Irene Pradyszczuk

1. What is your role and what does a typical day look like for you?  

I am a Museum and Event Attendant at the Collingwood Museum, working part time two to four days per week as needed. My role is varied and can include reception duties, welcoming visitors, cataloguing artifacts, researching information for the community, assisting with children’s programming, setting up exhibits, or supporting community events such as summer concerts and festivals.

2. How did you find your way into municipal work?  

I began as a volunteer member of the Museum Advisory Committee from 2009 to 2017. When my current position opened in 2019, I decided to apply. Although my background was in television and video production, I felt my experience and long-term involvement with the museum and the local community gave me strong, transferable skills.

3. What part of your work has the biggest impact on your community?  

Welcoming visitors and helping them connect with Collingwood’s history has the biggest impact. Whether I am assisting residents with research questions or introducing visitors to the town’s heritage, I help make local history accessible, engaging, and meaningful to a wide range of people.

4. What is one moment, project, or accomplishment you’re proud of?  

I am very proud of completing my Certificate in Museum Studies through the Ontario Museum Association in 2022. Without formal museum training, I began the courses shortly after starting my role in 2019. Despite delays and challenges caused by COVID, I persevered and successfully completed all nine courses.

5. What’s something people might be surprised to learn about your job? 

Many people are surprised by how much behind the scenes work goes into running a museum. Photographing artifacts, writing condition reports, researching records, and setting up exhibits all require significant time and attention to detail to ensure visitors have the best possible experience.

6. What do you enjoy most about serving your municipality?  

I enjoy hearing from visitors who say they have learned something new during their visit, whether they are longtime residents or tourists. I am always curious to learn where visitors are from and what brought them to Collingwood, which helps create meaningful connections and enriches their experience.

7. What are you looking forward to in the year ahead?  

In the coming year, we will be creating a new resource area for the public, which I believe will be a valuable addition for residents, students, and researchers. I am excited to continue supporting new exhibits, programs, and community events while finding new ways to engage visitors and share Collingwood’s history.

8. Anything else you’d like people to know about your role, your team, or your municipality? 

Collingwood is an incredible town with beautiful natural surroundings and a rich history. Our museum team is passionate about being ambassadors for the community and sharing everything that makes Collingwood a special place to live and visit.