Ontario Heritage Trust launches Heritage Week 2010 in Chatham

CHATHAM, ON, Feb. 12 /CNW/ - Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust hosted a special event at the Chatham Armoury to launch the province's celebrations for Heritage Week 2010, which runs from February 15 to 21.

"Ontario Heritage Week is a time to raise awareness about our history and to celebrate its importance in our lives," said The Honourable Lincoln M. Alexander, Chairman of the Trust. "As we look ahead to the next decade, we must strive to continue conserving our heritage for future generations."

This year's theme for Ontario Heritage Week - Our Changing Landscape - offers an opportunity for communities across the province to reflect on how their built and natural environments have evolved over time. During Heritage Week 2010, communities are encouraged to consider the extent of these past transformations, discuss their impacts and contemplate how and why they have occurred.

"Ontario's heritage is a precious resource," said Michael Chan , Minister of Tourism and Culture. "I'm delighted to celebrate Heritage Week and to see Ontarians taking the time to recognize how conserving our heritage contributes to building vibrant and diverse communities."

Today's event in Chatham included special presentations, performances and a Heritage Expo featuring local heritage organizations and school groups. A highlight was the keynote address by Dr. Jonathan Vance , History Professor, University of Western Ontario, titled "What's the point of the past?"

Next week, a number of Ontario Heritage Trust sites are hosting special events to celebrate Heritage Week: free guided tours are being offered at the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre in Toronto and a series of free lectures and guided tours are happening at Fulford Place in Brockville. In addition, on Friday, February 19 , in partnership with the Trust, the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario will present the annual Lieutenant Governor 's Ontario Heritage Awards at Queen's Park.

Communities across the province are hosting dozens of activities and events for Heritage Week. To find out what's happening in your area, visit www.heritagetrust.on.ca.

The Ontario Heritage Trust is an agency of the Government of Ontario, dedicated to identifying, preserving, protecting and promoting Ontario's heritage.

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For further information: Gordon Pim, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Ontario Heritage Trust, Telephone: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]