Canadian Government Supports Welland Historical Museum

WELLAND, Ontario, September 30, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - The Welland Historical Museum will be able to improve the preservation of its collection by upgrading its storage space, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada. This was announced today by the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Regional Minister for Southwestern Ontario, on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

The Welland Historical Museum collects artifacts, archival materials, and art related to the history of Welland and the Welland Canal. The Museum recently acquired the George E. Chipman & Family Collection of locally significant artifacts. The Government of Canada's investment will insure the proper organization, storage, and preservation of these artifacts when they are not on display. The Welland Historical Museum will purchase and install artifact storage equipment, and curatorial staff will carefully transfer the newly acquired collection to its new location.

"Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in projects to improve the preservation and presentation of Canada's heritage collections," said Minister Moore. "By supporting the Welland Historical Museum, our Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our economy and support our arts, culture, and heritage."

"The investment announced today will help the Welland Historical Museum meet professional standards for the storage and preservation of its collection," said Minister Finley. "Our Government is committed to ensuring that Canadians can enjoy access to Canada's diverse cultural heritage for generations to come."

"We are extremely grateful to the Government of Canada for providing this funding, which will allow us to move forward with storage upgrades necessary to meet museum standards," said Nora Reid, Executive Director of the Welland Historical Museum. "Without this support, we would be unable to undertake these vital initiatives."

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $3,900 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.