Hi there! I’m Stefan Hiratsuka, a longtime resident of Stittsville and a world traveler. I hold an Hons BA from the University of Ottawa with a specialization in history and a minor in classical studies, and I am currently completing my final year of education with Algonquin College’s Applied Museum Studies program.  It is my pleasure to have the opportunity to work with Goulbourn Museum as a collections intern, where I hope to learn the nuances and best practices of working with a historical collection in a heritage context.

I have always been passionate about all kinds of history; during my travels I have had the chance to participate in archaeological excavations in Romania and Bulgaria. In my spare time I am an avid reader of history, unsurprisingly. I also enjoy fishing (open water and ice), Animal Crossing, and gardening. If I’m not engaged in any of the above, I can usually be found relaxing with a dog and playing my guitar.

Fun Fact: My favorite artefact I have excavated was this decently preserved medieval Byzantine coin discovered at the Apollonia Pontica site in Sozopol, Bulgaria. I may or may not have thought it was a rock when I first saw it in the ground because of the colour.