On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, James Rajotte recently announced funding of $30,000 for the Canadian Petroleum Discovery Centre in Devon - the lead museum in a Central Alberta Regional Museum’s Network (CARMN) project. The funds will be used by four rural Alberta museums to digitize certain artifacts that illustrate the history and achievements of early settlers and pioneers in Alberta.
“Our museums play a very important role in our communities by preserving and highlighting key elements of our history and our shared heritage,” said Minister Oda. “That is why I am proud to support a project like this one which is using the power of new technology to ensure that all Canadians have access to the principal exhibits of this truly unique museum.”
“The Canadian Petroleum Discovery Centre is an invaluable historic site where visitors of all ages can relive the important chapters of an industry that has played a vital role in the economic development of our region, our province and our country,” said Mr. Rajotte. “I am very pleased that our Government is supporting the Centre in its efforts to share our history with as many people as possible.”
Opened in 1997, the Canadian Petroleum Discovery Centre is dedicated to promoting and showcasing the history of oil exploration in Alberta by preserving artefacts, equipment and other items associated with the oil industry. The funding announced today will enable the Centre to pursue its efforts to digitize items in its collections and to increase its presence on the Internet, most notably through the online catalogue service provided by the Central Alberta Regional Museums Network (CARMN) and through Heritage Community Foundation websites.
“Collaboration of museum networks and partnership on all levels with government is vital for volunteer-supported, grassroots organizations such as ours,” said Leanne Templeton, Executive Director for the Discovery Centre and project leader for the Central Alberta Regional Museums Network. “This enables us to pursue much needed technological advice and expertise to bring relevance to Alberta’s museum collections and to present them to a wider generation of learners.”
Canada’s government has provided this financial assistance through the Partnerships Fund, a component of the Department of Canadian Heritage’s Canadian Culture Online Strategy. This program works with creators, cultural industries, communities and institutions to produce and make available Canadian cultural content on the Internet. The Partnerships Fund, as part of the Canadian Culture Online Strategy, is committed to fostering a uniquely Canadian presence on the Internet, in order to promote our country’s rich culture, history, arts, and heritage.
For more information see www.canadianheritage.gc.ca.
