NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, April 16, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Robert Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., Member of Parliament (Niagara Falls), Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced funding for museums, which will allow residents and visitors to learn more about the history of the Niagara Region as these museums prepare for the War of 1812 bicentennial commemorations.
The Fort Erie Museum and Cultural Heritage Committee has received $62,950 to support the "Operation Spaces: Artifact Shelving Component" project, which will improve the museum's capabilities for collections management and conservation and allow for a secure, environmentally controlled facility.
The Niagara Historical Society has received $8,980 to support the upgrading of environmental monitoring and storage systems to create an optimal climate for the long-term preservation of its collection. The funding will also help improve and stabilize the environmental conditions within the museum.
"Museums play a crucial role in preserving Canada's past and showcasing our rich cultural history," said Minister Moore. "By investing in the Fort Erie Museum and Cultural Heritage Committee and the Niagara Historical Society and Museum, our Government is delivering on our commitment to arts, cultural, and heritage organizations throughout Canada."
"Our local museums provide us with the opportunity to revisit and learn about the historic events that took place on our soil," said Minister Nicholson. "I am proud of our Government's investments toward improving these museums."
"In 2009, the Town of Fort Erie made available 5000 square feet of storage and work space for Museum Services," said Jane Davies, Administrator/Curator, Fort Erie Museum Services. "Shelving and moving expenses were considerable, and thanks to the Government of Canada, we are able to finally provide proper storage shelving for the community's heritage."
"The Niagara Historical Society and Museum is very pleased with the support from the Government of Canada for our environmental upgrade project," said Clark Bernat, Managing Director, Niagara Historical Society and Museum. "The Society has operated the museum for over 100 years and holds one of Canada's most impressive early Canadiana collections in a small institution. The upgrade will ensure that the collection is well maintained and preserved for generations to come."
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $71,930 through the Department of Canadian Heritage's Museums Assistance Program. 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. Funding will ensure the preservation of artifacts and collections by upgrading environmental conditions and improving collection storage areas for both the Fort Erie Museum and Cultural Heritage Committee and the Niagara Historical Society and Museum.
Information:
Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
