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Profile: Erland Lee Home Curator/Hostess ary Kneebone graduated from the University of Guelph with a degree in Canadian Studies (history and politics). Mary took several courses that focused on women in Canadian history and their role in shaping our country. In her undergraduate thesis, Mary examined how changes in household mechanization affected rural women at the turn of the century. Mary is the new Curator/Hostess of the Erland Lee (Museum) Home. But her job entails much, much more she said. “I have to be an interpreter, researcher and historian, as well as help manage the museum's affairs and act as a liaison between the Erland Lee Committee and the public." Previously, Mary worked at Dundum Castle in Hamilton as an Historical Inter- preter. She admitted this experience opened the door for her to a whole new field - museums. “Dressing in period costume allowed me to step back in time and live [as] afemale servant in the 185 Os, rather than just talk about it." And she added, “Visitors deMarden Did you ever work in a Women’s Inâ€" stitute booth at a mall, fair or plowing match? What strikes terror in me when I’m staffing a booth is the following comment: “What will I say to a complete stranger (man, woman or child)?" If you are for- tunate enough to have a co-worker in the booth with you, it is quite easy to carry on aconversation until the stranger eventually goes away. How do you overcome the anxiety you feel when confronted by strangers? How do you explain what the Women’s Institute is all about, much less ask if they are interested in joining or organizing a new Branch? In part, the secret is in the display. In B Home at Country, Winter 1992 to the Castle were so enthusiastic. They realâ€" ly responded to me as an Interpreter, and I fed off of their interest.” Mary sees her position as Curator/Hostess as an opportunity to develop what she learned at Dundurn, but in adifferent setting. She said she likes the greater responsibility and creative freedom allowed her at the Erland Lee Home. For example, she talked about her work researching and putting exâ€" hibits together. For June WI Days, an exhibit entitled “Rock-a-Bye Baby” - featuring the changes in the feeding, clothing and furniâ€" ture patterns of babies in the late 19th and early 20th centuries - was on display in the Carriage House. When asked what she hoped to ac- complish, Mary gave the following explanation: “I would like [the Museum] to be the kind of place that people want to bring others back to for a visit. I would like to increase its recognition as an historic site of signifith importance to the community of Stoney Creek. In part, Mary hopes this can be done through her involvement in related organizations within the city and the region. Mary is an active member of the Stoney Creek Historical Society and the Hamilton- September I helped staff a booth at a coun- ty plowing match. The demonstrator of Battenburg Lace had an excellent presenâ€" tation. She showed how to make the lace, told of its history and application, and promoted the upcoming Personal Growth and Renewal courses â€" Tatting and Art. An application for the “Personal Enrichment Seminar” listing a Fashion Show and six workshops to be held in February 1993 also gave an opportunity to promote WI activities. The main table had a display with provin- cial flags and posters of Canada's 115th birthday celebrations. This provided an in teresting opportunity to speak with children, asking if they could identify the flags? The local Tweedsmuir History Books and lmowledgeable Curator created a great interest for the men who questioned: “where was John Brown’s farm in 1902?; when did the beef ring exist?; and, what was the date omeith's Mill burning?"The Fall issue of Home & Country made a conversation starter with both women and men by displaying articles â€" “The Chatham Ethanol Consortium.” “MakeYour Leaves Wentworth Historical Association. She concluded: “I want to increase the pride Women’s Institute members have in the Museum, and increase the exposure for the WI as well.” Work for You," and “Tomatoes: The Fruit of His Labour.“ The three E’s â€" effort, energy and en- thusiasm â€" are essential for a successful booth presentation. CI Effort? look interested, smile, and give your name. El Energy » wear a name tag (this is more important than wearing your badge) on your right hand side. And when you extend your right hand for a handshake the line of sight is to the other person’s right side. U Enthusiasm » think of conversation starters to interest people and draw them into your display area. Provide informa- tion on what you will talk about. The open booth with a table off to the side is best; a table in front of you makes abarrier. Move out to greet people with a firm handshake and an upbeat selfâ€"introduction. The unusual and original will be your best lure to interest people to your booth- Remsmber - the Women‘s lnstltuta promotes trlendshlp, information and action! Hilde Morden is the New Branch Coordinator for the Federated Women's Institutes of Ontario.