PETERBOROUGH, Ontario, November 13, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Dean Del Mastro, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages and Member of Parliament (Peterborough), today announced funding for the City of Peterborough.
Support for the City of Peterborough will permit a renovation of the Peterborough Museum & Archives, home to the community's historical collection. Experience of the city's rich cultural trove will be improved by updates to the museum's space, public safety features, and access for people with disabilities. First established in 1897, the Peterborough Museum & Archives preserves and promotes local heritage.
Funding will also allow the Peterborough Museum & Archives to host a travelling exhibit from the Canadian Museum of Civilization. "Places of Power, Objects of Veneration in the Canadian Arctic" showcases photography of the Arctic landscape, its sacred sites, and inuksuit. The accompanying educational display "The Tunit: A Palaeo-Eskimo People" offers a hands-on, historical account of the Palaeo-Eskimo people who inhabited the Arctic landscape.
"The Peterborough Museum & Archives traces the city's history, educating visitors about our past while promoting our future through tourism," said Minister Moore. "Our Government is proud to support the community's museum and cultural ambassador."
"I am thrilled by our Government's support of such an important part of the City of Peterborough," said Mr. Del Mastro. "Our community is well-served by the Museum & Archives and their ability to share our collective stories and celebrate our history."
"The Peterborough Museum & Archives is a multi-faceted cultural institution and a leader in archival conservation," said Susan Neale, Director, Peterborough Museum & Archives. "Through the renovation, the museum will be able to increase its capacity to display collections while encouraging learning. Through its temporary exhibition program, the museum literally brings the world--in this case, the Arctic--to Peterborough."
The Government of Canada has provided $100,000 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund (CCSF), formerly known as Cultural Spaces Canada and $7,170 through the Museums Assistance Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. The CCFS program of the Department of Canadian Heritage seeks to improve physical conditions for artistic creativity and arts presentation or exhibition. It is also designed to increase access for Canadians to performing, visual, and media arts, as well as museum collections and heritage displays.
The Museums Assistance 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.
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
media@pch.gc.ca
