It’s The Little Things

A blog post by Education & Programs Intern Rachel Morin. To read  more posts by and about interns click HERE.

Have you ever seen those movies where a family owns a store and they all have to do every job? Think “indie” films with a limited budget and but with a talented cast and crew that has big ideas. That’s pretty much what it’s like here, a lot of work, a lot of planning sometimes it’s random, but there are amazing people all abound. In the West Wing, where I work, there is always more to be done than the assignment that I get in the morning. I was actually talking to Ilene Dackman-Alon and Trillion Attwood about the amazing people that you get to meet in such intimate work environments.

My job, officially, is to work in the Education and Programs department working on the creation of programs associated with exhibits, tours and school groups. However, that isn’t all I do. Sometimes I get asked to make flower arrangements, and set up cookie trays from IKEA or to work the front desk or take inventory of the gift shop. However, these little tasks are wonderful.

There is a consensus among the Education interns that working the front desk is our favorite activity. Each intern has a different reason, but for me it is mainly because of Betsy. One afternoon I was asked to cover the front desk and at first I dreaded it, but then I met Betsy, youthful lady who turns 90 in July. She stole my heart. We talked politics and history. She told me stories about typewriters and how she transitioned to technology today. She told me about how much she loves life, a refreshing point of you to have by the way.

I think what I truly realized about working in such a small museum is how much passion it really takes. I have never met a group of people who are more dedicated and willing to do literally whatever it takes to keep this operation up and running. There are so many volunteers that come in, so clearly this place is worth putting forth the effort. Just look at Betsy. Almost 90 years old, and she still comes in to volunteer. Now that’s something to be proud of.