The Workers’ History Museum is again fortunate to receive funding from Young Canada Works (YCW) for the hiring of two summer students. Together, they will be helping us with collections management, and in the development of some of our ongoing projects.

This week, we present our first student, Lana Henderson, and we’re extremely fortunate to have her.

What is your name?

My name is Lana Henderson.

Where are you from?

I was born in Ottawa, Ontario.

What’s your primary occupation?

I am currently a student from the Applied Museum Studies program at Algonquin College. I will be entering my final year this coming September.

Why did you join the Workers’ History Museum?

I joined the Workers’ History Museum in part because I feel that looking at Ottawa through the lens of the everyday people tells an important and fascinating story as well as wanting to find hands on experience in my field to progress my own passion and studies.

What project have you been involved in that you’re most proud of?

I have found it very worthwhile to work with the WHM’s collection. The process of cataloguing and researching artifacts is a fulfilling and important task and I am proud to be a part of it.

What’s the best thing about volunteering for the WHM?

The best thing about being a volunteer is having the opportunity to experience working for a museum which is run by passionate people from the community. It allows for creativity and collaboration in a positive and driven atmosphere.

If you had a time machine and could visit any historical period, when would you choose?

If I had a Time Machine I would like to travel to Japan during the mid 19th century when the Meiji period began. This period in time saw Japan turn from its isolationist feudal past to its modern form today. I think this would be fascinating to see.