This week Aaron Bulger put down his hammer long enough to tell us a little bit about himself. Aaron is a Facilities Department carpenter, although his workday isn’t necessarily limited to plying his carpentry skills. This ex-marine comes across as friendly and self-assured and pleased to be on staff at Mystic Seaport.
1. How long have you been employed at Mystic Seaport?
AB: Two and a half years. Prior to coming on staff, I was building houses in the area. However, I saw the writing on the wall when all we were building was a couple of houses a year. It was time to make a change.
2. What’s the best part of your job?
AB: Definitely my co-workers. There’s a wealth of experience in our group electricians, plumbers, carpenters, grounds keepers, cleaners they’re all great. I really respect all the experience wrapped up in these people. It’s a learning experience working with them, and they deserve to be mentioned. (Robert Erfe, Ron Lemar, John Crane, Steve Sisk, Josh Barrett, Jack Yates, Ron Wiggins, Mr. Brown, Brian Banning.)
3. What’s the most challenging aspect of your job?
AB: Getting the most bang for our buck in maintaining 30 plus acres of buildings and grounds. It isn’t like building houses, where the builder or potential owner dictates what he or she wants, regardless of cost.
4. What’s the funniest or most notable on-the-job experience you’ve had?
AB: It’s not exactly an on-job experience, but during my first month on staff, I tagged along with a school group to learn more about the Mystic Seaport village buildings, etc. At the Hoop Shop, the interpreter was a little taken off-guard by a student’s question of why belts were used to drive the machinery. The interpreter answered because gears were not invented yet! The teacher just looked a little surprised. I had to stifle a laugh.
5. What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
AB: Top of the list is spending time with my two-year-old son, Ben. I’m lucky to have quite a bit of quality time with him. I’m working on my Liberal Arts degree at Three Rivers College in Norwich, but there’s always time for a little special fun with Ben, like trying our hands at painting pictures, going to the beach, etc.
Aaron was interviewed by Trudi Busey and photographed by Dennis Murphy.
