“With a new day comes new strength and new thoughts” – Eleanor Roosevelt.
I ponder these words as I reflect and prepare to end my tenure as Executive Director of the Britannia Mine Museum.
Throughout my career with the Museum I have been privileged to have overseen many new beginnings or ‘firsts’ in the organization’s history. The rehabilitation of the Mill building from a derelict roadside structure was a monumental achievement which impacted the museum’ growth and development for its future, as did the rebranding in 2010 after a major capital project was completed in one year.
Other achievements were quieter, less obvious to onlookers but nonetheless key milestones; hiring the museum’s first marketing manager, choosing our first Curator (from Scotland) or believing in someone and giving them a chance and seeing them blossom into a wonderful storyteller and ambassador of the Museum!
As the Museum’s capacity grew so too did my own which was thrilling for me. After the Mill rehabilitation for example, I recall my new confidence in realizing that my leadership could influence change.
I have a picture of the Museum on the day I was hired (2000). It never fails to remind me what can be done with perseverance and vision. I remember the many media headlines about environmental contamination at Britannia and how a picture of the Museum’s iconic Mill building in its derelict form always seemed to accompany the story.
Britannia’s environmental contamination was a conundrum; no particular ‘responsible party’ felt they could ‘blink’ first. It took time, but a path forward was found with both the Province of BC and the mining industry stakeholders agreeing on a plan. By 2004 there was hope for successful environmental remediation for Britannia Beach and this allowed so much to happen. It was gratifying to be a part of it all.
The Museum identified itself as the communicator to the public about Britannia’s environmental remediation and stewardship. The Museum’s Britannia Project vision was born after a comprehensive community charrette that involved dozens of organizations and individuals. Thus began years of fundraising and steadfastness towards the 2007 Mill Rehabilitation, then the $14.7 million 2010 Britannia Project and rebranding, a master interpretive site plan and onwards to the launch of BOOM! in 2019.
In my twenty years at the Museum more than $25 million has been invested by industry, individuals and government. Through the years there were additional achievements. Art exhibits, conservation of historic buildings that make up Britannia’s unique industrial mine site, the growing capacity of the Museum team to engage our visitors, an extensive education and school program that in recent years integrated STEM education and always ongoing effort to be responsive to community need. There were times of financial pressures and stress over the years.
We found many ways to earn revenues and secure financial stability for ourselves through increased visitation and associated sales. I am proud to have guided the Museum’s financial maturity and capacity so that today it provides meaningful education and engagement to tens of thousands of people annually.
The Museum’s many achievements over the years recognizes many dedicated persons who made possible the improbable because of courage, imagination and vision. A strong team of co-workers and a Board of Directors with patience for the long game has brought my career with Britannia Mine Museum many delightful reasons to count myself blessed in my work. The Museum team has a conviction to be true to the storied history of Britannia Beach. This is where our authenticity comes from and it is this authenticity that makes Britannia Mine Museum positively recognized.
This is my last message as Executive Director. My decision to retire was made before the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020. The pandemic has challenged the Museum profoundly and will continue to do so, but I believe that good things are ahead. My optimism is buoyed by the unfailing determination and leadership shown by my Board of Directors and my management team and amazing supportive donors.
After twenty years of leadership with the Museum I am going to be cheering the Museum forward with godspeed for Cheryl Hendrickson as she assumes the role of Executive Director. This new start with new strengths and thoughts confirms my belief that I have crossed a finish line with an ending to an amazing chapter of my life.
Knowing the right time to enable a new beginning for an organization is a reflective decision. My goal when choosing the time was to avoid regret while hoping that my legacy will hold as a compass for the future. We are strong when we stand together, and it has been a great honour of my life to stand with each of the hundreds of people associated with Britannia over the past twenty years. I take with me the memories of many people and their belief in me.
Kirstin Clausen served as the Executive Director of the Britannia Mine Museum for 20 years before retiring in November 2020.
