Each month, we profile a passionate member of the ROM's Young Patrons Circle, whose philanthropy is bringing art, nature and culture to life at the Museum. Meet Michael Lockhart, Vice-Chair of the YPC Committee.
What is your occupation? Digital Strategist at the Ontario Pension Board.
What was the last book you read? In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware (love a good mystery).
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be? Tie: Phil Collins’ Against All Odds or Michael Jackson’s Man in the Mirror.
Where is your favourite place in the world? The cliffs surrounding Dunnottar Castle in Scotland near where I went to school.
Why did you join YPC? While I’d like to say it was to hang out in the Bat Cave after hours…the reason I initially joined YPC was to meet like-minded individuals who also feel passionate about supporting this historic and important cultural institution.
What do you like best about being a Young Patron of the ROM? Spending time with the curators is hands down my favourite part of being a Young Patron of the ROM. These are individuals who spend their entire careers becoming leading experts on a specific topic or field. The fact that we have the opportunity to learn from them directly as adults still astounds me four years after joining.
Describe the ROM in one word. (Stone) Lions!
Tell us one of your favourite ROM memories. I was probably age four or five and was down in the old basement learning room at the bottom of the main totem poles. I remember putting on this suit of armour and chainmail and absolutely refusing to take it off. Pretty sure I evaded capture for a good hour living out a fantasy of slaying dragons as Saint George before the staff told me the Museum was closing.
What do you love most about the ROM? There’s always something new to see. There’s a misunderstanding that museums only display the past; when in reality there is so much going on from lectures to new findings from the field.
If you could have anything from the ROM’s collections, what would you choose?
The Chasmosaurus skeleton…likely too big for my condo though!