(submitted photo/Brenda Mellon)

By Cam Lee

Melfort curator

New Melfort Museum curator settling in

May 28, 2024 | 12:00 PM

The new curator at the Melfort Museum is hitting the ground running as the busy summer season approaches.

Brenda Mellon took over the position May 13 after the retirement of long-time curator and cultural coordinator Gailmarie Anderson.

“It’s been a busy couple of weeks. There’s lots happening at the museum,” Mellon told northeastNOW.

Mellon said she’s been working with the board, outlining her plans for the museum now and into the future, but most of her two weeks has been spent getting up to speed on the many activities that will be held at the museum throughout the summer months.

“I do have some plans for the future, but I guess at this point in time I’m just trying to fill Gailmarie’s shoes and then we’ll make the position my own as we go along.”

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Some museums have seen a decline in visitor numbers since the COVID pandemic, but Mellon said staff has told her numbers weren’t impacted.

“Our numbers have been pretty stable by the sounds of it, so we’re excited and looking forward to having a really busy summer season,” said Mellon.

The museum has four summer students in place to gear up for summer, and Mellon said the students are invaluable.

“They are all trained as interpretive guides, so they provide tours, and they also assist with a lot of other projects at the museum,” explained Mellon.

The first school tour of the season was held last week and several more have been booked before the end of the school year in late June. School tours are still available, with tours typically around an hour-and-a-half, though groups can stay longer.

“There is a picnic area, and we can also arrange for games and other activities if they’d like.”

The museum will continue their Time Warp Summer Program this summer, on Thursdays from July 4 to Aug. 27. The summer students have been planning different themes for each week for children aged six to twelve, and anyone interested can contact the museum.

The summer barbecue series begins June 12, with a burger, drink, ice cream, and entertainment for $10. The barbecues are held on Wednesdays throughout the summer.

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @northeastNOW_SK