It is back to school now, but 15-year-old Daphne Boettger from Bentley, had an interesting job for the summer. She was the hostess at the Bentley Museum from July 1 to August 31.
She said she kind of “fell” into the job. Someone else had been hired but they got a different job, so Daphne was lucky enough to get it, she explained.
It was an easy job for her to get to, and the hours were during the day, even on weekends.
“I let people wander through the museum and follow them, and try to help,” says the reserved teen. “I hand out information, answer questions, keep the place clean, have learned how they catalogue new items, water the flowers and pick weeds outside, and sell Bentley history books.”
“It (the job) is a little lonely. I talk to myself sometimes,” she says with a timid smile. “I was in awe of the newer building as I hadn’t been in it yet. My favorite part is the Bentley Lions Club display that has my grandpa’s Lions vest. I feel a connection there.”
Most of the tourists visiting the museum were from places around Alberta and she said the museum was busier on Farmer’s Market Saturdays.
Boettger helped make the museum’s float for the Bentley parade, too.
After finishing Grade 9 in Bentley, Boettger has transferred to the Lacombe Composite High School where she can study musical theater and art options.
“I am really excited about it. I may study guitar as well,” she said.
Admission to the Bentley museum is free. During the off-season, appointments can be made to tour the museum by calling Cora (403-748-2455) or Betty (403-748-2744).
Museum volunteers work most Wednesday mornings so people can drop by if they wish.