When I was a kid, we made annual family trips to the Fenton and so many other local tourist spots as part of what my dad called “Adventure Tuesdays.” It would take half the day to get me to go up to the Tower, and I would avoid the basement at about all costs, but we would explore and wander, and sometimes we might even get to have a sweet treat at the end.
I never could have guessed that as an adult, I’d get to have my own “adventures” here now as the Education Coordinator. Even better, I get to be here any and every day of the week – not just Tuesdays!
In my first few weeks as I’m becoming more familiar with both buildings, the exhibits, and where every single light switch is, I’ve come to realize that I never grew out of my massive fear of basements, which really does not work out well as someone whose classroom is – you guessed it – in the basement.
Don’t get me wrong – the Frances G. Wolinsky Memorial Education Center is a hidden gem at the center! It’s stocked so full with teachable artifacts, games, period outfits and so much more! But on day 1, realizing that I’d be splitting time between my main floor office (former excess TP storage room), and the basement classroom, was pretty stressful for me…
Mainly this is because you have to pass “Snow Plow Man” to get to it… And let me tell you, SPM is the master of jump scares – impressive for a mannequin! Just when I thought I’d gotten used to where he would be, staring me straight down as soon as I’d hit the bottom step, one of our lovely volunteers adjusted his gaze towards the wall (or so Joni said, probably just trying to convince me SPM hadn’t moved all on his own). We’re getting on better terms, but he may need a new name so we can become great friends. Happy to take suggestions, if any of our readers have a good one for me!
I’m continuing to grow into this role, and grow out of my silly fears, and I’m so grateful for all of our visitors and volunteers for welcoming me so warmly already! I can’t wait to see what more we can accomplish together and what “Ed-Ventures” lay ahead for me! Stay tuned!
