By David F. Rooney
Jennifer Dunkerson, the Railway Museum’s personable and active executive director, has resigned in order to accept a position as general manager of the Fort Steel Heritage Town near Cranbrook.
In a news statement issued Friday morning, Revelstoke Heritage Railway Society President Dean Handley said “Jennifer has been a huge asset to the Society and the community during her tenure here in Revelstoke and she will be missed.”
A Brantford, Ont., native, Dunkerson is a museum professional who had curated different museums in southern Ontario. She came here from the Canadian Industrial Heritage Centre in that city in 2009. Over the three years she has been in Revelstoke she made many friends and worked closely with local teachers and others who appreciated Revelstoke’s railway history.
“Three years ago this summer, Jennifer arrived on the scene and took on a position that has developed and challenged her professionally and much that she has learned and appreciated about the Revelstoke Railway Museum she will carry forward with her to her new position,” Handley said in his statement. “The railway heritage connection will remain as Fort Steele has an operational steam train and a small collection of equipment and is looking to develop that aspect of its operations along with other parts of the site.
“Jennifer would like everyone associated with the museum as well as all the colleagues and supporters she has worked with in the community to know how much she has enjoyed her time here and that Revelstoke will always be a memorable part of her and her family’s life.”
Jennifer has accepted the position of General Manager of Fort Steele Heritage Town, near Cranbrook, and will begin her duties there on October 1.
Handley said all current projects and activities associated with the Railway Museum will continue as planned under the capable and dedicated support staff. Details on a replacement for the position of executive director are not available at this time.
