Visitor Experience Enriched at Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
News Release
Government of Canada investment supports innovation in Baddeck tourism offerings
September 8, 2017 – Baddeck, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Strategic community investments help enhance tourism growth and economic development across Nova Scotia. Thanks to a $300,000 investment from the Government of Canada, the Alexander Graham Bell Museum Association (English only) will launch Cape Breton’s first-ever virtual reality (VR) experience at the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site. The innovative, new exhibit allows visitors to travel back through time to Baddeck in 1919, experience the history of the hydrofoil firsthand, and engage in an exciting race with F.W. (Casey) Baldwin at the helm of Alexander Graham Bell’s HD-4 (Hydrodome Number 4).
The Honourable Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament for Sydney—Victoria, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), was on hand at the official launch of the new exhibit to announce federal support for the project.
The project also included support to create an online shop for the museum, as well as product development and marketing. The funds have been allocated through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, which helps Atlantic communities to develop competitive industry sectors; strengthen infrastructure; enhance environmental performance; overcome economic challenges; and build on their strengths to create long-term employment and economic growth.
This investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which involves targeted actions to stimulate Atlantic Canada's economy. Investing in Nova Scotia’s tourism sector helps to showcase the best of what Atlantic Canada has to offer, strengthening the Atlantic Canadian brand – here and abroad – and positioning the region as a top-of-mind destination for visitors.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is proud to invest in facilities like the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site that contribute to the vibrancy of our rural communities and highlight local culture and heritage. This project will improve the visitor experience at this popular tourism attraction as it prepares to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the hydrofoil speed record set by Alexander Graham Bell and Casey Baldwin in 1919.”
− The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Baddeck is a beautiful community with a rich, colourful history and it continues to grow as a popular tourist destination in Nova Scotia. The Government of Canada is committed to making strategic investments that build on the competitive regional advantages of our communities. This project builds on Baddeck’s legacy and offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in its history.”
− The Honourable Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria
“The Board of Directors is very pleased to receive this funding as it will enhance the capacity of the Alexander Graham Bell Museum Association to continue our work and collaboration with the the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site and the Alexander Graham Bell Foundation in supporting innovative programming, enhanced visitor experiences and community economic development.”
− Aynsley MacFarlane, Chair, Board of Directors, Alexander Graham Bell Museum Association
Quick Facts
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The Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site is a 10-hectare (25-acre) property overlooking the Bras d'Or Lake and is the only site in the world containing the actual artifacts and documents from Bell's years of experimental work in Baddeck.
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The site features memorabilia such as the original HD-4 hull of a hydrofoil boat that set the world marine speed record of 114 kilometres per hour in Baddeck in 1919.
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The virtual reality experience is a computer technology that generates realistic images and sounds, incorporating fun into learning to get youth excited about science and its endless possibilities.
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The Alexander Graham Bell Museum Association is a non-profit society formed in 2003 that runs the Museum Café and Gift Shop at Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site. While extending the visitor experience and engagement at the national historic site, the Shop and Café raise funds to support enhanced programming and offerings in the community.
Contacts
Alex Smith
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: alex.smith@canada.ca
Coady Slaunwhite
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Parks Canada – Cape Breton
Phone: 902-217-0861 (cell)
E-mail: Coady.Slaunwhite@pc.gc.ca