Tribute to Kathleen MacLeod

Sometimes there is a remarkable individual who plays such a pivotal role in a museum, that the organization is forever changed by their loss. Kathleen MacLeod is one such individual. Her commitment and dedication to the North Highlands Community Museum were second-to-none. Throughout her years of involvement she documented the collections - the extensive archives and thousands of objects, but knew that this work was never done and always strove for improvements. She got excited about special projects and supports for the museum that would facilitate research, digitization, and access to collections. Any time she was asked if the museum would like to participate in such a project, she would respond with a resounding yes. She was always quick to express her appreciation and thanks, and never sought praise or the limelight for all that she did. I think this is why Kathleen holds such a soft spot in my heart. She reminded me of my mother - tirelessly volunteering but never interested in the attention that could come with holding such an integral spot in an organization. 

But Kathleen's service extended beyond the museum. She was a fervent advocate for museums, wrote her fair share of letters advocating for funding increases, and served as Cape Breton rep on the Advisory Service Working Group. She was a wonderful addition to this group, and as with everything, was 100% commited to the job. Unless she was visiting her grandchildren out west, she would join meetings virtually. We definitely heard a few stories about those visits, which she treasured greatly. She loved her museum colleagues and was always so quick to smile and laugh with us, but her family came first.

Even after she started to have some health struggles, Kathleen found it hard to step away. She would reach out after reading the latest blog post, expressing her support or regretting that she couldn't attend a workshop or meeting. Our last visit included a rich conversation about storytelling and perspectives being shared in the museum, and how museums can better serve communities. She was excited to get museum resources into schools, to give space for stories not currently being told, and to build new relationships with communities. She was always so open and eager to learn, and always so excited about next steps. 

As I looked through our photos of site visits and workshops and conferences, trying to find a good one to share in this post, Sandi and I recalled how reluctant Kathleen was to have her photo taken. She would instead encourage us to take photos of summer students or managers. She always proudly talked about them, about the things they learned, the suggestions they gave, and the way they made the museum better. She especially loved seeing students learn how to make items in the blacksmith shop, which were then sold in the gift shop. She would lovingly pick up each item and declare, "look at what [insert name here] made - isn't this amazing". The students would beam with pride. What an amazing person for them to have as their support all summer long. 

Back to the question of the photo, it seems incredibly appropriate to share the group photo from when NovaMuse won a CMA award. This is how Kathleen worked. She may have been a lynchpin...she may be the one holding the award in the picture...but she always celebrated being part of a team. 

Rest easy Kathleen. You've left a lasting legacy and will be greatly missed.

~Karin

You can read Kathleen's obituary here.