Investing in Nova Scotia's Heritage Infrastructure

Government of Canada provides financial support for the Admiral Digby Library and Historical Society

DIGBY, NS, Feb. 17, 2014 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada has provided funding through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund to help the Admiral Digby Library and Historical Society acquire specialized equipment.

Member of Parliament Greg Kerr (West Nova) today announced $3,488 in funding for the Admiral Digby Library and Historical Society on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages Shelly Glover.

The Admiral Digby Library and Historical Society owns and operates the Admiral Digby Museum, which houses a genealogical and historical research facility open to the public. With the funding announced today, the Society will acquire a microfilm scanner to be used in the preservation, presentation, and exhibition of materials that have been microfilmed over the years.

This specialized equipment will allow the Society to expand and improve the quality of its programming. The museum's historical documents that are currently available only on microfilm will be used in exhibitions and an outreach program for public schools. This equipment will enhance research conditions for individuals, heritage organizations, and museum staff and volunteers who use the society's genealogical research facility. Local audiences will also have increased access to heritage collections.

Quick Facts

• The Admiral Digby Library officially opened its doors to the public in 1970.
• The museum is housed in a Georgian-style home constructed in the 1800s. It is one of the oldest structures in the town of Digby and is named in honour of Rear Admiral Robert Digby, who brought Loyalists settlers to the town in 1783.
• The museum houses a collection of old furnishings, textiles, photographs, and maps; a marine room contains many artifacts pertaining to the Digby area and its maritime history.

Quotes
"Canadians have greater access to our history thanks to the continuous commitment of our Government. Historical institutions, such as the Admiral Digby Library and Historical Society, are where Canadians can go to learn more about the people and events that shaped our history."
—Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

"With this new acquisition, the Admiral Digby Library and Historical Society will have state-of-the-art equipment to help preserve and provide increased access to local history and heritage. This funding reiterates our Government's interest in keeping our history alive."
—Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament (West Nova)

"This contribution from the Department of Canadian Heritage will allow the Admiral Digby Library and Historical Society/Admiral Digby Museum to purchase a microfilm scanner, which is a critical component for researching on microfilms for our forthcoming exhibition commemorating the 100^th anniversary of the onset of First World War and other public programming."
—Sheryl Stanton, Curator/Administrator, Admiral Digby Museum

Associated Links
Canada Cultural Spaces Fund
Digby Admiral Museum

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SOURCE: Canadian Heritage

Marisa Monnin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788

Gilles Thériault
Communications Manage Atlantic Region
Canadian Heritage
506-851-3980

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
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