Harper Government Invests in Heritage Preservation in Richmond

RICHMOND, BC, July 19, 2012 /CNW/ - An investment from the Government of Canada will allow the history of the former village of Steveston—now part of the city of Richmond—to be preserved for generations to come. This was announced today by the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors) and Member of Parliament (Richmond), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

Funding will enable the Richmond Museum Society to complete a collections management project at the Richmond Museum from January 2 to March 31, 2013. The Society will purchase and install specialized storage units to manage artifacts from the Steveston Museum collection and integrate artifact location records into the Museum's digital collections management system. With the ability to properly catalogue and retrieve any of the 5,000 artifacts quickly and efficiently, the Society will ensure long-term public access to the collection.

"This year marks the start of the five year countdown to Canada's 150th birthday in 2017," said Minister Moore.  "Our Government is proud to invest in projects that contribute to our collective identity and define who we are as Canadians.  On the road to 2017, let us continue to celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, prosperous and free country we are today."

"Richmond is a diverse community with a fascinating history," said Ms. Wong. "This exhibit allows us to preserve some of the most important aspects of the past, while enabling the Richmond Museum Society to take advantage of modern technological advancements. Because of this investment, the Steveston Museum collection will be accessible for years to come."

"We appreciate the support provided by the Government of Canada to help us preserve these important historical artifacts," said Keith Lidtke, Chair of the Board of the Richmond Museum Society. "This new storage facility and digital archive will increase access to the artifacts by researchers, exhibitions, and the public."

The Richmond Museum is accessible to the public through a wide range of collections, exhibits, and public programming. The Society aims to increase awareness and appreciation of Richmond's diverse history and heritage. Its collection holdings include archaeology, ethnology, and artifacts related to the agricultural and commercial history of the area.

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $49,130 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.

For further information:

(media only), please contact:

Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788

Perry Boldt
Regional Manager
Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604-666-5739

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
[email protected]

(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)