Harper Government Invests in Pemberton and District Museum and Archives Society

PEMBERTON, BC, April 13, 2012 /CNW/ - The historical and cultural heritage of the Pemberton region will be preserved and showcased for years to come, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada. Mark Strahl, Member of Parliament (Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon), made this announcement today on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

This funding will enable the Pemberton and District Museum and Archives Society to equip a new 2,500 square-foot archives building with flooring, wiring, lighting, insulation, and plumbing. Additional storage, display and public access space will also be created as a result of these upgrades. Once complete, the facility will house the Society's collection of regional artifacts and archival materials.

"Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in the sustainability of local cultural institutions," said Minister Moore. "By supporting these kinds of projects, we are delivering on our commitment to strengthen Canada's economy and support arts, culture, and heritage."

"This museum is a living account of the rich history and life in the Pemberton Valley," said Mr. Strahl. "We appreciate the professional work of the team from the Pemberton and District Museum and Archives Society. This large-scale project will make the museum's exhibitions and activities more accessible to the public."

"Our new facility will create a permanent home for many of our pioneer artifacts, as well as safe, permanent storage for our archival documents and pictures," said George Henry, President of the Pemberton and District Museum and Archives Society. "This investment will bring to conclusion a project started eight years ago. We are extremely grateful for this financial assistance and the support of the Government of Canada."

The Pemberton and District Museum and Archives Society operates the Pemberton Museum, the only pioneer museum and archives in the Sea to Sky corridor. It collects, preserves and displays artifacts which illustrate themes connected with the human history of Pemberton and its surrounding district. The Society also supports research and archival reproductions on a yearround basis. This year marks the museum's 30^th anniversary.

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $66,375 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program seeks to improve physical conditions for artistic creativity and arts presentations or exhibitions. It is also designed to increase access for Canadians to performing arts, visual arts, media arts, museum collections, and heritage displays. 

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
[e-mail]

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