The Canadian Federation of Friends of Museums (CFFM) is a non-profit organization with two main objectives: (1) support museum volunteers, and (2) advocate for the value of cultural heritage sites to the Canadian public. The organization’s mission thereby aligns with my current and upcoming fields of study. In particular, seeing as I fulfilled the remaining requirements for the completion of an MA in History of Medicine this summer and will be beginning my first semester as a MISt (Master of Information Studies) candidate (with an emphasis on preservation and archival studies) this upcoming semester, it is sufficient to say that I am heavily invested in the preservation and promotion of history.
My main goal for this internship was to apply my previous work experience within the context of the museum sector and, by extension, prepare for a future career as a heritage professional. Initially, the position was heavily centered on fundraising and the organization of events for the CFFM’s Young Friends (YF) Council, a group of young professionals and students that gather to promote/discuss Canadian heritage. As a result of my five years of experience in the destination wedding sector and having raised over $10,000 in donations for a silent auction as part of an internship last year, I was especially eager for the challenge. The pandemic, however, rendered non-virtual events impossible and, given that foundations and corporations shifted their focus to supporting organizations providing COVID-19 relief, fundraising pursuits were limited.
The internship was instead largely concerned with managing the CFFM’s communications. Daily tasks included answering membership inquiries, coordinating potential partnerships (namely with organizations relating to the museum and cultural heritage sectors) and maintaining an active presence on the organization’s Facebook page. The occasional break from the computer screen, namely through taking walks outdoors, was integral for the maintenance of motivation and a healthy attitude towards remote work. One particular highlight was when the announcement I created in honour of the 2020 recipients of the Museum Volunteer Award, an award that the CFFM presents annually in partnership with the Canadian Museums Association (CMA), reached more people than any other post on the organization’s Facebook page. Naturally, the completion of certain tasks, particularly concerning partnerships, required the approval of the Board of Directors and, given the remote nature of the internship, it was sometimes difficult to receive quick responses, but sending follow-up emails was nevertheless useful for limiting wait-time.
The bulk of my responsibilities resided in the writing and editing of the organization’s newsletters. Specifically, I wrote and edited the June, July and August issues of Volunteer Voices, bilingual monthly bulletins sent to the CFFM’s institutional and individual members that provide information on events, awards/grants and workshops intended to support and celebrate Canadian museums. I similarly participated in the editing of the Summer 2020 issue of Au Courant, a bilingual quarterly newsletter that showcases museum volunteer groups within Canada and internationally. By researching museum resources for Volunteer Voices and reading about museum activities and preservation efforts from Au Courant contributors, I believe that I have acquired knowledge that will allow me to excel in upcoming courses, such as GLIS 639 (Introduction to Museology) and GLIS 642 (Preservation Management).
During the second month of the internship, I developed an additional column to Volunteer Voices entitled #FeaturedFriends, wherein museums, galleries and cultural sites were invited to submit articles about how their institutions addressed challenges related to the cultural heritage sector. In the July issue, for instance, the article from the Maude Abbott Medical Museum (MAMM) in Montreal discussed adapting to remote volunteer practices during the pandemic. In the August issue, the article written by the executive director of the Mennonite Heritage Village (MHV) in Manitoba discussed fostering a culture of inclusivity in their heritage interpretation program. The development of an outlet that allows these institutions to showcase their dedication to cultural heritage was the main highlight of the internship.
The funding received from the Gail Todgham Arts Internship Award was essential for facilitating this remote internship. In particular, Zoom meetings were one of main methods in which I communicated with my colleagues and the CFFM’s board members. The purchase of a higher-speed internet plan, made possible with the award, ensured that I could participate actively in meetings and did not experience continued loss of connection. The funds equally enabled me to purchase a new computer charger when my previous charger no longer worked. Thank you to Mrs. Gail Todgham, whose support made this endeavor possible during a time of unprecedented uncertainty.
