Staff Field Trip

Every few months, we have a staff meeting at the Museum of Steam and Technology. I realize this sounds boring - but our staff meetings are actually just big potlucks, where we happen to discuss museum business.

Not an exaggeration

But in April, we upped the fun factor of our staff meeting, and went on a field trip. First stop was to Taylor's Tea Room in Dundas, where we had some lovely tea and scones and discussed museum things. Second stop was to visit the old Gartshore Foundry on Hatt Street.

The 1859 walking-beam steam engines at the Museum of Steam and Technology were built in this building in Dundas, which originally housed the iron and brass foundry of one John Gartshore. The building changed hands many times since, and currently has a few new offices for rent inside; but the original workshop area is vacant.

Through her other job with the local theatre, one of our historical interpreters made the connection with the current owners, who graciously took us on a tour of the buildings where our beloved engines were born. 

Usually we receive groups for field trips; this time, it was really fun (and educational!) to be the ones actually going on the field trip!

I definitely did not make Joe and Nancy pretend to be reading something really interesting for this picture.