Member of Parliament Gerald Keddy Announces Support for 100th Anniversary of Mahone Bay Old School

MAHONE BAY, NS, Dec. 2, 2013 /CNW/ - Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue and for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Member of Parliament (South Shore-St. Margaret), on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced support for the commemoration of the 100^th anniversary of the Mahone Bay Old School. Celebrations will take place from January to September 2014.

"I am pleased that our Government has provided support to recognize and celebrate the historic Mahone Bay Old School," said Mr. Keddy. "Anniversaries like this give Canadians a wonderful opportunity to show pride in our country's rich and diverse history."

This funding will help the Mahone Bay Centre Society present activities to celebrate the history of the Mahone Bay Old School. Over nine months, the work of more than 140 local artists, artisans, and heritage performers will be featured. Activities will include recorded storytelling about school days, a musical revue capturing stories and characters over 100 years, and a historical walking tour. In addition, a piece of art will be created for display on the land of the old school as a tangible way to honor its special place in the community. The anniversary celebrations are expected to involve about 200 volunteers and attract an audience of about 2,000.

"Our Government is committed to supporting organizations that work to preserve our heritage," said Minister Glover. "The Mahone Bay Centre Society is to be commended for its dedication to bringing alive the history of this important building for residents and visitors alike."

"We are grateful for the support from Canadian Heritage to help us mark the 100^th anniversary of the old Mahone Bay School, opened in September 1914," said David Allen, Chair of the Coordinating Committee. "We will celebrate the central role the old building played in our community as our school until 2000, and the 'living heritage' that continues as a thriving, all-volunteer Mahone Bay Centre."

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $14,400 through the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.

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SOURCE: Canadian Heritage

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(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)