My time at the Sault Ste. Marie Museum

Written by: Sam Keen 

My time working at the Sault Ste. Marie Museum has been a great one. I have made many friendships; memories and I have learned so much about the Sault’s military and cultural history.
I had visited the Sault Ste. Marie Museum a few times in the past, but it wasn’t until my job placement through the Sault Community Career Center’s TIP (Transitioning into Independence) program, that I had the opportunity to experience the ‘’inner workings” of the museum and all that it has to offer. One of the many highlights was getting to see the clocktower, it’s gears and pendulum and knowing that the inner support frame is original.

My placement started as a Museum Services Attendant, helping my co-workers with duties at the gift shop, helping set up for special events such as weddings, charities, and awareness programs and other various projects. Most of all, I really enjoyed re-arranging the Museum’s historical arms and paper inventory and archiving. I also had the opportunity to clean and refurbish some the historical arms. I thought this was the greatest because I have a strong interest in military history especially historical arms and being able to handle and make the arms look presentable was super exciting. It was very satisfying having helped with the military gallery and seeing it open to the public. I am so happy and grateful that I have been able to work beyond the TIP placement program as an Archivist at the Museum.

Two memorable (spookiest) moments while working at the Museum have been related to my unexplained encounters with the paranormal. I had heard from my co-workers of the ghosts in the building, but I thought they were joking around with me. I can confirm that it is not a joke because while working in the “bowels” of the building, I experienced a sudden drop in room temperature… got goosebumps and saw in the door frame, from the corner of my eye, a silhouette of a tall man. At first, I thought that it was Will - my supervisor, but he was working upstairs, and the silhouette did not resemble him. The silhouette quickly vanished. Another time, I saw an illuminated floating face of a man in the darkened area behind the jail bars located under the turret. The apparition lasted less than a minute, but enough to spook the c$%p out of me.
There have been many highlights working at the Museum, but I must say that best part of this job is working with an amazing group of people. My coworkers are fun, kind and very accepting.
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Thanks,
Sam Keen