Government of Canada Invests in the Crowsnest Historical Society

August 04, 2010

COLEMAN, Albert – On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Ted Menzies, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament (Macleod), today announced funding for the Crowsnest Historical Society.

This funding will facilitate the Society’s collection management activities at the Crowsnest Museum, including conducting an inventory of collected works, upgrading accession procedures, and integrating handwritten artifacts into a computerized database. The project will improve both the documentation of and access to the Museum’s collection.

“The Government of Canada is proud to support local historical societies and museums in their efforts to provide all Canadians with access to their history,” said Minister Moore. “This investment will help maintain and develop this historic site for future generations of visitors, historians, and educators.”

“The Crowsnest Historical Society helps preserve the living history of the Crowsnest Pass,” said Mr. Menzies. “By investing in our heritage, we provide Canadians with opportunities to learn the stories of our diverse, shared history.”

“The Crowsnest Historical Society is very pleased to be the recipient of support from Canadian Heritage for our Collection Inventory Project,” said Wendy Zack, Curator and Operations Manager of the Crowsnest Museum. “This financial assistance allows us to continue to maintain our high level of excellence in interpreting and preserving our rich and unique piece of Canadian history.”

The Crowsnest Historical Society was formed in 1973 by a group of concerned citizens who recognized the need to preserve and protect the unique history of the Crowsnest Pass. The Society is responsible for developing policy and providing direction to the Crowsnest Museum, which opened in 1985.  The museum holds an impressive collection of close to 60,000 artifacts including displays of early pioneer life, underground mining, and wildlife dioramas, as well as comprehensive document archives that reflect the cultural heritage of the Crowsnest Pass and its people.

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $23,945 through the Museums Assistance Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. 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.