The province is celebrating International Museum Day by encouraging Manitobans to take advantage of the opportunity to explore Manitoba’s history with a visit to a museum.
“Our museums play such an important role in our province, helping tell Manitoba’s unique stories,” said Culture and Heritage Minister Cathy Cox. “Our government recognizes the importance of these institutions and, through the Manitoba Heritage Trust Program, we have created an innovative way to support and engage local communities in preserving and enhancing their museums and archives.”
International Museum Day is celebrated annually on May 18 and is, co-ordinated by the International Council of Museums. The objective is to raise awareness of cultural exchange and development of mutual understanding, co-operation and peace among people.
Manitoba is home to nearly 200 museums, with more than 40 of those located in the city of Winnipeg. Museums can be found in every region of the province, with collections that include art and history, science and nature, sports and leisure and transportation and industry. The province’s Heritage Trust was designed specifically to help ensure the sustainability of local museums across the province, with a matching funding formula tied to funds raised within each community.
In the first year since it was announced, this fund has provided more than $215,000 to more than 30 organizations, with another dozen in the works, the minister noted. When combined with local contributions and other support, this process will invest more than $750,000 in museums and archives across the province.
“As we look forward to celebrating Manitoba’s 150th anniversary next year, I encourage all Manitobans to take advantage of the opportunity to explore our own history with a visit to a museum, and to take a moment to appreciate the history and the people who built this province,” Cox said.
For more information on all of Manitoba’s museums, visit www.museumsmanitoba.com.
