IONA WHATFORD

• Curated and planned exhibits and collections, ensuring alignment with institutional goals.
• Managed and allocated capital, event, and operational budgets, optimizing resource use.
• Developed and delivered written and physical interpretive materials to enhance visitor engagement.
• Led strategic and site planning initiatives to support long-term institutional growth.
• Planned and executed a variety of events, including private rentals, ensuring a seamless experience.
• Oversaw social media and marketing strategies to increase institutional visibility and outreach.
• Directed grant applications and secured funding to support institutional projects and programs.
• Executed administrative functions, including leading board communications and managing financial tasks.
• Represented the institution at county-wide events and collaborated with other museum organizations.
• Recruited, trained, and supervised staff and volunteers, fostering a productive work environment.
• Managed payroll, museum maintenance, and grounds upkeep to ensure operational efficiency.
• Performed additional duties as assigned, contributing to the overall success of the institution.

• Collaborated with museum clients to develop custom collections management software solutions.
• Led project teams and acted as a central contact for client inquiries.
• Oversaw all aspects of small project management including invoice handling, payroll administration, interviewing candidates, preparing grant proposals and applications, as well as maintaining office space.
• Part-time from May 2022.

• Developed educational materials and instructed diverse groups of students, spanning ages 4-17.
• Oversaw the operation of educational carts, ensuring engaging interactions with visitors.
• Led tours, organized interpretive events, and supported exhibit management.
• In 2022, promoted to Lead Garden Interpreter where leadership responsibilities included training new staff members and conducting research to develop educational material. Also accountable for reporting monthly visitation statistics and completing final reports.

• Engaged in tasks involving the handling, documentation, and photographic capture of objects and archives from both the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum and the City of Hamilton Archives for integration into Sharp End Studio's educational virtual reality games.

• Contracted by City of Hamilton Museums to research and develop digital exhibit content for an independent history app project.

• Research Assistant in the Art History department
• Conducted historical transcription of 17th century manuscripts.
• Conducted research online to assist professors with 17th century manuscript using OMEKA.

• Selected materials and displays for exhibition. Conducted research and curated 17th-19th century ephemera.
• Managed scanning, handling materials, writing metadata, and creating online exhibitions.

• Directed visitors and answered questions to enhance museum experience.
• Performed French language tours as needed
• Managed the care and preservation of museum buildings and artifacts.

• Co-op placement
• Assisted interpreters with school tours, prepared materials, and attended meetings.

• Dean's List Scholar, Graduated with High Distinction, 3.9 GPA
• Major in: History, with a specialization in Garden History and Material Culture.
• Double Minor in: Material Culture & French as a Second Language
• Vice president of Material Culture Student Society.

Certificate course for Interpretation run by the NAI, which includes theory, principles and practical application training for interpretive theories.