Bernadette Leslie is set to retire after 45 years. (File photo/battlefordsNOW)

By Julia Lovett-Squires

Bernie Retires

Fred Light Museum’s Bernadette Leslie to retire in 2025

Jun 18, 2024 | 5:25 AM

It was 46 ago ago when Bernadette Leslie began what would become a passion at the Fred Light Museum as a summer student.

That wealth of historical knowledge, experience and dedication will soon take on a new form next year as the beloved manager will retire in October 2025.

Making the announcement during the town council meeting on Monday night, Bernadette said after nearly 50 years, she felt she took the museum as far as she can.

“Over the past 45 years, the museum has grown immensely,” she noted of the firearms collection, the popular Family Fun Day and the Strawberry Tea.

“I have had the honour of working with both current and former museum board whose hard work, dedication and volunteerism have brought life to the museum,” she said.

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“I have also had the privilege of mentoring many students who have taught me much in return – helping me become a better manager and keeping me young.”

Ames Leslie, Battleford mayor and Bernadette’s son, called the decision bittersweet.

“In the municipal world, we never double dip any longer than we have to,” he said.

“The succession plan will have to be thought out here as to how we bring someone in as early as…possible to pass on all that knowledge.”

The Mayor said from a son’s perspective, her decision to step down is a positive move and it sets the stage for the next chapter of her life but, in his official capacity, he also wonders what the town’s next stage is.

“She’s been that staple employee of the administration and councils of the past always knew she was going to be there to run the Fred Light Museum so, it’s going to be a significant change for all the parties.”

As Bernadette gets ready to take her leave in the next 18 months, she reflected on her time and shared hopes for the museum’s future and whomever might next hold the post.

“I hope the new manager – ideally a local person – will bring fresh ideas and boundless energy,” she said.

Finally, in a modified quote from Robert Woodruff, former president of the Coca-Cola Company, Bernadette said, “There is no limit to a what a ‘Woman’ can do or where she can go if she doesn’t mind who gets the credit.”

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julia.lovettsquires@pattisonmedia.com

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