PRESS RELEASE                               February 19, 2008



Family Day, kicked off Heritage week for the first time this year.   Heritage Day was established in 1973 by the Heritage Canada Foundation, and is celebrated the 3rd Monday of February to encourage the preservation and promotion of Canada's nationally significant historic, architectural, natural and scenic heritage.  For 2008, the Foundation is promoting Work that Endures: Careers in Built Heritage.



The past year has seen vast change at our main Heritage institution- the Fort Frances Museum.  This time last year staff moved around a maze of boxes, a flurry of contractors and began to arrange the “new” museum.  Doors reopened on June 14th,   a massive undertaking, with artefacts still to be unpacked and many things yet to be found. 



Behind the scenes many things happen to promote and preserve our community heritage.  The museum works under standards established by the Ministry of Culture.  These include Governance, Finance, Collections, Exhibition, Interpretation and Education, Research, Conservation, Physical Plant, Community and Human Resources.



Governed by the Town of Fort Frances, a Museum Advisory Committee composed of Janet Egan-Plumridge, Sandra Tibbs, Al Tibbetts, Bruce Caldwell and Owen Johnston provides input.  Financed by the Town of Fort Frances, the museum also receives an operating grant from the province and a number of student grants as well as occasional special project funds. Fundraising and Museum Memberships are an important part of the community’s commitment to the museum.



The Collections are received through donations to represent the heritage of the community. Managed through a data program collection records include historic and donor information.  The Exhibitions reflect how the forest and water have created the Town of Fort Frances and the Rainy River District.  Traveling and temporary exhibitions relate to heritage and art themes.



The Millie Eide-Gladu retrospective will close on March 1st and Threadworks “Passions” will be installed in the gallery.  The 2008 schedule includes “Explorations- David Thompson”; Residential Schools; Comic Books and Horror Flicks; and an art exhibition by Connie Cuthbertson.



The Interpretive and Education program features hands-on learning for the public, youth groups and schools.  Curriculum related programming includes pioneer activities, First Nations and fur trade as popular activities.  The girl guides participate in earning badges, Li’l Eagles drop in for activities and visits to Rainy Crest bring seniors to the museum.  In 2008 the Museum will undertake an evaluation and development of interpretive programs to link to new exhibits and ensure active participation by the community.  The CAHEP, arts and heritage initiative is being facilitated by the museum to bring resources to the community.



The Research facilities at the museum a valuable resource for the community. Genealogists in search of family information, historians compiling photographs and documents and museum staff develop exhibits and programs using the collection of reference materials.



Conservation of the museum’s collection requires care in storage and exhibition to meet strict environmental standards.  The Physical Plant is key to providing the proper controls- now realized in the “new” museum facility.



 Community partnerships and activities are important in developing the museum’s activities.  Participation in festivals and events, and programming allows the community to connect with heritage.  In 2008, the Canadian Heritage River and David Thompson brigade are key events and initiatives being facilitated by the museum that involve the region.



Human Resources are a vital part of any service.  The Town of Fort Frances has made a commitment to a dynamic and sustainable Museum by providing adequate staffing- a curator and museum assistant who ensure that the Museum Standards are met.  The 2008 Heritage theme- Work that Endures: Careers in Built Heritage recognizes the importance of staff.  Pam Hawley will mark 24 years with the Museum this spring, bringing a Bachelor of Fine Arts and years of training through certificate programs and workshops offered by Heritage Organizations.  Katie Urban joined the museum staff in December bringing her knowledge obtained through completing a Masters in Museum studies from the University of Leicester in the UK.

Heritage and Community Heritage and Community- Celebrating the Past to Ensure the Future. Heritage is viewed as playing an important role in the sustainability of our communities. Heritage Tourism has been identified as an opportunity to celebrate and benefit from local heritage while sharing it with others. Whether participation in a cultural activity, enjoying the natural environment or viewing our material culture we seek to provide an experience of the places and activities that authentically represent the stories of our community. The Fort Frances Museum has strived to meet this mandate as a vibrant part of the community for over 25 years. Located in the heart of down town, the museum building itself reflects the built heritage of the community of Fort Frances.

 Museum Centre Piece in Heritage Tourism Plan: The Fort Frances Museum completed Phase I of the Town of Fort Frances Heritage Tourism Project, reopening on June 14th, 2007.  The Heritage Tourism Plan for the Town of Fort Frances was completed by the firm of Hilderman, Thomas, Frank and Cram. Focusing on the positive developments of the LaVerendrye Parkway, the plan identifies ways to expand this initiative. The Museum and downtown will provide a gateway to the parkway and the development of more interpretive panels will continue to outline our heritage. Phase II includes the moving of the Lookout Tower and Logging Tug Hallett to a marina site, wayfinding banners and signage. Phase II is awaiting final funding approvals.