Something to talk about...

finally.

Yesterday, I began my internship with a Municipal Heritage Department. Not the city I live in  but one nearby.  I will be doing research on heritage plans and having fun with some of the archaeology side of things. I think its a good fit.

The only drawback is that this Municipality does not, in fact, have a Municipal Archaeological Master Plan, which is unfortunate because that's what I'm studying. But it has a fine record in heritage conservation and I think it will be valuable to experience how planning is done on a day to day level.  When it comes time to look closer at my chosen problem I'm hoping to do a little research via interviews and job shadowing at other municipalities nearby.

So why did I pick this city? Well, initially it was a second choice (because of the lack of the mamp) but I was delightfully surprised at their attitude towards my email and phone calls. They were also intrigued by MY research and thought that I could contribute to their office team and do some meaningful work. Their attitude goes a long way to my understanding why I have such respect for the more public examples of this departments work.

Other offices I contacted showed some interest too, and my first choice did turn me down. That was a disappointment, to be sure, but at least I'm reasonable certain that it was a reluctant choice on their side too. From their rejection I'm to understand that they loved my project, loved my resume and that they did not have either the room for me or someone to work with. Very disappointing.

But once I had talked to the people at this Municipality I was pretty certain that that was were I wanted to spend my summer.

And my first day seems to have rewarded my choice. I walked in and there was my desk with a new computer (still no login yet though), a working phone and in a rather sweet gesture - stationary supplies. The section head had made sure that I had a notepad, a legal pad, post its and a pen. An incredibly thoughtful gesture.

And then he gave me excerpts of the municipal plan, a binder of heritage policy discussion memos and correspondence and a copy of the Heritage Act. I spent the day reading and taking notes.

Heaven.