My curiosity in archaeology began in my own backyard, and it was nurtured early on by my mom, who always encouraged me to follow questions, explore, and learn. Some of my first “discoveries” were simply noticing things other people might walk past, and wondering who had been there before me, what they left behind, and why.

Museums helped give that curiosity a place to grow. They were equal parts wonder and puzzlement, and I loved how a single object could open up a whole story if one took the time to examine it closely. That interest carried into my teen years in Toronto, where I spent countless hours at the Royal Ontario Museum, first volunteering as an interpreter and later as a docent. Those experiences taught me what went on behind the scenes, and how much responsibility came with sharing the past in a way that is accurate, respectful, and accessible.

From there, I followed a path that felt like the natural next step. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Archaeology, and then completed four years of focused study in Egyptology, alongside a broader study of other ancient civilizations. Over the years, some of my most meaningful learning has also come through work and learning experiences connected to Indigenous culture and heritage in North America. Those experiences have reinforced how important it is to approach the past with respect, to listen, and to recognize that many places we study are not just “sites,” but parts of living cultures and ongoing experience.

What has stayed consistent through all of my years out there in the world is my love of learning and research. I love tracking a question back to its source, sorting out what is supported, what is assumed, and what has simply been repeated so many times people mistake it for fact.

My approach is grounded in curiosity and care. I like asking good questions, following the evidence, and taking the time to understand context, because that is where the real story is. For me, archaeology is about getting as close to the truth as we can, and sharing it in a way that is respectful to the people, places, and cultures connected to it.

From the Field to the Screen

My work in archaeology and heritage has naturally carried over into television. Fieldwork teaches you how to read a landscape, how to separate evidence from assumption, and how to tell a story without losing the facts. That same approach is what I bring to historical docuseries. And while I am an archaeologist, I will be the first to admit my favourite corner of history is the old, strange, and sometimes downright bizarre, the objects with unusual stories, the mysteries with layers, and the moments where the past refuses to be neatly explained. Whether I am consulting behind the scenes or appearing on camera as an expert, my goal is to make history feel real and accessible while staying grounded in what the archaeology, archives, and material culture actually support.

Museum Collaboration & Creative Consulting

In 2006, Seika Groves transitioned from full time fieldwork into museum focused work and launched a business supporting heritage institutions as a creative consultant, presenter, and exhibit collaborator. She specializes in helping community museums and smaller organizations create exhibits that feel alive, even with limited budgets, by focusing on smart design choices, clear storytelling, and the visitor experience.

Her work has been recognized for distinctive exhibit concepts, immersive installations, and narrative driven interpretation that connects emotionally as well as intellectually. At the heart of every project is the same goal to spark curiosity, invite imagination, and help visitors feel a genuine connection between the past and the present.

A particular passion within her practice is ancient aromatics, especially incense and fragrance, as powerful interpretive tools. She advocates for museums to thoughtfully engage the senses, noting that scent can instantly deepen curiosity, shift perception, and anchor memory in ways text panels alone cannot. She also emphasizes the importance of training both staff and the public to understand how scent and sensory cues influence interpretation, mood, and meaning in gallery spaces.

Whether developing a permanent installation, refreshing an existing gallery, or bringing in a unique travelling exhibit, institutions are invited to bring Seika into the process to help shape experiences that are engaging, meaningful, and memorable.

Let’s Work Together

Interested in creating something remarkable for your museum or media project? Contact me for more information or explore my Exhibits Development page for more information.