Showcasing the History of Montérégie in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu - The Government of Canada supports the Musée du Haut-Richelieu

SAINT-JEAN-SUR-RICHELIEU, QC, April 27, 2017 /CNW/ - Jean Rioux, Member of Parliament (Saint-Jean), today announced $38,802 in funding for the Musée du Haut-Richelieu. He made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.

This support, provided by the Government of Canada through the Museums Assistance Program and the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, will allow the museum to renovate its facilities and will contribute to an exhibition marking the 20^th anniversary of the 1998 ice storm.

Quotes

"By increasing opportunities for local artists, artisans and organizations to commemorate their local history and heritage, we are building stronger communities. The Government of Canada is proud to help the Musée du Haut-Richelieu display the wealth of its past with modern and specialized museum equipment."

- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"For more than 40 years, the Musée du Haut-Richelieu has played a crucial role in preserving and disseminating the historical heritage of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and Montérégie. Our government is pleased to fund this exhibition commemorating the 20^th anniversary of the 1998 ice storm. This travelling exhibition, which will visit a number communities in Haut-Richelieu, will help the region recall an important event in its history."

- Jean Rioux, Member of Parliament (Saint-Jean)

"The support of Canadian Heritage will contribute significantly to achieving the mission of the Musée du Haut-Richelieu. On the one hand, financial assistance for proper equipment will improve the inside of the building, enhancing the experience of the public. On the other, the museum will be able to reach more people with the travelling exhibition, which will highlight an important part in the region's history—the ice storm of 1998. The money invested in these projects reflects the confidence that Canadian Heritage has in the museum's professionalism and ability to communicate this history to Canadians."

- France Bourassa, Executive Director, Musée du Haut-Richelieu

Quick Facts

The Musée du Haut-Richelieu, founded in 1971, has a mission to contribute to the research, dissemination and presentation of the history of the Haut-Richelieu region, as well as the promotion of ancient and contemporary ceramics and pottery from Quebec.

Support of $10,755 from the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund will allow the museum, located in the former Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu barracks, to purchase and install specialized equipment for the temporary exhibition hall and multipurpose room. The museum will then have suitable furniture to welcome groups and present educational activities.

Thanks to $28,047 in funding from the Museums Assistance Program, the museum will produce and circulate a travelling exhibition focusing on the 20^th anniversary of the ice storm of 1998.

The exhibition will trace the main events that took place in the Montérégie region during the natural disaster through things like photographs, testimonials, news articles, and audio and video recordings. The exhibition will be presented in several neighbouring municipalities from January to December 2018.

Associated Links

Musée du Haut-Richelieu http://www.museeduhaut-richelieu.com/

Museums Assistance Program http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1456325095980/1456325164088

Canada Cultural Spaces Fund http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1455203896312/1455204007503

SOURCE Canadian Heritage

(media only), please contact: Rachel Rappaport, Press Secretary (interim), Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, 819-997-7788; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [email protected]

Related Links

http://www.pch.gc.ca