Minister James Moore Announces Partnership Between The Manitoba Museum and the Canadian Museum of History

WINNIPEG, June 14, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced a partnership agreement between The Manitoba Museum and the future Canadian Museum of History. This is the second in a series of partnership agreements that will allow the new Canadian Museum of History to fulfill its mandate.

"Through this partnership, Canadians will have greater access to their history and heritage," said Minister Moore. "Canada has many great museums that showcase particular aspects of our country's history—those collections are of interest for people across the country. As we are heading towards Canada's 150^th birthday in 2017, Canadians want to learn more about the achievements and accomplishments that have shaped our great country."

These partnership agreements will increase collaboration in producing and presenting exhibitions and programs across Canada. As a partner, The Manitoba Museum will have access to important pieces from the future Canadian Museum of History's collection, which includes some three and a half million items.

"It is our great pleasure to embark on a collaboration with the outstanding Manitoba Museum. This new partnership will allow us to work on many exciting projects, starting with the presentation at the future Canadian Museum of History of very symbolic artifacts from the Hudson Bay Company Collection of the Manitoba Museum later this fall", said Mark O'Neill, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation. "We look forward to working together in telling Canada's stories".

"Our Museum has been built around collaboration and community engagement. Manitobans are proud of their history and this agreement will allow us to share that history beyond our Province," said Claudette Leclerc, CEO of The Manitoba Museum. "This partnership agreement will also give us the opportunity to access treasures from other parts of Canada that we look forward to sharing with all Manitobans."

The Government of Canada is a long-time funding partner of The Manitoba Museum through the Department of Canadian Heritage.

NETWORK OF CANADIAN MUSEUMS OF HISTORY

Backgrounder

On October 16, 2012, Minister Moore announced the Government of Canada's intention to create the Canadian Museum of History.

The new Museum will highlight the national achievements, accomplishments and artifacts that have shaped our country, including the "Last Spike" from the construction of the Canada Pacific Railway, Maurice "Rocket" Richard's hockey jersey and items from Terry Fox's Marathon of Hope. As part of this transition, the Canadian Museum of Civilization - soon to become the Canadian Museum of History, will renovate over 50,000 square feet of public space to create this new permanent exhibition. This renovation, to be completed before Canada's 150^th birthday in 2017, will provide the public with the opportunity to appreciate how Canada's identity has been shaped over the course of our history.

The future Canadian Museum of History sought input from Canadians across the country on the major themes, events, and accomplishments that have shaped our country. Approximately 20,000 people shared their ideas by participating in an online forum and in public engagement sessions in nine Canadian cities over a three-month period.

The Museum is also leading the creation of a nation-wide museum network that will greatly enhance the production and reach of exhibitions focusing on Canadian history.

The creation of a pan-Canadian network of history museums will provide greater access to our heritage and our shared history, allowing Canadians from coast to coast to coast to benefit from the exquisite collections safeguarded by museums across the country. Partnership agreements will allow artifacts and collections, which might otherwise be stored in the museums vaults, to circulate between partnering institutions.

The network will promote collaboration and co-productions, the sharing of artifacts, the development of new online projects and tools, and the exchange of professional expertise. The ultimate goal is to enhance public understanding of Canadian history from both a national and regional perspective, and to foster a common sense of identity throughout the country.

Through the network, museums across the country will have a national showcase in the new Canadian Museum of History, which will devote a permanent space to exhibitions produced by network members.

In addition, the Government of Canada is supporting museums through several programs such as the Museums Assistance Program, the Canada Travelling Exhibitions Indemnification Program, the Movable Cultural Property Program, and the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. These programs will also continue to work with museums and galleries across the country to offer maximum opportunities to Canadians to enjoy access to international and Canadian treasures.

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage