 |
| Peter speaking on behalf of ANSM at the Interpretation Canada Conference, October 2022 |
Tuesday morning I was working on a project which required me to refer back to some emails from ANSM board members. Little did I know that later that night, I would a receive the very sad news about the passing of Peter Cullen. Words from one his emails quickly came back to me and have been the voice in my head this week... "All the best. Pete." This fits Pete perfectly.
Peter joined the Nova Scotia Museum family only four years ago and in that time made important connections with many of us. Executive Director of Ross Farm Museum, ANSM Board Secretary, advocate for museums including the Southwest Nova Scotia Curator's Group and the M8 group. Pete was quick to show up when needed, do what needed to be done, support and raise up others, and provide many much needed laughs. At ANSM we will forever be thankful for Peter's work on the board, including providing guidance on developing the TRACK program, learning with us at of the Unlocking Community Museum Collections sessions, and helping lead ANSM's advocacy efforts with the provincial government.
In the last day many of you have shared with me your memories of Pete - over and over I heard you describe Peter as nice, professional, creative, passionate, wise, down to earth, a community builder, and most often, as a friend. He was also described as the man not of many hats, but of many pockets, referring to his fishing vest he proudly wore (including during virtual meetings). ANSM has opened comments on this blog as a space for the ANSM community. We hope you will share your memories, stories, and condolences. ANSM will ensure this message board is sent to Peter's family.
In memory of Pete, the ANSM Board has voted to rename our conference bursary the "Dr. Peter Cullen Memorial Bursary." This bursary, which ran for the first time last fall, supports ANSM members attending our annual conference or symposium. More details will be released in the coming weeks as we prepare for the conference this October. We know the conference's theme "Museum Care: Self Care, Team Care, Community Care" will provide us many opportunities to remember Pete's legacy.
As we remember Peter, I hope we also remember those works, "all the best." Peter may inspire us all to give our best to our work. More importantly though, may we give all our best to ourselves. May we give all our best to our family. May we give all our best to our friends. May we give all our best to our colleagues. May we give all the best to our community.
From ANSM our deepest condolences to Peter's family, friends, and colleagues. He will be missed and remembered.
Maggie
 |
| Peter helping present Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee Medals with Maggie on behalf of ANSM to Carol Nauss and Ethel Feener. December 2022. |
6 comments:
The first time I met Peter he tried to get me to take the 2 old Oxen from Ross Farm to our museum, haha he even offered to bring them down himself, I think he was half serious. His sense of humor never failed to put people at ease and his dedication and passion for the museum committee was to be commended. I feel very honored to have worked with Peter at ANSM and to have gotten to know him. Peter was a true "nice" guy, warm and funny but incredibly smart and dedicated and we are all the better for having known him. My deepest condolences to his family and friends and all of us who will feel his absence.
Oralee- ED Age of Sail Museum
Pete was one of those people that you just wanted to spend more time with... he was kind to a fault, funny in that dry sort of way he seemed to perfect, and always always willing to help out and lift up others. I was fortunate to work alongside him and even more fortunate to call him my friend. I think he'd be surprised at how much he'll be missed but that's only because he gave his all and never gave it a second thought. The universe is a little less bright with him no longer around to crack jokes and tell the most random historical tidbits.
I remember many great conversations, brewing of ideas, supportive comments and actions, good humour and lots of laughs. He was a new member of the museum community but a natural and passionate voice for our community and profession. He will be missed . Heartfelt condolences to his family .
I had the honour to work with Pete on the ANSM Board. From conversation with Pete I knew he was a very smart man. I had no idea he was Dr. Peter Cullen. He was so down to earth. He was a great asset to the ANSM board. He will be tremendously missed for his words of wisdom. My sincere sympathy for his family and work family. Reading the comments he was certainly a respected Executive Director. Heartfelt condolences.
I've known Pete for a few years now, but last summer was when I got to know him the best. He joined us in meeting with community members across the province for conversations on how to better serve all Nova Scotians. Pete believed profoundly in this work, and profoundly in museums. By the end of each of these sessions, Pete had befriended almost everyone in the room, had figured out connections and opportunities to collaborate. In a span of two hours he had built community and confidence and was scheming about what to do next. He was 1000% supportive of our organization, our staff, as we recognized the shift we were about to go through. I will always think about how he reminded us not only of the power of our work, but also of the importance of caring - for ourselves, for our colleagues, and for our communities.
All the best Pete.
As Pete’s mother I can truly say he was a wonderful human being from the very day he was born. I had the privilege to raise him but I have always said that he raised himself. I was his Mum but I was also his friend. We are shattered by his sudden departure from our lives but we are also so proud of all that he has given to others. He was a true man of the world in that he could relate to people of all stripes. He was always himself-something many of us find hard to be. Thank you for saying such lovely things about him.
Your thoughts have helped to ease our pain and fill the huge hole he has left in our souls.
Post a Comment