house has both a ground floor, an upper floor (where Banting's bedroom - the site of his "eureka moment" - is located), and an attic. But did you know that the museum also has a basement?... Continue Reading →
Behind the scenes: history matters
Almost a week ago, my Introduction to Museology class had the opportunity to visit Banting House National Historic Site of Canada as part of our learning about museums with vision. As I mentioned in last week's post on commemorative integrity, museums - like many other organizations - benefit from being guided by a concrete mission... Continue Reading →
Behind the scenes: Commemorative Integrity
In my classes at Western this week, we have been learning about the concept of "commemorative integrity." This concept was defined specifically by Parks Canada for National Historic Sites like Banting House. Because commemorative integrity is so important to everything we do at Banting House National Historic Site of Canada, I wanted to share some... Continue Reading →
Behind the scenes: working with artifacts
On most days at Banting House National Historic Site of Canada, I am involved in the exhibit design, graphic design or public relations aspects of museum work. All of these things play a part in creating an enjoyable and educational visitor experience. I tend to blog about this quite a bit. But what about working... Continue Reading →
Behind the scenes: online adventures in 2014
Happy New Year all! I'm happy to say that despite the ice storms, snow squalls, and bitterly cold weather, I have made it safely back to London. The start of the new year is a typical time for making resolutions and setting goals. Here at Banting House National Historic Site of Canada, we have all... Continue Reading →
Behind the Scenes: My last post of the year
It's time for me to say goodbye to all of you as I head home for the holidays (home being Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario). Banting House will still be open until the 21st, but I won't be writing blog posts until the new year. I can't wait for the holidays, but I'm also overwhelmed by... Continue Reading →
Behind the Scenes: getting ready for Christmas!
Today is December 5th, and for those of you who like countdowns, that means it's only 20 days until Christmas! Every museum has its own arrangements for the Christmas holidays. Banting House National Historic Site of Canada will be closed after December 21st, and will reopen January 7th. Today I am helping wrap up our... Continue Reading →
Behind the scenes: always learning something new
Good morning! I hope everyone is keeping warm and dry on this very snowy Monday. I realized today that I have now been at Banting House National Historic Site of Canada for two months, going on three. The time is definitely flying by. Now that World Diabetes Day is over, we have been turning our... Continue Reading →