Fred Light Museum Manager Bernadette Leslie, front centre, shown with board member Donna Light-Laycock, left, Floyd Andersen — chairperson, back, and Angie Friedrich — treasurer, right. (submitted photo/Bernadette Leslie)

By Angela Brown

Awarding success

Fred Light Museum manager honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award

Sep 14, 2020 | 5:06 PM

The Fred Light Museum’s manager and curator has been named a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Museums Association of Saskatchewan.

Bernadette Leslie has been with the museum for 41 of the 43 years it has operated.

She said she was both “pleased and shocked” when she found out at a recent board meeting she would receive the award.

Leslie said former Town of Battleford chief administrative officer John Enns-Wind started the nomination process, while the museum board helped it move along.

A great passion for her work has helped her stay the course over four decades.

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“I have met so many different people — people coming through to tour the museum from different towns, cities and countries,” she said. “I have just enjoyed it very much. And, I had all through the years a wonderful museum board to work with. If it wasn’t for their help I wouldn’t have been up for the award, I’m positive.”

She thanked the town council and mayor for also being a great support to the museum.

Leslie said she enjoyed learning about history through Fred Light himself when she worked with him for many years.

“He passed on that interest to me,” she said. “The Lights have been a great help with everything…. It’s been a wonderful experience. I would not have changed it at all.”

Some of the projects she appreciated working on include the replica of the first fire hall for Battleford. She also continues to enjoy being involved in the Veterans’ Banners program.

“I am super proud of that one,” she said.

Battleford Mayor Ames Leslie said he is glad to see Bernadette Leslie, who is also his mother, recognized for her efforts at the museum.

“She is very honoured to get the award,” he said. “She loves what she does. She loves the history of the town and that museum. I think that is what has kept her employed there, and going for so many years.”

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW