CRESTON, BC, Aug. 7, 2012 /CNW/ - The Creston and District Historical and Museum Society—a regional arts, culture, and heritage hub—is receiving a boost today, thanks to a new investment from the Government of Canada. This was announced by David Wilks, Member of Parliament (Kootenay-Columbia), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
Funding will enable the Creston and District Historical and Museum Society to carry out a collections management project from October 1, 2012, to March 31, 2013. The Society will purchase and install a new system to allow for greater public access to the town of Creston's historical collections.
"This year marks the start of the five-year countdown to Canada's 150th birthday in 2017," said Minister Moore. "Our Government is proud to invest in projects that contribute to our collective identity and define who we are as Canadians. On the road to 2017, let us continue to celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, prosperous, and free country we are today."
"The Creston and District Historical and Museum Society is an important cultural resource for residents and visitors," said Mr. Wilks. "By investing in this important project, the Government of Canada is ensuring that residents of the region and all Canadians have the opportunity to enjoy the rich culture and heritage of the Creston Valley."
"We're a very small museum, with very big programs, and of course our collections are at the heart of all of them. Between new exhibits at the Museum, temporary exhibits in other venues, and many presentations and activities, we are constantly accessing our collections," said Tammy Hardwick, Manager, Creston and District Historical and Museum Society. "This funding will ensure that our collections management systems are as efficient as possible—and, with only one staff person and a team of volunteers, that is absolutely crucial to our ability to deliver such a wide variety of programming."
The Creston and District Historical and Museum Society, formed in 1971, aims to collect, preserve and present history of the Creston Valley. The Society supports a wide range of programs, including annual Heritage Week presentations in local elementary schools—which reach more than 400 children—and monthly presentations at local seniors' residences.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $7,710 through the Museums Assistance Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides funding to Canadian museums and related institutions for projects that foster excellence in museum activities and that facilitate access to the treasures of our collective heritage.
(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.
SOURCE: Canadian Heritage
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