as published in The Guardian March 29, 2007
Harry Baglole, Bonshaw
Editor:
It appears to me that the artifactory controversy represents a no-win situation for the main parties involved.
First of all, the Island’s very vocal ‘heritage community’ sees the removal of the main artifact-horde to Murray River as an action which might well pre-empt the creation of a much-needed high-quality and well-resourced central provincial museum facility. I share that concern.
Second, the beautiful community of Murray River stands to gain precious little from playing host to an artifact storage facility, with a couple of employees commuting from Charlottetown.
Here is my suggestion for a possible win-win situation.
Instead of accepting an inert artifactory, the community of Murray River might aspire to become the home of a major Island-mandated natural history museum, operated as a branch of the P.E.I. Museum and Heritage Museum. Such a facility has long been a dream of the Island natural history community. And what better location than Murray River, located in one of the Island’s most beautiful and unspoiled landscape regions? For starters, the museum could help preserve and interpret the Murray River Pines, a lovely natural area right in the village. It would also be a major attraction for southern Kings.
I have two related suggestions: first, that government commit to updating the artifact storage facilities in Charlottetown; and second, that a planning process be started to create a Prince Edward Island provincial museum worthy of the name. Its purpose would be to tell the Island story — truly and well — while providing core support to all the branch and community museums across the Island, including the P.E.I. Natural History Museum in Murray River.
All of this will cost more money, of course. But it’s been 30 years since any major new investment was made in Island heritage development. And the premier tells us that the Harper budget has been good to P.E.I.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Stratford a good site for provincial museum
as published in The Guardian March 28, 2007
SANDY MCMILLAN Chair, planning and heritage committee, Stratford
Editor:
All the discussion surrounding the artifactory relocation to Murray River has raised a larger question as to the value and need for a centralized provincial museum. The majority of opinion seems to support the idea of having one facility presenting a global display and interpretation of our Island history and that this facility should itself be centrally located. I would like to suggest that ‘centrally located’ casts a wide net.
Before the residents and elected officials of Charlottetown get too comfortable with the idea that a future provincial museum is a natural entitlement within their municipal boundaries, they should look to our nation’s capital for a preview of a possible local challenge.
Douglas Cardinal’s tour de force, The Canadian Museum of Civilization, is located not in Ottawa proper but directly opposite Parliament Hill, across the Ottawa River, in Gatineau, Que.
Following that example, what better place to site a provincial museum than on Stratford’s waterfront? Visitors would have the opportunity to view the birthplace of Confederation from almost the same vantage point our founding fathers first enjoyed as they sailed into Charlottetown Harbour in 1864.
Aside from Stratford’s waterfront being a visually spectacular and inspirational location, ideal for a significant cultural institution, there are other arguments in support of this proposal.
Stratford currently lacks a footprint in the Island tourism industry. A provincial museum would largely eliminate that deficit and serve as a much-needed economic anchor/catalyst within our waterfront core area.
Locating it in close proximity to the Hillsborough Bridge and the Trans-Canada Highway would ensure ease of accessibility by foot, bicycle or car to all points east, west and downtown Charlottetown.
Future spinoffs might include: a summer ferry service transporting tourists and residents to and from Peakes Quay; off-season the facility could serve as a cultural centre for our community.
Far from being a lost opportunity for Charlottetown, a Stratford-based provincial museum could in fact serve as a complementary economic engine benefiting both communities.
SANDY MCMILLAN Chair, planning and heritage committee, Stratford
Editor:
All the discussion surrounding the artifactory relocation to Murray River has raised a larger question as to the value and need for a centralized provincial museum. The majority of opinion seems to support the idea of having one facility presenting a global display and interpretation of our Island history and that this facility should itself be centrally located. I would like to suggest that ‘centrally located’ casts a wide net.
Before the residents and elected officials of Charlottetown get too comfortable with the idea that a future provincial museum is a natural entitlement within their municipal boundaries, they should look to our nation’s capital for a preview of a possible local challenge.
Douglas Cardinal’s tour de force, The Canadian Museum of Civilization, is located not in Ottawa proper but directly opposite Parliament Hill, across the Ottawa River, in Gatineau, Que.
Following that example, what better place to site a provincial museum than on Stratford’s waterfront? Visitors would have the opportunity to view the birthplace of Confederation from almost the same vantage point our founding fathers first enjoyed as they sailed into Charlottetown Harbour in 1864.
Aside from Stratford’s waterfront being a visually spectacular and inspirational location, ideal for a significant cultural institution, there are other arguments in support of this proposal.
Stratford currently lacks a footprint in the Island tourism industry. A provincial museum would largely eliminate that deficit and serve as a much-needed economic anchor/catalyst within our waterfront core area.
Locating it in close proximity to the Hillsborough Bridge and the Trans-Canada Highway would ensure ease of accessibility by foot, bicycle or car to all points east, west and downtown Charlottetown.
Future spinoffs might include: a summer ferry service transporting tourists and residents to and from Peakes Quay; off-season the facility could serve as a cultural centre for our community.
Far from being a lost opportunity for Charlottetown, a Stratford-based provincial museum could in fact serve as a complementary economic engine benefiting both communities.
Bad idea, bad location for artifactory
as published in The Guardian March 26, 2007
BETTY AND CLAUDE MAURICE, Victoria, B.C.
Editor:
As life members of the P.E.I. Museum and Heritage Foundation we have just received a letter from the chairman, Satadal Dasgupta, written to the membership. We must record that we are sad about the location of the new artifactory.
Whatever the technical merits of its construction, they have nothing to do with where it is being built — and where it is being built seems without logic.
In the current climate of environmental awareness, it also seems preposterous to store the essence of the operation so many fossil-fueled miles away from those who work with it.
The cynical taxpayer also wonders how much paid travel time this location will entail, in perpetuity. Even in the unlikely event that all the artifactory workers eventually relocate to Murray River, all other staff and all suppliers will spend significant, paid time driving that would be much better spent doing their work.
We recognize the nature of the situation when the P.E.I. government wants a mini-mega project for Murray River more than it wants to look after the needs of museums and heritage, or to acknowledge the broader realities of the 21st century, but we respectfully submit that we do not support the bargain that’s been made.
BETTY AND CLAUDE MAURICE, Victoria, B.C.
Editor:
As life members of the P.E.I. Museum and Heritage Foundation we have just received a letter from the chairman, Satadal Dasgupta, written to the membership. We must record that we are sad about the location of the new artifactory.
Whatever the technical merits of its construction, they have nothing to do with where it is being built — and where it is being built seems without logic.
In the current climate of environmental awareness, it also seems preposterous to store the essence of the operation so many fossil-fueled miles away from those who work with it.
The cynical taxpayer also wonders how much paid travel time this location will entail, in perpetuity. Even in the unlikely event that all the artifactory workers eventually relocate to Murray River, all other staff and all suppliers will spend significant, paid time driving that would be much better spent doing their work.
We recognize the nature of the situation when the P.E.I. government wants a mini-mega project for Murray River more than it wants to look after the needs of museums and heritage, or to acknowledge the broader realities of the 21st century, but we respectfully submit that we do not support the bargain that’s been made.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Capital city should have spoken up earlier print this article
as published in The Guardian March 28, 2007
EDITORIAL STAFF The Guardian
Charlottetown city council may have some good arguments for wanting the provincial artifactory and central museum located in the capital, but why has it waited so long to advance them?
There’s been a flurry of controversy over the province’s decision to move the artifactory from its current location in a leaky storage facility in the West Royalty Industry Park to Murray River. Supporters of the decision say the village is a perfect site for it, but detractors claim it’s not central enough.
At a recent Charlottetown council meeting, councillors voted to ask the province to temporarily suspend plans to build an artifactory in Murray River in light of opposition expressed at recent public meetings sponsored by the Institute of Island Studies.
There’s certainly a good case for building an artifactory and central museum in the capital. But as Coun. Cecil Villard, who voted against the motion to ask the province to put the matter on hold, said: the city should have approached the province about this long ago.
EDITORIAL STAFF The Guardian
Charlottetown city council may have some good arguments for wanting the provincial artifactory and central museum located in the capital, but why has it waited so long to advance them?
There’s been a flurry of controversy over the province’s decision to move the artifactory from its current location in a leaky storage facility in the West Royalty Industry Park to Murray River. Supporters of the decision say the village is a perfect site for it, but detractors claim it’s not central enough.
At a recent Charlottetown council meeting, councillors voted to ask the province to temporarily suspend plans to build an artifactory in Murray River in light of opposition expressed at recent public meetings sponsored by the Institute of Island Studies.
There’s certainly a good case for building an artifactory and central museum in the capital. But as Coun. Cecil Villard, who voted against the motion to ask the province to put the matter on hold, said: the city should have approached the province about this long ago.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Money for golf but not culture
Eastern Graphic - March 21, 2007
- editorial by Paul MacNeil
If you believe some of the objections raised to locating the provincial artifactory in Murray River, you could get the sense that the quaint village is at the end of the earth, far removed from all civilization.
Of course that is not true. Murray River will be a wonderful home for the storage of 80,000 pieces of Island history.
What is troubling about the whole artifactory debate is the complete lack of appreciation for protecting and preserving our heritage shown by the Binns government.
Much has been made about the $5.9 million artifactory. Opponents contend it should be built as part of a provincial museum, both of which should be housed in Charlottetown.
That argument is rubbish. We live in a modern society. We have modern roads. We have modern communications tools. We have modern fire fighting capabilities.
What the artifactory debate has shone a light on is government's lack of respect for culture both from a preservation and economic generation. perspective.
If the Northumberland Community Development Corporation were not able to access federal funding the artifactory would not be built. Forget a provincial museum, the Binns government doesn't think enough of protecting our cultural treasures to fund construction of a building to meet modern standards.
While the Binns government willingly squanders $20 million on the Dundarave golf course it relies on the federal government to protect our treasures. Shameful. But not surprising considering ours is the only government in the country not to consider the music industry as an industry worthy of industry specific support.
We have a long history of ignoring culture.
And what it is ignoring is that there is money to be made in culture. Look at the demographics. Look at the research. Far more money can be made in the preservation and promotion of culture than can ever be made in golf .
Unfortunately for Islanders there are few political photo-ops in the culture business. Which means the Binns government will continue to ignore important initiatives while sending politicians and senior bureaucrats off for publicity pictures at money losing golf events.
- editorial by Paul MacNeil
If you believe some of the objections raised to locating the provincial artifactory in Murray River, you could get the sense that the quaint village is at the end of the earth, far removed from all civilization.
Of course that is not true. Murray River will be a wonderful home for the storage of 80,000 pieces of Island history.
What is troubling about the whole artifactory debate is the complete lack of appreciation for protecting and preserving our heritage shown by the Binns government.
Much has been made about the $5.9 million artifactory. Opponents contend it should be built as part of a provincial museum, both of which should be housed in Charlottetown.
That argument is rubbish. We live in a modern society. We have modern roads. We have modern communications tools. We have modern fire fighting capabilities.
What the artifactory debate has shone a light on is government's lack of respect for culture both from a preservation and economic generation. perspective.
If the Northumberland Community Development Corporation were not able to access federal funding the artifactory would not be built. Forget a provincial museum, the Binns government doesn't think enough of protecting our cultural treasures to fund construction of a building to meet modern standards.
While the Binns government willingly squanders $20 million on the Dundarave golf course it relies on the federal government to protect our treasures. Shameful. But not surprising considering ours is the only government in the country not to consider the music industry as an industry worthy of industry specific support.
We have a long history of ignoring culture.
And what it is ignoring is that there is money to be made in culture. Look at the demographics. Look at the research. Far more money can be made in the preservation and promotion of culture than can ever be made in golf .
Unfortunately for Islanders there are few political photo-ops in the culture business. Which means the Binns government will continue to ignore important initiatives while sending politicians and senior bureaucrats off for publicity pictures at money losing golf events.
Blog puts museum debate online
Eastern Graphic - March 21, 2007
JANET MACLEOD
As the debate and discussion over PEl's provincial museum system and location of the artifactory is played out in public meetings and in the lettersto-the-editor section of Island newspapers, the dialogue has also moved online.
Ian Scott, former executive director of the PEl Museum & Heritage Foundation, and panelist at the Institute of Island Studies' recent public meetings, has been maintaining a blog about the issues.
Updated frequently, Mr Scott has compiled letters to the editor, and newspaper articles about the museum and the artifactory, and has posted details about three resolutions passed at the PEl Museum & Heritage Foundation AGM held last week.
Mr Scott's blog features opinions from many sides of this complex issue, and acts as an online database of published thought about the museum and artifactory.
So, if you want to learn more about the issues surrounding PEl's museum system, or become more engaged in the discussion, visiting the PEl museum blog at www.peimuseum.blogspot.com is a great place to start.
JANET MACLEOD
As the debate and discussion over PEl's provincial museum system and location of the artifactory is played out in public meetings and in the lettersto-the-editor section of Island newspapers, the dialogue has also moved online.
Ian Scott, former executive director of the PEl Museum & Heritage Foundation, and panelist at the Institute of Island Studies' recent public meetings, has been maintaining a blog about the issues.
Updated frequently, Mr Scott has compiled letters to the editor, and newspaper articles about the museum and the artifactory, and has posted details about three resolutions passed at the PEl Museum & Heritage Foundation AGM held last week.
Mr Scott's blog features opinions from many sides of this complex issue, and acts as an online database of published thought about the museum and artifactory.
So, if you want to learn more about the issues surrounding PEl's museum system, or become more engaged in the discussion, visiting the PEl museum blog at www.peimuseum.blogspot.com is a great place to start.
Artifactory set for Murray River: Binns
Eastern Graphic - March 21, 2007
JANET MACLEOD
The provincial artifactory is still headed for Murray River, even though some members of the heritage community and the public are upset at the decision.
"We haven’t changed any plans so far," said Jamie Richards, chair of the Northumberland Community Development Corporation.
And, neither has Premier Pat Binns, who lives in the Belfast/Murray River Riding.
"That decision was made some time ago," said Premier Binns on Monday.
At recent public heritage meetings held by the Institute of Island Studies, the general consensus was there should be a moratorium on moving the artifactory to Murray River until a review of the decision takes place.
"The collection is the heart and soul of a museum. It belongs with it," Dr Ann Howatt told the 15 people at the St Peter’s public meeting on Tuesday, March 13.
Premier Binns does not agree that the artifactory should be centrally located with the museum.
"The need for a provincial museum is a separate need from the artifactory," he said.
"The important thing is we’re taking 80,000 artifacts from a building that doesn’t have temperature and humidity control, and protecting the artifacts, which ensures we’ll be able to preserve the museum," Premier Binns said.
It was also suggested at the St Peter’s meeting that because the Northumberland Community Development Corporation is $800,000 in debt from the corporation’s golf course, the government is investing in the Murray River artifactory to help them pay that off.
Jamie Richards said this is not the case, and the artifactory development is "another venture altogether."
He did confirm that $800,000 is "pretty accurate" for the amount of the corporation’s debt.
"You don’t build golf courses and expect to be debt-free," he said.
The Northumberland Community Development Corporation is waiting to hear from ACOA about the funding they’re expecting to receive to build the 30,000 square foot development, of which 25,000 square feet will house the artifactory.
Premier Binns said the funding package for the artifactory is coming together, but couldn’t give a specific time frame when it will be finalized.
Mr Richards wonders where everyone opposed to the Murray River artifactory was last summer when they started the initiative.
"We had meetings with the heritage foundation and started planning," Mr Richards said.
"We’re prepared as a development corporation to put this facility here. Why weren’t (the people opposed to this) trying to get something else done before?"
Putting the artifactory in Murray River, Premier Binns said, "helps spread development around."
Premier Binns said if we took the view that everything in the whole county had to be centralized, all Federal government offices would be in Ottawa and Toronto, and none would be in PEI. He said it’s the same principle with the museum system.
"We’re the most decentralized province in PEI. We have the greatest number of our population in rural areas. We’re trying to maintain a balance," he said.
"We’ve made the decision to put it in Murray River," Premier Binns said. "It’s a good location."
JANET MACLEOD
The provincial artifactory is still headed for Murray River, even though some members of the heritage community and the public are upset at the decision.
"We haven’t changed any plans so far," said Jamie Richards, chair of the Northumberland Community Development Corporation.
And, neither has Premier Pat Binns, who lives in the Belfast/Murray River Riding.
"That decision was made some time ago," said Premier Binns on Monday.
At recent public heritage meetings held by the Institute of Island Studies, the general consensus was there should be a moratorium on moving the artifactory to Murray River until a review of the decision takes place.
"The collection is the heart and soul of a museum. It belongs with it," Dr Ann Howatt told the 15 people at the St Peter’s public meeting on Tuesday, March 13.
Premier Binns does not agree that the artifactory should be centrally located with the museum.
"The need for a provincial museum is a separate need from the artifactory," he said.
"The important thing is we’re taking 80,000 artifacts from a building that doesn’t have temperature and humidity control, and protecting the artifacts, which ensures we’ll be able to preserve the museum," Premier Binns said.
It was also suggested at the St Peter’s meeting that because the Northumberland Community Development Corporation is $800,000 in debt from the corporation’s golf course, the government is investing in the Murray River artifactory to help them pay that off.
Jamie Richards said this is not the case, and the artifactory development is "another venture altogether."
He did confirm that $800,000 is "pretty accurate" for the amount of the corporation’s debt.
"You don’t build golf courses and expect to be debt-free," he said.
The Northumberland Community Development Corporation is waiting to hear from ACOA about the funding they’re expecting to receive to build the 30,000 square foot development, of which 25,000 square feet will house the artifactory.
Premier Binns said the funding package for the artifactory is coming together, but couldn’t give a specific time frame when it will be finalized.
Mr Richards wonders where everyone opposed to the Murray River artifactory was last summer when they started the initiative.
"We had meetings with the heritage foundation and started planning," Mr Richards said.
"We’re prepared as a development corporation to put this facility here. Why weren’t (the people opposed to this) trying to get something else done before?"
Putting the artifactory in Murray River, Premier Binns said, "helps spread development around."
Premier Binns said if we took the view that everything in the whole county had to be centralized, all Federal government offices would be in Ottawa and Toronto, and none would be in PEI. He said it’s the same principle with the museum system.
"We’re the most decentralized province in PEI. We have the greatest number of our population in rural areas. We’re trying to maintain a balance," he said.
"We’ve made the decision to put it in Murray River," Premier Binns said. "It’s a good location."
Friday, March 23, 2007
P.E.I. history a story that must be told, says Ian Scott
By KATIE SMITH - THE GUARDIAN - March 22, 2007
The Island's history is a story that needs to be told and put on display, says a former executive director of the P.E.1. Museum and Heritage Foundation.
Ian Scott, who held that position from 1983-88 and who is still a foundation member, attended the foundation's recent annual general meeting.
He said one of the motions passed at the meeting stated how the board indicated that it "dreams of establishing a provincial museum where much of the Island history presently housed in our 'artifactory' could be i presented and interpreted to the public."
Scott agrees, saying not only does the province need a new artifactory, to replace the aging one in West Royalty, it should also build a museum to
display the artifacts in storage.
"I happen to believe very powerfully that our history is very important and that our natural history is an amazing story that has to be told and it needs to be told."
Scott said while speaking at several consultations over the past month, put on by the Institute of Island Studies which addressed the issue of the artifactory to be built in Murray River, he heard from several Islanders about what they'd like to see happen.
"Islanders are saying they want their heritage and they want to see it displayed."
The minister responsible for community and cultural affairs, Elmer MacFadyen, said there is no need for a provincial museum.
"There's no need for a centralized museum. We have seven museum sites across the province and we have a storage facility in Charlottetown that supplies artifacts to each of those facilities."
The province will accept findings from the Institute of Island Studies consultations and will consider them, he said.
"But in all likelihood, nothing will change."
The Island's history is a story that needs to be told and put on display, says a former executive director of the P.E.1. Museum and Heritage Foundation.
Ian Scott, who held that position from 1983-88 and who is still a foundation member, attended the foundation's recent annual general meeting.
He said one of the motions passed at the meeting stated how the board indicated that it "dreams of establishing a provincial museum where much of the Island history presently housed in our 'artifactory' could be i presented and interpreted to the public."
Scott agrees, saying not only does the province need a new artifactory, to replace the aging one in West Royalty, it should also build a museum to
display the artifacts in storage.
"I happen to believe very powerfully that our history is very important and that our natural history is an amazing story that has to be told and it needs to be told."
Scott said while speaking at several consultations over the past month, put on by the Institute of Island Studies which addressed the issue of the artifactory to be built in Murray River, he heard from several Islanders about what they'd like to see happen.
"Islanders are saying they want their heritage and they want to see it displayed."
The minister responsible for community and cultural affairs, Elmer MacFadyen, said there is no need for a provincial museum.
"There's no need for a centralized museum. We have seven museum sites across the province and we have a storage facility in Charlottetown that supplies artifacts to each of those facilities."
The province will accept findings from the Institute of Island Studies consultations and will consider them, he said.
"But in all likelihood, nothing will change."
Why I support a central museum
as published in The Guardian March 23, 2007 - TERRY RUDDEL Victoria
Editor:
The difficulty many people have about the location of the artifactory in Murray River is that it was done without public consultation, is impractical and favours the premier’s riding. The significance of the relocation is that it is refocusing a concern over the need for a provincial museum.
Although I am not a Charlottetonian, I favour a central museum for the reasons given below.
People promoting a central museum suggest a dynamic, educational and state of-the-art facility where Islanders can work with professionals to build a rich and informed environment that will contribute to their well-being. A provincial museum is seen as a hub of learning and an economic engine that stimulates enlightenment and growth. Contrary to Premier Binns’ statement that it would detract from local sites, a central institution would provide them leadership, artifacts and exhibitions while telling the bigger story and preserving a greater part of our heritage. A facility that is open throughout the year would complement our educational system by promoting the self-esteem, creative and critical thinking of the young and provide life-long learning and volunteering opportunities for adults. A central institution would also best serve the population.
The ideal museum is an establishment where civic issues can be broached and objects encountered by people interested in reflecting, while relaxing and socializing.
Here visitors discover how their predecessors met hardship and suffering, sometimes with courage and conviction and other times with indecision and indifference.
The goal of such an institution is not to become another purveyor of nostalgia, but a safe theatre of conscience where the search for truth is an ongoing one. Supporters of a provincial museum describe it as an integrated, multi-functional, crossgenerational and cross-cultural centre of engagement where visitors interact with different voices and experiences.
Because much of the Island’s heritage has disappeared and little documentation exists for that which remains it is becoming more and more difficult to present a representative picture of the past. These are some of the reasons we need to act now to create a provincial museum of natural and cultural history.
Editor:
The difficulty many people have about the location of the artifactory in Murray River is that it was done without public consultation, is impractical and favours the premier’s riding. The significance of the relocation is that it is refocusing a concern over the need for a provincial museum.
Although I am not a Charlottetonian, I favour a central museum for the reasons given below.
People promoting a central museum suggest a dynamic, educational and state of-the-art facility where Islanders can work with professionals to build a rich and informed environment that will contribute to their well-being. A provincial museum is seen as a hub of learning and an economic engine that stimulates enlightenment and growth. Contrary to Premier Binns’ statement that it would detract from local sites, a central institution would provide them leadership, artifacts and exhibitions while telling the bigger story and preserving a greater part of our heritage. A facility that is open throughout the year would complement our educational system by promoting the self-esteem, creative and critical thinking of the young and provide life-long learning and volunteering opportunities for adults. A central institution would also best serve the population.
The ideal museum is an establishment where civic issues can be broached and objects encountered by people interested in reflecting, while relaxing and socializing.
Here visitors discover how their predecessors met hardship and suffering, sometimes with courage and conviction and other times with indecision and indifference.
The goal of such an institution is not to become another purveyor of nostalgia, but a safe theatre of conscience where the search for truth is an ongoing one. Supporters of a provincial museum describe it as an integrated, multi-functional, crossgenerational and cross-cultural centre of engagement where visitors interact with different voices and experiences.
Because much of the Island’s heritage has disappeared and little documentation exists for that which remains it is becoming more and more difficult to present a representative picture of the past. These are some of the reasons we need to act now to create a provincial museum of natural and cultural history.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Dr. Keenleyside deserves the support of every Islander
by Ian Scott a former executive director of the PEI Museum & Heritage Foundation in the 1980's.
I applaud Ella Wood Willis for her letter (Guardian Feb 24, 2007, We need a central museum) and her recognition of those who diligently built the PEI Provincial Collection into a significant museum collection. In her mid 90's, Ella, a life member of the Museum & Heritage Foundation, remains passionate for the dream of a facility that will display this amazing collection more fully than the existing heritage sites now can, a dream shared by generations of Islanders back to 1881.
People of all ages want to see these treasures and believe that we deserve a museum that will tell the full story of the Island, the land, and how it was formed over the eons, the life forms that have called it home and who reclaimed it after ice ages receded and dry land appeared. There is a compelling story of the creatures who have made our waters and skies their abode long before mankind arrived 10,000 years ago. The journey of mankind circling the globe, carrying the DNA each of us contain, is an equally amazing story - of land bridges from Africa connecting to Asia and Europe and the Americas that brought the first Islanders to this land. The stories since are just as amazing, yet we must travel to Saint John or Halifax to be told fragments of the PEI story in provincial museums there.
This land and its people have powerful and unique stories and we deserve to hear them through an innovative modern museum. Study after study has shown the significance that cultural tourism will continue to play for PEI as a fast growing part of quality tourist development, yet plans for displaying the Provincial Collection are not a priority of the minister responsible for culture and heritage.
While some things take time to achieve, we have patiently waited for generations for natural and human history components within our provincial museum system. The creation of the Foundation in 1970 and the natural history mandate in 1983 were important steps, but the chronic under-funding of the Foundation by government has left Islanders with nothing to show for that. The fulfilment of this mandate as well as the full mandate in human history is one that takes planning and concerted effort. A motion in the Legislature in 2006 called for solid planning to achieve that. It called for members to, “endorse the concept of a provincial museum and urge the government to begin planning as soon as possible.” Without support from the government and the minister responsible to start a planning process, this motion was defeated by the government majority, indicating that their priorities are elsewhere.
Leadership and solid planning are needed for obvious reasons. Professional planning was started in the 1980's for all aspects of the provincial museum system including natural history. While location, location, location is always a topic in which there are at least triplicate opinions - the planning at that time dealt with these sensitivities very well, in addressing the broad needs of the entire province. One significant issue related to the geographic debate was the fact that a small province in fulfilling the various scientific positions of a museum should attempt to achieve this through cross-appointments of professional staff with UPEI, in which specialists in zoology, or botany for example could balance an academic career with responsibility in the museum system. Salary costs would be shared. This benefits the public and enriches the university and the museum system, but requires the free flow of staff who could be teaching a morning class at UPEI before leading a group of high school biology students through the study collections of say, the insects or birds, plants or mammals of PEI in the museum collections facility. Museums like universities are major research institutions as well as being educational organizations and these commonalities are significant when numbers of professional positions are limited.
Having the study collections of the PEI Museum & Heritage Foundation housed where they are most useful for researchers, staff and accessible for use in permanent and temporary displays for the public should remains a key consideration in any planning.
The chair of the Museum and Heritage Foundation, Dr. Dasgupta said, “The Board continues to discuss its hope of acquiring an appropriate home for the provincial collection and dreams of establishing a provincial museum where much of the Island history presently housed in our ‘artifactory’ could be presented and interpreted to the public.”
The Board while announcing plans to relocate the Provincial Collection to Southeastern Kings, is also on record as saying “development of this facility is beyond our control”. While clear responsibilities were granted by the Legislature to the Board in the Museum Act, if this is the current reality and the Board functions simply as handmaiden of the current government, we are in a sorry state. I believe the Board and the membership have important roles to play. A project, that is so central to their future functioning, using public funds should not be “beyond their control.”
Divorcing the housing of the Provincial Collection from planning for the Provincial Museum means that the operations of the overall organization will be further challenged - with a tiny professional staff even more fragmented. If there is to be sound planning for museum exhibition space, which the Board states as their goal, then this planning should be done in advance of the construction of a major collections management facility - wherever that is.
The premier is clear that the proposed Murray River facility "will not be a full-fledged museum." If this is a temporary measure to manage things for a few years until a plan is in place -- then this could potentially leave the Northumberland Community Development Corporation with an large empty building to try and find a new tenant for, if an integrated provincial museum & collections facility is eventually located elsewhere.
The PEI Museum & Heritage Foundation owns the current collections facility, and it has had many upgrades over the years. With a few basic repairs it could continue as a temporary collections management facility for the present. To have a $4.9 million dollar structure constructed with public funds by a community development corporation, simply to lease as a temporary facility for a few years and to avoid planning for the future, simply seems a bit short-sighted.
Dr. David Keenleyside, the new Executive Director of the Museum should be given a fair chance. He should be given the time and support to carry out the consultations and planning study mandated by the Foundation at their AGM without presupposing any of the conclusions prior to his undertaking this study. That process should conclude with a long term plan for fulfilling the mandate of the Museum, in all areas of research, publishing, collections management, conservation, interpretation and exhibitions
The Legislature granted a provincial museum mandate through the Museum Act, 25 years ago, yet that mandate has not been realized. For government to continue to starve the organization and offer "take it of leave it" solutions which grant no other option but to go along with plans of being an anchor tenant of a mini-mall in the premier's riding is quite unfair. Input in planning and due process in determining suitability for long-term needs is essential.
We need a proper study and Dr. Keenleyside deserves the support of every Islander in being allowed to carry that out without one hand being held behind his back. We have waited for over a hundred years and surely something as significant as this should merit taking a few months to allow him the opportunity to examine the options available and then we can be assured that at least that all options have been well examined.
The members of the PEI Museum & Heritage Foundation at their AGM recently voted for such a study and for a moratorium until this process has been concluded. A study and a moratorium on new development is the only reasonable option.
"I would call upon the government to stop playing politics and patronage with our heritage"
Don Campbell from Montague, PEI writes
as posted on The Guardian website
As for the artifactory moving to Murray River... A poor move. I don't like to denigrate Kings County, but as a heritage advocate, I think that it needs to be centrally stored and interpreted in a provincial capital.
There's a reason why the Royal Ontario Museum is in Toronto, the Royal Alberta Museum is in Edmonton, the Royal British Columbia Museum is in Victoria, The Rooms Provincial Museum is in St. John's, the Musée National is in Quebec City, the Manitoba Museum is in Winnipeg, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum is in Regina, etc. etc.
I would call upon the government to stop playing politics and patronage with our heritage. Do the right thing and get federal co-sharing and build a provincial museum and artifactory warehouse in Charlottetown.
Put one of the provincial community museums in Murray River or Murray Harbour. The railway museum in Elmira has been an atrocious failure, with poor interpretation, little volunteer expertise in railways, a tourist attraction miniature train added courtesy of our MP - they even neglected their railway cars so much that they rusted out and had to be scrapped on site, to the outcry of railway heritage advocates across Canada. It would be much better to have a *real* railway musuem with professional interpretation - Murray River or Murray Harbour could suit this purpose.
Anyway, I'm hoping Premier Binns and his government will avoid doing politics of old and do the right thing this time. A central provincial museum and artifactory in Charlottetown makes sense, provincially and nationally.
as posted on The Guardian website
As for the artifactory moving to Murray River... A poor move. I don't like to denigrate Kings County, but as a heritage advocate, I think that it needs to be centrally stored and interpreted in a provincial capital.
There's a reason why the Royal Ontario Museum is in Toronto, the Royal Alberta Museum is in Edmonton, the Royal British Columbia Museum is in Victoria, The Rooms Provincial Museum is in St. John's, the Musée National is in Quebec City, the Manitoba Museum is in Winnipeg, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum is in Regina, etc. etc.
I would call upon the government to stop playing politics and patronage with our heritage. Do the right thing and get federal co-sharing and build a provincial museum and artifactory warehouse in Charlottetown.
Put one of the provincial community museums in Murray River or Murray Harbour. The railway museum in Elmira has been an atrocious failure, with poor interpretation, little volunteer expertise in railways, a tourist attraction miniature train added courtesy of our MP - they even neglected their railway cars so much that they rusted out and had to be scrapped on site, to the outcry of railway heritage advocates across Canada. It would be much better to have a *real* railway musuem with professional interpretation - Murray River or Murray Harbour could suit this purpose.
Anyway, I'm hoping Premier Binns and his government will avoid doing politics of old and do the right thing this time. A central provincial museum and artifactory in Charlottetown makes sense, provincially and nationally.
City Calling For Museum Review
The Guardian - March 13, 2007
The City of Charlottetown wants the province to form a committee and look at how much it would cost to build a provincial museum. Councillors also want government to halt work on plans to build an artifactory in Murray River. Kim Devine, who chairs the heritage committee, says building a warehouse to store artifacts in the eastern P.E.I. community would all but kill any chance of a museum being built elsewhere.
While the resolution didn't actually spell it out, some councillors feel a museum should be built in a central location like Charlottetown.
The City of Charlottetown wants the province to form a committee and look at how much it would cost to build a provincial museum. Councillors also want government to halt work on plans to build an artifactory in Murray River. Kim Devine, who chairs the heritage committee, says building a warehouse to store artifacts in the eastern P.E.I. community would all but kill any chance of a museum being built elsewhere.
While the resolution didn't actually spell it out, some councillors feel a museum should be built in a central location like Charlottetown.
Many artifactory items come from rural P.E.I.
as published by The Guardian March 22, 2007 - Gregory Jobe
Editor:
Who are the people that really care whether the provincial artifactory is located in eastern P.E.I.? To whom does it really matter? The people and business community of eastern P.E.I. really care. It matters to us. We will be great stewards of this piece of Island history. We will tell our friends and visitors about it and it will be a focal point of a beautiful rural community — which generates much of the contents the artifactory seeks to preserve.
We can think of no compelling reason why this piece of Island history should not be located in rural P.E.I. The hand-wringing and angst trumpeted over this generates loads of reasoning and debate. For every point on one side, there is a counterpoint on the other.
In fact, we could tour the Island and make a great big list of pros and cons and rationalize forever. The fact is, there is no compelling reason not to put the artifactory in eastern P.E.I. However, there is a compelling reason to locate it here. We really care.
Gregory Jobe,
president, Southern Kings and Queens Chamber of Commerce
Editor:
Who are the people that really care whether the provincial artifactory is located in eastern P.E.I.? To whom does it really matter? The people and business community of eastern P.E.I. really care. It matters to us. We will be great stewards of this piece of Island history. We will tell our friends and visitors about it and it will be a focal point of a beautiful rural community — which generates much of the contents the artifactory seeks to preserve.
We can think of no compelling reason why this piece of Island history should not be located in rural P.E.I. The hand-wringing and angst trumpeted over this generates loads of reasoning and debate. For every point on one side, there is a counterpoint on the other.
In fact, we could tour the Island and make a great big list of pros and cons and rationalize forever. The fact is, there is no compelling reason not to put the artifactory in eastern P.E.I. However, there is a compelling reason to locate it here. We really care.
Gregory Jobe,
president, Southern Kings and Queens Chamber of Commerce
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Artifact not a new term
as published in The Guardian - March 17, 2007
by Richelle Hume-MacDonald
Editor:
I find it funny that some Islanders feel that an issue is being overblown when they don't care about the topic themselves; yet if the provincial government was making unilateral decisions without community input on an area of concern to them, it would not be regarded so lightly.
As fellow citizens we should treat an issue with respect, regardless if it is important to us personally. I am not personally affected by any proposed cell towers but I respect my fellow citizens' right to voice their opposition and for their concerns to be sincerely listened to.
As far as that goodly number of 60-70 Charlottetonians that Mr. Holman references ('The victor gets to write - and house - history', The Guardian, March 10, 2007), I alone know of at least 20 more people that share their views, myself included, who were not at the meeting.
I was quite shocked that Mr. Holman would write such a sarcastic and misinformed article. First, let me point out that the term 'artifactory' is not some recent addition to the English language dreamed up by some highfalutin member of the heritage community solely to bolster the supposed importance of this lowly warehouse; the term was first coined years ago.
Secondly, there seems to be little appreciation of what actually happens at the warehouse. Other than merely warehousing pot-bellied stoves, the site is also where all research, cataloguing, restoration, and conservation takes place by archivists and other professionals. Mr. Holman feels that it is not illogical to locate the artifactory, or for that matter a new core museum, outside the capital area. Let's be realistic here: most major museums are located where 'they will have the most economic and cultural impact for locals and visitors alike. The government is often criticized, rightly or wrongly, for making inefficient decisions; instead, long-term strategic planning backed up, by the agreed-upon benchmark fesibility studies are Hie agreed-upon benchmark, but when confronted with a prime example of an inefficient decision on the part of government, I can't understand why people are urging them to git' er done.
Richelle Hume-MacDonald,
Charlottetown
by Richelle Hume-MacDonald
Editor:
I find it funny that some Islanders feel that an issue is being overblown when they don't care about the topic themselves; yet if the provincial government was making unilateral decisions without community input on an area of concern to them, it would not be regarded so lightly.
As fellow citizens we should treat an issue with respect, regardless if it is important to us personally. I am not personally affected by any proposed cell towers but I respect my fellow citizens' right to voice their opposition and for their concerns to be sincerely listened to.
As far as that goodly number of 60-70 Charlottetonians that Mr. Holman references ('The victor gets to write - and house - history', The Guardian, March 10, 2007), I alone know of at least 20 more people that share their views, myself included, who were not at the meeting.
I was quite shocked that Mr. Holman would write such a sarcastic and misinformed article. First, let me point out that the term 'artifactory' is not some recent addition to the English language dreamed up by some highfalutin member of the heritage community solely to bolster the supposed importance of this lowly warehouse; the term was first coined years ago.
Secondly, there seems to be little appreciation of what actually happens at the warehouse. Other than merely warehousing pot-bellied stoves, the site is also where all research, cataloguing, restoration, and conservation takes place by archivists and other professionals. Mr. Holman feels that it is not illogical to locate the artifactory, or for that matter a new core museum, outside the capital area. Let's be realistic here: most major museums are located where 'they will have the most economic and cultural impact for locals and visitors alike. The government is often criticized, rightly or wrongly, for making inefficient decisions; instead, long-term strategic planning backed up, by the agreed-upon benchmark fesibility studies are Hie agreed-upon benchmark, but when confronted with a prime example of an inefficient decision on the part of government, I can't understand why people are urging them to git' er done.
Richelle Hume-MacDonald,
Charlottetown
Saturday, March 17, 2007
A central home for our heritage
as published in The Guardian March 12, 2007
BY CATERINE HENNESSEY - GUEST OPINION
As a number of consultative meetings are occurring in March concerning a provincial museum, I think it important to note that the Island heritage movement itself has had a long history.
In 1881 a Historical Society was formed, followed a decade later by the creation of a Natural History Society. Members of both groups hoped their collections of artifacts and specimens would find a home in a provincial museum. This wish was rekindled in 1905 when the mayor of Charlottetown, F.F. Kelly and his council, granted space to the Natural History and Antiquarian Society in the Market House for the establishment of a museum "such as is found in the capitals of other provinces."
The idea was raised again in 1927 by Chester McLure, MLA, when he gave an evening lecture on the desirability of a provincial library, museum and art gallery. The next year the Harris family donated paintings, financial support and an endowment to help support an art gallery, a library, an archives and a museum. The Harris Memorial Library and the Art Gallery opened in 1930, but it took a decade before it was recognized that the museum and archives were not going to materialize in this building.
With the end of the Second World War, a children's art centre and an arts and crafts guild were under discussion. Given space by the city in the Market House, and funding from the Kinsmen, an art centre was formed and operated successfully for almost a decade. During the late 1940s and early 1950s, the IODE presented exhibits of "Articles of Historical Interest". At a meeting in Charlottetown of the Royal Commission on the Development of Arts, Sciences and Letters (the Massey Commission), the P.E.I. Adult Education Council reiterated the need for a provincial museum, as well as training for museum professionals.
The story of the Confederation Centre for the Arts (opened in 1964) hardly needs repeating, except to say that the Art Galleryagreed to take care of the Harris Collection. The archives quickly outgrew its space in the centre and now the library looks like it, too, needs extra room. Although space for a museum never materialized, other institutions, under the tutelage of the P.E.I. Heritage Foundation (created in 1970), worked to preserve parts of the Island's heritage.
Now, it is 36 years since the Heritage Foundation Act and we are at another threshold. Having been involved in the preservation of our culture and heritage for over 40 years, I can not let go of the idea that this Island is worthy of a strong, central institution that will preserve, research and interpret our culture for ourselves and our visitors. What breaks my heart is the shrugging of shoulders over the artifactory just being a warehouse and so it does not matter where it is located.
A museum collection is the very soul of an institution: to be protected by a staff, catalogued, studied and interpreted in lectures, published material and exhibitions and then always linked with the stories of our people. It is the hands-on task of staff. The staff of our institution is small and their energies must be protected and used to their maximum. They need the support of UPEI, Holland College, the Provincial Archives and the appreciation of all Islanders.
Although I support a moratorium on all development so we can answer the heritage needs in the 21st century, I can't help but believe that an ideal place to combine all our cultural and hentage needs could be found in the Dominion Building on Queen Street. Its location downtown, opposite the Confederation Centre, would create a cultural and economic magnet for this area. I see more and more people getting behind this idea, but they should not let the opportunity pass without letting their local, provincial and federal representatives know their thoughts. Let us spend tax dollars wisely.
Catherine Hennessey of Charlottetown
is a well known heritage activist.
Artifactory relocation without business plan irresponsible: Liberal MLA
Carolyn Bertram says artifactory too important for Island heritage to become election prize.
The Guardian Feb 14, 2007
The provincial government's plans to relocate the provincial artifactory to Premier Pat Binns' riding without a business plan or consultation process is irresponsible, says Liberal MLA Carolyn Bertram.
"In May of 2006, the government was saying that it did not have the money for a new facility to house the 80,000 artifacts the province owns," said Bertram.
"Then a few months later it has bought the land in the premier's riding Bertram and is relocating the provincial artifactory without so much as a financial plan or consultative process."
Bertram was highly critical of the Conservative government's efforts to run the project through the Northumberland Community Development Corporation to make it appear as if this is a community-driven initiative.
"Pat Binns can try all he wants to make this initiative look like it is a project run by the Northumberland Community Development Corporation.
"At the end of the day, it is Island taxpayers that are. paying for his desire to build a monument to himself in his own riding. The province bought the land and handed it over to this group. The province is also on the hook for a portion of the $4 million in construction costs."
Bertram said an artifactory is too important to P.E.I's heritage to become a political prize for Binns and the Conservatives' to wave around at election time.
She said a Liberal government would, faciliate dialogue within the Island community to support heritage development on Prince Edward Island.
"We believe in working together with a community-driven committee and developing an plan of action over the next two years, which could lend itself to reaching the goal of a Provincial Museum."
The Guardian Feb 14, 2007
The provincial government's plans to relocate the provincial artifactory to Premier Pat Binns' riding without a business plan or consultation process is irresponsible, says Liberal MLA Carolyn Bertram.
"In May of 2006, the government was saying that it did not have the money for a new facility to house the 80,000 artifacts the province owns," said Bertram.
"Then a few months later it has bought the land in the premier's riding Bertram and is relocating the provincial artifactory without so much as a financial plan or consultative process."
Bertram was highly critical of the Conservative government's efforts to run the project through the Northumberland Community Development Corporation to make it appear as if this is a community-driven initiative.
"Pat Binns can try all he wants to make this initiative look like it is a project run by the Northumberland Community Development Corporation.
"At the end of the day, it is Island taxpayers that are. paying for his desire to build a monument to himself in his own riding. The province bought the land and handed it over to this group. The province is also on the hook for a portion of the $4 million in construction costs."
Bertram said an artifactory is too important to P.E.I's heritage to become a political prize for Binns and the Conservatives' to wave around at election time.
She said a Liberal government would, faciliate dialogue within the Island community to support heritage development on Prince Edward Island.
"We believe in working together with a community-driven committee and developing an plan of action over the next two years, which could lend itself to reaching the goal of a Provincial Museum."
Friday, March 16, 2007
Liberal MLA, calls on government to build, provincial museum
Carolyn Bertram questions decision to locate artifactory in Murray River
BY RON RYDER THE GUARDIAN - Nov 22, 2006
A Liberal MLA is calling on government to build a provincial museum that would provide a starting point for the history of the Prince Edward Island.
Crapaud-Hazel Grove MLA Carolyn Bertram spent part of question period Tuesday asking Community and Cultural Affairs Minister Elmer MacFadyen about the province's decision to locate the artifactory in Murray River.
The $4-million project, 75 per cent funded by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, will replace the current West Royalty storage facility where some 80,000 artifacts and documents are at risk from a leaky roof. Bertram told reporters that she thinks the province should be doing more than building a storage facility when there is no central provincial museum.
"Eighty thousand artifacts. Why is this moiley being spent on just a warehouse when they could spend a bit more and build a place - to showcase them?" she said.
Government has said the project could bring an economic boost to
Murray River, but employment at the artifactory itself will be limited to three workers who are already employed at the West Royalty building.
The province hopes to see other business locate in the vicinity of the new project when it is complete.
MacFadyen said the province has looked at the possibility of a provincial facility before and went as far as to have member of his department sit in on a committee that was trying to bring a provincial museum to the capital area. He said he wouldn't be interested in a museum that would replace the government's present network of community-based specialty museums.
But he said the province doesn't have money or plans for a full-fledged provincial facility yet.
"There may be a display area at the artifactory where the staff that work there, might want to put some items they want to highlight," he said. "But this will not be a full-fledged museum."
rryder@theguardian.pe.ca
BY RON RYDER THE GUARDIAN - Nov 22, 2006
A Liberal MLA is calling on government to build a provincial museum that would provide a starting point for the history of the Prince Edward Island.
Crapaud-Hazel Grove MLA Carolyn Bertram spent part of question period Tuesday asking Community and Cultural Affairs Minister Elmer MacFadyen about the province's decision to locate the artifactory in Murray River.
The $4-million project, 75 per cent funded by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, will replace the current West Royalty storage facility where some 80,000 artifacts and documents are at risk from a leaky roof. Bertram told reporters that she thinks the province should be doing more than building a storage facility when there is no central provincial museum.
"Eighty thousand artifacts. Why is this moiley being spent on just a warehouse when they could spend a bit more and build a place - to showcase them?" she said.
Government has said the project could bring an economic boost to
Murray River, but employment at the artifactory itself will be limited to three workers who are already employed at the West Royalty building.
The province hopes to see other business locate in the vicinity of the new project when it is complete.
MacFadyen said the province has looked at the possibility of a provincial facility before and went as far as to have member of his department sit in on a committee that was trying to bring a provincial museum to the capital area. He said he wouldn't be interested in a museum that would replace the government's present network of community-based specialty museums.
But he said the province doesn't have money or plans for a full-fledged provincial facility yet.
"There may be a display area at the artifactory where the staff that work there, might want to put some items they want to highlight," he said. "But this will not be a full-fledged museum."
rryder@theguardian.pe.ca
Protecting our history a laudable endeavour
as pubished in The Guardian - Nov 29, 2007
by Joy Misener
Editor:
I have taken a long time to ponder the situation that the P.E.I.Museums and Heritage Foundation is in with respect to the artifactory.
I have been a UPEI history student volunteering at the artifactory for the past three months and I wanted to put forth my two cents worth on this issue in hopes that people realize the real problems to be dealt with on this matter.
First, I would like to respond to Ralph MacDonald, about the hopes of having one provincial museum ('Island in dire need of provincial museum', The Guardian, Nov. 25, 2006). Though it would be fantastic for the Island to have a provincial museum, this is not the real issue. After all, we do have seven locations around P.E.I. which do a fabulous job in displaying exhibits with specific Island themes.
However, I would like to agree with Mr. MacDonald on the idea that moving the artifactory to Murray River would not in fact increase the job opportunities there. Even with a planned display area, there would not be enough work for the foundation to assume another hired position. Again, this is not the real issue for the artifactory.
I believe the real problem the artifactory is dealing with is not about its location, but its maintenance. Charlottetown is a central location. I truly believe that is necessary for the care of all seven Island museum locations. What we need to take care of now is the artifactory itself.
The former bus depot is not a place for invaluable historical artifacts to be stored properly. The items kept there are safe, but only because of the dedicated staff who take precautions every day to protect our beloved history. A new building for the artifactory is essential for preserving the artifacts and the history they hold. Protecting our history is a very worthwhile endeavour and should be considered thoughtfully by those who are to propose any changes.
Joy Misener,
Charlottetown
by Joy Misener
Editor:
I have taken a long time to ponder the situation that the P.E.I.Museums and Heritage Foundation is in with respect to the artifactory.
I have been a UPEI history student volunteering at the artifactory for the past three months and I wanted to put forth my two cents worth on this issue in hopes that people realize the real problems to be dealt with on this matter.
First, I would like to respond to Ralph MacDonald, about the hopes of having one provincial museum ('Island in dire need of provincial museum', The Guardian, Nov. 25, 2006). Though it would be fantastic for the Island to have a provincial museum, this is not the real issue. After all, we do have seven locations around P.E.I. which do a fabulous job in displaying exhibits with specific Island themes.
However, I would like to agree with Mr. MacDonald on the idea that moving the artifactory to Murray River would not in fact increase the job opportunities there. Even with a planned display area, there would not be enough work for the foundation to assume another hired position. Again, this is not the real issue for the artifactory.
I believe the real problem the artifactory is dealing with is not about its location, but its maintenance. Charlottetown is a central location. I truly believe that is necessary for the care of all seven Island museum locations. What we need to take care of now is the artifactory itself.
The former bus depot is not a place for invaluable historical artifacts to be stored properly. The items kept there are safe, but only because of the dedicated staff who take precautions every day to protect our beloved history. A new building for the artifactory is essential for preserving the artifacts and the history they hold. Protecting our history is a very worthwhile endeavour and should be considered thoughtfully by those who are to propose any changes.
Joy Misener,
Charlottetown
Island's natural history must be included
as pubished in The Guardian - Nov 29, 2007
by Diane Griffin
Editor:
I have followed with interest the discussion in our legislatiye assembly about a provincial museum. While all of the sites currentIly within the management of the provincial museum and heritage foundation are important assets, there actually is no structure in our province that can be called a provincial museum.
Every other province has a provincial museum to interpret its cultural and natural history.
Over the years there has been a great amount of discussion about when, where and how to establish a provincial museum, but the problem has been the lack of resources. Many of, the current sites were either established or vastly improved,with federal money, granted to the Island to celebrate the centennial in 1973 of our entry into Confederation.
If P.E.I. should ever see its way clear to establish a provincial museum, we must be sure it includes the natural history of the Island.
Diane Griffin,
Stratford
by Diane Griffin
Editor:
I have followed with interest the discussion in our legislatiye assembly about a provincial museum. While all of the sites currentIly within the management of the provincial museum and heritage foundation are important assets, there actually is no structure in our province that can be called a provincial museum.
Every other province has a provincial museum to interpret its cultural and natural history.
Over the years there has been a great amount of discussion about when, where and how to establish a provincial museum, but the problem has been the lack of resources. Many of, the current sites were either established or vastly improved,with federal money, granted to the Island to celebrate the centennial in 1973 of our entry into Confederation.
If P.E.I. should ever see its way clear to establish a provincial museum, we must be sure it includes the natural history of the Island.
Diane Griffin,
Stratford
We Need a Major Museum for the Display of Heritage
All provinces, except P.E.I., have such a facility and these are generally located in the capitals
as published in The Guardian Sept 23, 2006
by Earle Lockerby
Editor:
An article in your newspaper reports that plans are afoot to relocate the provincial artifactory from Charlottetown to Murray River - within the riding of Premier Binns (Provincial artifactory may go to Murray River to boost area, The Guardian, Sept.19, 2006).
The article indicates that the relocation will result in a "major boom" in the Murray River region, will help bring people to the area and may provide a "destination attraction."
The current artifactory in Charlottetown is simply a warehouse for over 80,000 artifacts and is not open to the general public. While one would hope that any new storage facility would provide a much better environment for the long-term preservation of these artifacts than the existing artifactory, a new storage facility, by its very nature, will simply be a large, dimly-lit building which employs less than half a dozen people and is ill-suited (indeed not intended) to receive the public.
What this province sorely lacks is a comprehensive museum in which to publicly display and showcase a substantial fraction of those 80,000 plus artifacts. Instead of a major, centralized museum on P.E.I., we have seven provincially-owned, decentralized, little 'theme' museums scattered across the Island. These serve a useful purpose, but are no substitute for a major, or principal, museum which would be frequented by the public faciility and these are generally located in the capitals and which should be located in the province's capital city, Charlottetown.
All provinces, except P.E.I., have such a facility; and these are generally located in the respective capitals of the provinces, New Brunswick being an exception there the main provincial museum is located not in Fredericton, but in an even larger city, Saint John. While an artifact storage building need not be close to the museum it serves, proximity certainly makes for easier artifact management.
The notion of Murray River being the location of an artifactory which later gets turned into the provincial museum is ludicrous. It smacks of crass political manipulation. Would serious consideration have been given to locating the province's major health facility, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in Tignish?
What is required is a more thoughtful and comprehensive approach which focuses on a provincial museum. A new artifact storage facility is needed, but it should serve the museum, not vice versa. A major museum should be built in Charlottetown. Ideally, it should be of sufficient size to provide for storage of artifacts which are not on display in the museum at any given time.
Earle Lockerby of Darnley is on the board of directors of Keir Memorial Museum, Malpeque. He is also on the board of directors of the Lucy Maud Montgomery Society of Ontario, which operates the Leaskdale Manse National Historic Site Museum in Leaskdale, Ont.
as published in The Guardian Sept 23, 2006
by Earle Lockerby
Editor:
An article in your newspaper reports that plans are afoot to relocate the provincial artifactory from Charlottetown to Murray River - within the riding of Premier Binns (Provincial artifactory may go to Murray River to boost area, The Guardian, Sept.19, 2006).
The article indicates that the relocation will result in a "major boom" in the Murray River region, will help bring people to the area and may provide a "destination attraction."
The current artifactory in Charlottetown is simply a warehouse for over 80,000 artifacts and is not open to the general public. While one would hope that any new storage facility would provide a much better environment for the long-term preservation of these artifacts than the existing artifactory, a new storage facility, by its very nature, will simply be a large, dimly-lit building which employs less than half a dozen people and is ill-suited (indeed not intended) to receive the public.
What this province sorely lacks is a comprehensive museum in which to publicly display and showcase a substantial fraction of those 80,000 plus artifacts. Instead of a major, centralized museum on P.E.I., we have seven provincially-owned, decentralized, little 'theme' museums scattered across the Island. These serve a useful purpose, but are no substitute for a major, or principal, museum which would be frequented by the public faciility and these are generally located in the capitals and which should be located in the province's capital city, Charlottetown.
All provinces, except P.E.I., have such a facility; and these are generally located in the respective capitals of the provinces, New Brunswick being an exception there the main provincial museum is located not in Fredericton, but in an even larger city, Saint John. While an artifact storage building need not be close to the museum it serves, proximity certainly makes for easier artifact management.
The notion of Murray River being the location of an artifactory which later gets turned into the provincial museum is ludicrous. It smacks of crass political manipulation. Would serious consideration have been given to locating the province's major health facility, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in Tignish?
What is required is a more thoughtful and comprehensive approach which focuses on a provincial museum. A new artifact storage facility is needed, but it should serve the museum, not vice versa. A major museum should be built in Charlottetown. Ideally, it should be of sufficient size to provide for storage of artifacts which are not on display in the museum at any given time.
Earle Lockerby of Darnley is on the board of directors of Keir Memorial Museum, Malpeque. He is also on the board of directors of the Lucy Maud Montgomery Society of Ontario, which operates the Leaskdale Manse National Historic Site Museum in Leaskdale, Ont.
Consensus at meeting is "more thought needed" on Murray River artifactory
as published in the Eastern Graphic - March 14, 2007
by JANET MACLEOD
Most people present at a public heritage meeting held in Charlottetown on Wednesday, March 7, thought there should be a moratorium on the move of the provincial artifactory from West Royalty to Murray River until the decision can be reviewed.
The 70 people who came to the meeting divided into small groups to discuss questions posed by the Institute of Island Studies, which organized the meeting, before making short presentations.
One group was worried it might be too late to stop the move to Murray River, and said for something as integral to the province as the artifactory, it reflects badly on Premier Binns that the decision to move the facility to Murray River was so obviously political.
Another group said there should be a moratorium, not because it's going to Murray River, but because of the complexity and importance of issues involved. Further comments were that there should be a moratorium because the public hasn't been consulted on the issue.
Near the end of the meeting during open floor discussion, tensions were high when Conervative MLA for Glen Stewart/Bellevue Cove, David McKenna, said the move to Murray River is essentially a go. He said, right now, the government's vision is to build a new artifactory to take care of the artifacts, so the province has a museum for the future.
"Let's preserve what we have, take care of what we have, and then move forward," Mr McKenna said.
Catherine Hennessey, of Charlottetown, said the government has failed to understand the use of an artifactory. She said it's about having the artifacts close at hand, to study and research. She said having it 45 minutes away from Charlottetown is not sustainable for the museum.
Jamie Richards, chair of the Northumberland Community Development Corporation, said in the end the corporation decided not to send their engineering firm to the IIS meetings.
"They've got their own agenda," he said. "We're still going ahead with out plans."
The need for a provincial museum for PEl was also a major topic discussed at the meeting. It was the general consensus at the meeting that PEl needs a provincial museum to document, preserve, and interpret the province's natural and cultural heritage.
One group said what's missing is a distinct lack of vision when it comes to a provincial museum. Many people said there needs to, be long-term planning for a provincial museum, and the government must support the museum financially.
by JANET MACLEOD
Most people present at a public heritage meeting held in Charlottetown on Wednesday, March 7, thought there should be a moratorium on the move of the provincial artifactory from West Royalty to Murray River until the decision can be reviewed.
The 70 people who came to the meeting divided into small groups to discuss questions posed by the Institute of Island Studies, which organized the meeting, before making short presentations.
One group was worried it might be too late to stop the move to Murray River, and said for something as integral to the province as the artifactory, it reflects badly on Premier Binns that the decision to move the facility to Murray River was so obviously political.
Another group said there should be a moratorium, not because it's going to Murray River, but because of the complexity and importance of issues involved. Further comments were that there should be a moratorium because the public hasn't been consulted on the issue.
Near the end of the meeting during open floor discussion, tensions were high when Conervative MLA for Glen Stewart/Bellevue Cove, David McKenna, said the move to Murray River is essentially a go. He said, right now, the government's vision is to build a new artifactory to take care of the artifacts, so the province has a museum for the future.
"Let's preserve what we have, take care of what we have, and then move forward," Mr McKenna said.
Catherine Hennessey, of Charlottetown, said the government has failed to understand the use of an artifactory. She said it's about having the artifacts close at hand, to study and research. She said having it 45 minutes away from Charlottetown is not sustainable for the museum.
Jamie Richards, chair of the Northumberland Community Development Corporation, said in the end the corporation decided not to send their engineering firm to the IIS meetings.
"They've got their own agenda," he said. "We're still going ahead with out plans."
The need for a provincial museum for PEl was also a major topic discussed at the meeting. It was the general consensus at the meeting that PEl needs a provincial museum to document, preserve, and interpret the province's natural and cultural heritage.
One group said what's missing is a distinct lack of vision when it comes to a provincial museum. Many people said there needs to, be long-term planning for a provincial museum, and the government must support the museum financially.
City council will ask province to suspend plans for Murray River artifactory
as published in The Guardian - Thursday, March 15,2007
By DAVID STEWART
The City of Charlottetown is the latest community to throw its hat into the ring when it comes to preserving and displaying provincial heritage.
Council voted 6-2 Monday to ask the provincial government to temporarily suspend plans to build an artifactory in Murray River.
While the resolution didn't spell it out, it was clear from council's public , meeting that the perfect place for a provincial museum and artifactory I would be in the capital city.
About 150 people turned out for a public meeting recently at Murphy's Community Centre (formerly the Basilica Recreation Centre).
Coun. Kim Devine, chair of planning and heritage, said there was a significant consensus that the museum needs to be centrally located.
"There are no shovels in, the ground yet," Devine said, noting that 75 per cent of the items scheduled to be stored at the Murray River artifactory are from Charlottetown.
The Institute ofIsland Studies has been holding public meetings across the province dealing with the issue of a provincial museum and the overnment's controversial decision to build an artifact storage facility in Murray River.
The concern most people have is if a warehouse is built to store artifacts in Murray River, the chances of an actual museum, which would displaythose items being built in the eastern P.E.I, community are small.
Paul H. Schurman, who has a long association with museums and heritage on Prince Edward Island, said recently the artifactory and the museum should be a single facility and that a central provincial location would be the best way to go to make it easily accessible for all Island residents.
"It's a real shame if this city loses this opportunity," Devine said.
Couns. Cecil Villard and David MacDonald voted against the resolution. Villard said the city should have thought about this course of action long ago.
"Here we are engaging in debate," Villard said. "If we wanted a provincial museum we should have asked for one (in the first place). Why didn't we pay (government) the courtesy of going down and talking to them? I don't know whether we should be deciding what's best for the province."
In September, Mayor Clifford Lee sent a letter to Premier Pat Binns outlining his concerns about an artifactory in Murray River.
Devine said if the artifactory is allowed to go ahead, the chances of a museum in Charlottetown are nil.
Coun. Mitchell Tweel said he's concerned the resolution will create a false expectation among- Charlottetown residents.
"(Stratford MLA) David McKenna said land has been purchased and plans have been drawn up," Tweel said. "Is this a game of smoke and mirrors?"
Devine said the city wasn't attempting to play politics, that it was acting on behalf of its residents who voiced concern. at public meetings in the capital
She said Charlottetown would be the logical choice for a variety of reasons - population as well as the number of schools in the area that could visit for educational purposes.
dstewart@theguardian.pe.ca
By DAVID STEWART
The City of Charlottetown is the latest community to throw its hat into the ring when it comes to preserving and displaying provincial heritage.
Council voted 6-2 Monday to ask the provincial government to temporarily suspend plans to build an artifactory in Murray River.
While the resolution didn't spell it out, it was clear from council's public , meeting that the perfect place for a provincial museum and artifactory I would be in the capital city.
About 150 people turned out for a public meeting recently at Murphy's Community Centre (formerly the Basilica Recreation Centre).
Coun. Kim Devine, chair of planning and heritage, said there was a significant consensus that the museum needs to be centrally located.
"There are no shovels in, the ground yet," Devine said, noting that 75 per cent of the items scheduled to be stored at the Murray River artifactory are from Charlottetown.
The Institute ofIsland Studies has been holding public meetings across the province dealing with the issue of a provincial museum and the overnment's controversial decision to build an artifact storage facility in Murray River.
The concern most people have is if a warehouse is built to store artifacts in Murray River, the chances of an actual museum, which would displaythose items being built in the eastern P.E.I, community are small.
Paul H. Schurman, who has a long association with museums and heritage on Prince Edward Island, said recently the artifactory and the museum should be a single facility and that a central provincial location would be the best way to go to make it easily accessible for all Island residents.
"It's a real shame if this city loses this opportunity," Devine said.
Couns. Cecil Villard and David MacDonald voted against the resolution. Villard said the city should have thought about this course of action long ago.
"Here we are engaging in debate," Villard said. "If we wanted a provincial museum we should have asked for one (in the first place). Why didn't we pay (government) the courtesy of going down and talking to them? I don't know whether we should be deciding what's best for the province."
In September, Mayor Clifford Lee sent a letter to Premier Pat Binns outlining his concerns about an artifactory in Murray River.
Devine said if the artifactory is allowed to go ahead, the chances of a museum in Charlottetown are nil.
Coun. Mitchell Tweel said he's concerned the resolution will create a false expectation among- Charlottetown residents.
"(Stratford MLA) David McKenna said land has been purchased and plans have been drawn up," Tweel said. "Is this a game of smoke and mirrors?"
Devine said the city wasn't attempting to play politics, that it was acting on behalf of its residents who voiced concern. at public meetings in the capital
She said Charlottetown would be the logical choice for a variety of reasons - population as well as the number of schools in the area that could visit for educational purposes.
dstewart@theguardian.pe.ca
Murray River a good place for artifactory
as published in The Guardian - March 16, 2007
ROBIN JOHNSTON - Murray Harbour North
It was with excitement that I heard government’s announcement that a new artifactory/museum showcasing our Island’s cultural heritage was to be located in Murray River.
At last, a forward-thinking decision reflecting vision, one that practised inclusion by involving a rural community, rather than excluding it.
There has been an outcry from some involved in Island heritage preservation. I disagree with those who argue that keeping the heritage/cultural collection in Charlottetown is best.
In reference to Catherine Hennessey’s commentary in The Guardian (March 12, 2007), I find her appeal for a “strong, central institution that will preserve, research and interpret our culture” somewhat melodramatic. I do not see how relocating the heritage collection to Murray River would threaten the value of Island heritage.
Ms. Hennessey comments that those involved in heritage/cultural efforts, “need the support of UPEI, Holland College . . . the Provincial Archives.” Is she suggesting that housing the collection a mere hour away from Charlottetown is going to compromise vital communication with the resources she listed? Murray River is not the end of the earth.
If Ms. Hennessey is concerned that a museum located in Murray River would languish unattended or unacknowledged by those interested in the past, I think she is misguided. Every year, countless River area residents act as informal ambassadors, willingly assisting many visitors who come here seeking some connection with their past.
In paragraph seven, she states that heritage efforts “need the appreciation of all Islanders.” Precisely. Our heritage belongs to all of us, not some of us.
Ms. Hennessey says she supports a moratorium on the Murray River proposal so that “We can answer the heritage needs in the 21st century.” Is the implication here that locating such a facility in the River, would somehow be considered a step back in time? Not current, or progressive? I find this offensive.
The plea to centralize our cultural/heritage collection in a downtown building because it would create, “a cultural and economic magnet for this area” is over the top. Is Charlottetown so seriously lacking in economic and cultural development that a proposed artifactory in another location is going to compromise its economic security? I think not.
I applaud the province’s proposal to locate the artifactory/museum in Murray River and promote the continued sharing of our cultural treasures.
ROBIN JOHNSTON - Murray Harbour North
It was with excitement that I heard government’s announcement that a new artifactory/museum showcasing our Island’s cultural heritage was to be located in Murray River.
At last, a forward-thinking decision reflecting vision, one that practised inclusion by involving a rural community, rather than excluding it.
There has been an outcry from some involved in Island heritage preservation. I disagree with those who argue that keeping the heritage/cultural collection in Charlottetown is best.
In reference to Catherine Hennessey’s commentary in The Guardian (March 12, 2007), I find her appeal for a “strong, central institution that will preserve, research and interpret our culture” somewhat melodramatic. I do not see how relocating the heritage collection to Murray River would threaten the value of Island heritage.
Ms. Hennessey comments that those involved in heritage/cultural efforts, “need the support of UPEI, Holland College . . . the Provincial Archives.” Is she suggesting that housing the collection a mere hour away from Charlottetown is going to compromise vital communication with the resources she listed? Murray River is not the end of the earth.
If Ms. Hennessey is concerned that a museum located in Murray River would languish unattended or unacknowledged by those interested in the past, I think she is misguided. Every year, countless River area residents act as informal ambassadors, willingly assisting many visitors who come here seeking some connection with their past.
In paragraph seven, she states that heritage efforts “need the appreciation of all Islanders.” Precisely. Our heritage belongs to all of us, not some of us.
Ms. Hennessey says she supports a moratorium on the Murray River proposal so that “We can answer the heritage needs in the 21st century.” Is the implication here that locating such a facility in the River, would somehow be considered a step back in time? Not current, or progressive? I find this offensive.
The plea to centralize our cultural/heritage collection in a downtown building because it would create, “a cultural and economic magnet for this area” is over the top. Is Charlottetown so seriously lacking in economic and cultural development that a proposed artifactory in another location is going to compromise its economic security? I think not.
I applaud the province’s proposal to locate the artifactory/museum in Murray River and promote the continued sharing of our cultural treasures.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Motion 3 - adopted at Annual General Meeting of the PEI Museum & Heritage Foundation
The following motion was adopted by the PEI Museum & Heritage Foundation at its AGM on March 14, 2007
Where the Museum & Heritage Foundation represents the interests of an entire province and has broad mandates covering fields as diverse as archaeology, natural history and all aspects of the history and material culture of the province.
As the organization is now embarking on major initiatives to fulfil its mandate that will require additional capacity on the Board of Governors - and the Legislature in its wisdom prepared for the eventuality that the organization may need to have additional board members at some point
Be it resolved that the policy of the Museum & Heritage Foundation be established that names are put forward to the Lieutenant Governor in Council to fill all positions allowed by the Museum Act section 3 ( 5.1). Specifically the Board currently comprised of seven shall be increased to nine.
And further, since the Lieutenant Governor in Council currently requires that there be two names go forward for any appointment, that as long as this process remains in place, there would be a pool of names established by election at the AGM and that this pool of names would be maintained by the Board so that when vacancies arise during the year, that they shall draw from this pool to forward to the Lieutenant Governor in Council.
Prior to the AGM each year the Board shall determine the number of vacancies that will occur during the coming year and seek to have twice this number of candidates added to a new pool of names each year through a nomination and election process held at the AGM.
Where the Museum & Heritage Foundation represents the interests of an entire province and has broad mandates covering fields as diverse as archaeology, natural history and all aspects of the history and material culture of the province.
As the organization is now embarking on major initiatives to fulfil its mandate that will require additional capacity on the Board of Governors - and the Legislature in its wisdom prepared for the eventuality that the organization may need to have additional board members at some point
Be it resolved that the policy of the Museum & Heritage Foundation be established that names are put forward to the Lieutenant Governor in Council to fill all positions allowed by the Museum Act section 3 ( 5.1). Specifically the Board currently comprised of seven shall be increased to nine.
And further, since the Lieutenant Governor in Council currently requires that there be two names go forward for any appointment, that as long as this process remains in place, there would be a pool of names established by election at the AGM and that this pool of names would be maintained by the Board so that when vacancies arise during the year, that they shall draw from this pool to forward to the Lieutenant Governor in Council.
Prior to the AGM each year the Board shall determine the number of vacancies that will occur during the coming year and seek to have twice this number of candidates added to a new pool of names each year through a nomination and election process held at the AGM.
Motion 2 - adopted at Annual General Meeting of the PEI Museum & Heritage Foundation
The following motion was adopted by the PEI Museum & Heritage Foundation at its AGM on March 14, 2007
Whereas Dr. David Keenleyside has been newly appointed as executive director, and he has been charged with undertaking a planning study which is now underway to review the operations and mandate of the PEI Museum & Heritage Foundation;
And whereas it is unfair to the study process for the Board of Governors to undertake new initiatives and developments until such time as Dr. Keenleyside has reported to the members of the Museum and they have adopted an implementation plan to guide the Board in fulfilling the mandate;
Be it resolved that a moratorium on all new developments and agreements related to the Artifactory be established immediately that shall remain in place, until the report is completed and adopted by the membership along with an implementation plan.
Whereas Dr. David Keenleyside has been newly appointed as executive director, and he has been charged with undertaking a planning study which is now underway to review the operations and mandate of the PEI Museum & Heritage Foundation;
And whereas it is unfair to the study process for the Board of Governors to undertake new initiatives and developments until such time as Dr. Keenleyside has reported to the members of the Museum and they have adopted an implementation plan to guide the Board in fulfilling the mandate;
Be it resolved that a moratorium on all new developments and agreements related to the Artifactory be established immediately that shall remain in place, until the report is completed and adopted by the membership along with an implementation plan.
Motion 1 - adopted at Annual General Meeting of the PEI Museum & Heritage Foundation
The following motion was adopted by the PEI Museum & Heritage Foundation at its AGM on March 14, 2007
Whereas, the Museum Act has granted a clear mandate in human and natural history and the Board has indicated that it "dreams of establishing a provincial museum where much of the Island history presently housed in our ‘artifactory’ could be presented and interpreted to the public."
And whereas there is strong interest across the Island evidenced during a set of recent consultations in the mandate of the PEI Museum be fulfilled in areas of collection management, research, publishing, conservation and in exhibitions.
And whereas 25 years has elapsed since the current mandate was granted to the organization, it is not unreasonable for the public, the membership, and the staff to have expectations for clear policy for the development and fulfilment of this mandate across the province.
Be it resolved that the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation undertake a planning study, to be conducted under the direction of the executive director but assisted by such researchers as he may see fit, to examine the organization's mandate as provided by legislation and review the governance structure and all operations of the organization in communications, publishing, research, conservation, collections management, exhibition and interpretation as well as the operations of the branch museum system.
This study shall review prior planning studies, and include consultations, in a format determined by the executive director, and shall seek input from groups and individuals with knowledge in the field to determine accessibility of private or public collections that could be available to the Museum. The report shall be presented to the membership for approval at both a draft and final stage before it becomes policy of the organization.
Upon completion of this study a implementation plan shall be developed by the organization and presented to the membership for consideration. Once adopted by the membership of the organization, this implementation plan shall remain the official policy of the Board until such time as a new development policy shall be adopted by the membership.
The implementation plan shall include specific dates, and indicate the individuals and groups responsible for implementation of each component.
Whereas, the Museum Act has granted a clear mandate in human and natural history and the Board has indicated that it "dreams of establishing a provincial museum where much of the Island history presently housed in our ‘artifactory’ could be presented and interpreted to the public."
And whereas there is strong interest across the Island evidenced during a set of recent consultations in the mandate of the PEI Museum be fulfilled in areas of collection management, research, publishing, conservation and in exhibitions.
And whereas 25 years has elapsed since the current mandate was granted to the organization, it is not unreasonable for the public, the membership, and the staff to have expectations for clear policy for the development and fulfilment of this mandate across the province.
Be it resolved that the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation undertake a planning study, to be conducted under the direction of the executive director but assisted by such researchers as he may see fit, to examine the organization's mandate as provided by legislation and review the governance structure and all operations of the organization in communications, publishing, research, conservation, collections management, exhibition and interpretation as well as the operations of the branch museum system.
This study shall review prior planning studies, and include consultations, in a format determined by the executive director, and shall seek input from groups and individuals with knowledge in the field to determine accessibility of private or public collections that could be available to the Museum. The report shall be presented to the membership for approval at both a draft and final stage before it becomes policy of the organization.
Upon completion of this study a implementation plan shall be developed by the organization and presented to the membership for consideration. Once adopted by the membership of the organization, this implementation plan shall remain the official policy of the Board until such time as a new development policy shall be adopted by the membership.
The implementation plan shall include specific dates, and indicate the individuals and groups responsible for implementation of each component.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
UPEI institute asks province to wait on artifactory
as published at cbc.ca Tuesday, March 6, 2007
The P.E.I. government should wait for more public input before moving the facility that holds the province's artifacts, says the Institute of Island Studies.
The University of Prince Edward Island-based institute is arranging a series of public meetings to discuss a proposal to move the artifactory from Charlottetown to Murray River, in the premier's home riding.
"Much of what is in the museum storage facility now has been donated by regular Islanders," Irene Novaczek, director of the institute, told CBC News Monday.
"We would imagine that anyone who has donated an artifact to the provincial system, or who was thinking of it, would be interested in having some input."
The artifactory is used to store — but not display — provincial artifacts. The move will cost about $4 million. The current artifactory is leaky and overcrowded, putting some artifacts at risk.
The decision to move the artifactory to Murray River has been controversial, with some historians and former museum staff arguing what the province really needs is a new provincial museum where the artifacts can be displayed. They also want to see it built in Charlottetown.
The institute has invited members of the provincial government, including Premier Pat Binns, to attend the public forums. While the meetings are being held to hear what the public thinks, the Institute of Island Studies has already made up its mind.
"We would like to see [the move] reconsidered in light of the many things that a museum can do, the absence of a central provincial museum of natural history and culture, and what the move of the artifact storage to Murray River would mean in terms of future development of the museum system," said Novaczek.
The first meeting is Wednesday at the Murphy Community Centre in Charlottetown. Other meetings will be held in Miscouche on March 8, and in St. Peters March 13.
Novaczek says the results will be written in a report and forwarded to the premier.
The P.E.I. government should wait for more public input before moving the facility that holds the province's artifacts, says the Institute of Island Studies.
The University of Prince Edward Island-based institute is arranging a series of public meetings to discuss a proposal to move the artifactory from Charlottetown to Murray River, in the premier's home riding.
"Much of what is in the museum storage facility now has been donated by regular Islanders," Irene Novaczek, director of the institute, told CBC News Monday.
"We would imagine that anyone who has donated an artifact to the provincial system, or who was thinking of it, would be interested in having some input."
The artifactory is used to store — but not display — provincial artifacts. The move will cost about $4 million. The current artifactory is leaky and overcrowded, putting some artifacts at risk.
The decision to move the artifactory to Murray River has been controversial, with some historians and former museum staff arguing what the province really needs is a new provincial museum where the artifacts can be displayed. They also want to see it built in Charlottetown.
The institute has invited members of the provincial government, including Premier Pat Binns, to attend the public forums. While the meetings are being held to hear what the public thinks, the Institute of Island Studies has already made up its mind.
"We would like to see [the move] reconsidered in light of the many things that a museum can do, the absence of a central provincial museum of natural history and culture, and what the move of the artifact storage to Murray River would mean in terms of future development of the museum system," said Novaczek.
The first meeting is Wednesday at the Murphy Community Centre in Charlottetown. Other meetings will be held in Miscouche on March 8, and in St. Peters March 13.
Novaczek says the results will be written in a report and forwarded to the premier.
Bring the artifactory to the boonies
as published by The Guardian - Mar 13, 2007
by Marian Bruce, Murray River
Editor:
This is in response to ‘The victor gets to write — and house — history’ (The Guardian, March 10, 2007).
Well, hurray for Alan Holman for finally putting some perspective on the most overblown issue on the Island in the past 20 years — the proposal to build an artifactory in (gasp!) Murray River. You would think Premier Binns was threatening to trash Province House.
It’s so weird to see the intelligentsia wringing their hands over the prospect of a government-funded building 40 miles (imagine!) from the Island’s fountainhead of culture and good taste. Do they think they can’t trust us snaggle-toothed fellas not to burn the place down? Do they think we have no trainable volunteers? Or do they suspect that we can’t understand anything beyond Larry the Cable Guy?
Well, shucks, folks, we just might be able to dig up a few warm bodies that might be capable of helping out with heritage-type stuff. Let’s see, now. How about the volunteers who have just won a heritage award for restoring and maintaining the Wood Islands lighthouse? Or the fellows who got another award for saving an historic church? Or the men and women who keep the Murray Harbour Community Centre humming, year after year? Or the volunteers who organize concerts and auction sales in the Murray River Hall — raising, so far, $108,000 for a hospital in far-off Charlottetown?
By the way, folks, we’ve now got the pavement out here. And the lights. Oh, and many of us manage to travel 40 or 50 miles for work, for university and vocational training, for entertainment, for shopping, for medical care, and for sightseeing along beautiful University Avenue. And yes, the road to Charlottetown goes both ways.
I say, bring the artifactory to the boonies, and a provincial museum, too. Way to go, Premier Binns. Git ’er done!
by Marian Bruce, Murray River
Editor:
This is in response to ‘The victor gets to write — and house — history’ (The Guardian, March 10, 2007).
Well, hurray for Alan Holman for finally putting some perspective on the most overblown issue on the Island in the past 20 years — the proposal to build an artifactory in (gasp!) Murray River. You would think Premier Binns was threatening to trash Province House.
It’s so weird to see the intelligentsia wringing their hands over the prospect of a government-funded building 40 miles (imagine!) from the Island’s fountainhead of culture and good taste. Do they think they can’t trust us snaggle-toothed fellas not to burn the place down? Do they think we have no trainable volunteers? Or do they suspect that we can’t understand anything beyond Larry the Cable Guy?
Well, shucks, folks, we just might be able to dig up a few warm bodies that might be capable of helping out with heritage-type stuff. Let’s see, now. How about the volunteers who have just won a heritage award for restoring and maintaining the Wood Islands lighthouse? Or the fellows who got another award for saving an historic church? Or the men and women who keep the Murray Harbour Community Centre humming, year after year? Or the volunteers who organize concerts and auction sales in the Murray River Hall — raising, so far, $108,000 for a hospital in far-off Charlottetown?
By the way, folks, we’ve now got the pavement out here. And the lights. Oh, and many of us manage to travel 40 or 50 miles for work, for university and vocational training, for entertainment, for shopping, for medical care, and for sightseeing along beautiful University Avenue. And yes, the road to Charlottetown goes both ways.
I say, bring the artifactory to the boonies, and a provincial museum, too. Way to go, Premier Binns. Git ’er done!
The victor gets to write — and house —history
Alan Holman - The Guardian March 10, 2007
acholman@pei.eastlink.ca
There’s a furious debate raging among the Island’s history and heritage buffs — where, oh where, should we store our artifacts?
Well, maybe calling it a debate is playing loose with the language.
It’s an argument over the location of a warehouse. Well, maybe it isn’t even an argument, maybe it’s more like a disagreement, a disagreement over a decision that, for all intents and purposes, has already been made.
It was a political decision, of this there is little doubt, or disagreement. But it’s a political decision that a goodly number (goodly in this case being 60-70) of Charlottetonians don’t like.
Actually there is only part of the decision they don’t like. The warehouse where the antique furniture, pot-bellied stoves, and numerous other artifacts are presently stored in Charlottetown leaks and is inadequate. There is agreement that it needs to be replaced. And the new building, before it is even built, has been given a fancy new classification. Warehouse is no longer good enough — now it’s an artifactory.
It seems this highfalutin warehouse will be located in Murray River, in the very heart of the premier’s own riding. After 10 years in power, Premier Binns has decided to move a government facility, and both jobs that go with it, from Charlottetown to Murray River. And it is going there because that’s the kind of sneaky, conniving, manipulative guy Pat Binns is. Bringing home the lolly for his constituents — well, two of them.
It is not as if the administrative offices of the Eastern School Board were going east, or he is moving all the provincial employees in the Jones Building to Beach Point.
It’s a warehouse and two jobs. And yes, it’s a given that people will have to go to Murray River to find things, but the roads are reasonably good and cars don’t break down like they used to.
It is hard to believe this is a crisis of such proportion that the Institute of Island Studies felt the need to organize a series of meetings to deal with it. As important as the artifactory is, it is not likely to have the same impact as the fixed link or changing the electoral system. Even if it does lead to a provincial museum being built in Murray River, which seems to be the root of the Charlottetonians’ fear, it won’t be the end of the Island as we know it.
Listening to the opposition voiced in the television report of a meeting in Charlottetown on Wednesday, one was reminded of the reports that emanated from Ottawa when word got out that the DVA headquarters was being moved to Charlottetown.
That, too, was a political decision. Politics is the art of the possible, of making things happen. The DVA move was strongly opposed by the management gurus in the civil service, by veterans organizations, by the senior levels of the mandarinate, local MPs and civic officials in Ottawa.
While there is no doubt many tax dollars are spent as departmental officials travel back and forth to Ottawa, there are also many tax dollars saved, because of the stability and efficiency of the workforce in Charlottetown.
In Ottawa, civil servants are constantly changing jobs, moving from one department to another. Sometimes, it’s for career advancement, often it is because the new job is closer to home and easier to get to. Whatever the reason, it creates employee turnover and the inefficiencies that result. This doesn’t happen to the same degree at the DVA headquarters, and employee turnover is not a problem at the tax centre in Summerside either.
The relocation of the artifactory is insignificant compared to moving the DVA, and it alone will have little impact on the economy of Murray River, unlike the millions that pour into Charlottetown every year.
On Wednesday, someone daydreamed on how the new artifactory could be expanded to house a provincial museum, a new provincial archives, a provincial art gallery, research space, exhibit space with constantly changing exhibits and a community meeting area. All of which might happen, someday.
But couldn’t any, or all, of those institutions be located outside the provincial capital? If researchers can travel from across Canada to the museums and National Archives in Ottawa, why can’t the students and aficionados of history and heritage across the Island go to a museum in Murray River?
Why is that anymore illogical than having the headquarters of a federal department located outside the national capital region?
Monday, March 12, 2007
The proposed museum artifactory - Cui bono?
Sent to The Guardian, 12 March 2007 by Dr. Douglas Sobey, Bedeque
Cui bono? - who benefits? This is the question that needs to be asked concerning the proposal – seemingly now beyond the proposal stage – to build at Murray River the much needed and long overdue artifactory for the Prince Edward Island Museum and Heritage Foundation.
Cui bono? Certainly not the museum. This is self-evident to anyone who looks at a map of the Island: how will a museum system that spans the entire province be efficiently served by an artifactory at the south-east end of the province. That it cannot, has also been clear from the responses to the proposal in the media over the past several months from the general public, as well as, more pertinently, from persons with knowledge, interest and experience in the field. And we must not forget that this is a decision whose legacy will last for many years, with its effects being acutely felt in the future budgeting of the Museum, in the additional costs of daily travel (both personal and publicly-funded travel), in the inconvenience and time spent in transporting bulky items for exhibits.
Cui bono? The membership of the Museum has been informed (and I quote from the recent letter of the chairperson of the Museum’s Board of Governors to Museum members) that the Board was told that “the building would be available only in Murray River through a project by the Northumberland Community Development Corporation”. It would therefore seem that before this decision was made there was no prior consultation with anyone concerned, no seeking the opinion of others – and that once decided there was no possibility of discussion. Instead it has been presented to the Museum as a ‘take this or get nothing’ offer. Which automatically leads back to the question: cui bono? – since it is not the Museum itself, then who benefits? We can only assume that it is the Northumberland Community Development Corporation? Which begs another question: what is the Northumberland Community Development Corporation, and even more importantly: why should it be singled out for the bestowal of this benefit? What particular interest and influence do they have in the Prince Edward Island Museum? Who else is to benefit? For example: who owns the land on which the artifactory is to be built? Who is to build it? Who is to work in it? – though in this last respect it seems that the wider community at Murray River will not benefit in any notable way, since an artifactory is a storage facility and not a tourist attraction and its staff will be small and specialized.
I am saddened that a decision with such long-term implications for the future of the Island’s heritage preservation is able to be taken at a political level without proper consultation with the public body directly concerned (namely the Museum), nor with relevant experts, nor with members of the wider public interested in the heritage of the province. The whole affair to me has shades of what can only be termed ‘oligarchial’ rule – I use the word in its classical sense, where a small political elite long-in-power make decisions and run affairs in their own interests, or in the interests of their partisans, rather than in the interests of the whole community. What is required in the decision-making process in this matter – and in all others of a similar nature in this province – is a return to government involving democratic principles where the wider public, directly and through their public representatives (i.e. the members of the Assembly), are consulted in the making of such decisions, rather then decisions being taken by a few in the interests of a few.
Cui bono? - who benefits? This is the question that needs to be asked concerning the proposal – seemingly now beyond the proposal stage – to build at Murray River the much needed and long overdue artifactory for the Prince Edward Island Museum and Heritage Foundation.
Cui bono? Certainly not the museum. This is self-evident to anyone who looks at a map of the Island: how will a museum system that spans the entire province be efficiently served by an artifactory at the south-east end of the province. That it cannot, has also been clear from the responses to the proposal in the media over the past several months from the general public, as well as, more pertinently, from persons with knowledge, interest and experience in the field. And we must not forget that this is a decision whose legacy will last for many years, with its effects being acutely felt in the future budgeting of the Museum, in the additional costs of daily travel (both personal and publicly-funded travel), in the inconvenience and time spent in transporting bulky items for exhibits.
Cui bono? The membership of the Museum has been informed (and I quote from the recent letter of the chairperson of the Museum’s Board of Governors to Museum members) that the Board was told that “the building would be available only in Murray River through a project by the Northumberland Community Development Corporation”. It would therefore seem that before this decision was made there was no prior consultation with anyone concerned, no seeking the opinion of others – and that once decided there was no possibility of discussion. Instead it has been presented to the Museum as a ‘take this or get nothing’ offer. Which automatically leads back to the question: cui bono? – since it is not the Museum itself, then who benefits? We can only assume that it is the Northumberland Community Development Corporation? Which begs another question: what is the Northumberland Community Development Corporation, and even more importantly: why should it be singled out for the bestowal of this benefit? What particular interest and influence do they have in the Prince Edward Island Museum? Who else is to benefit? For example: who owns the land on which the artifactory is to be built? Who is to build it? Who is to work in it? – though in this last respect it seems that the wider community at Murray River will not benefit in any notable way, since an artifactory is a storage facility and not a tourist attraction and its staff will be small and specialized.
I am saddened that a decision with such long-term implications for the future of the Island’s heritage preservation is able to be taken at a political level without proper consultation with the public body directly concerned (namely the Museum), nor with relevant experts, nor with members of the wider public interested in the heritage of the province. The whole affair to me has shades of what can only be termed ‘oligarchial’ rule – I use the word in its classical sense, where a small political elite long-in-power make decisions and run affairs in their own interests, or in the interests of their partisans, rather than in the interests of the whole community. What is required in the decision-making process in this matter – and in all others of a similar nature in this province – is a return to government involving democratic principles where the wider public, directly and through their public representatives (i.e. the members of the Assembly), are consulted in the making of such decisions, rather then decisions being taken by a few in the interests of a few.
Wait and see - Museum supporters would like to see better plan in place
NANCY MACPHEE The Journal Pioneer March 12, 2007
SUMMERSIDE The consensus was clear: government must guarantee continued support for Island museums before establishing a provincial facility.
More than 30 people gathered recently at the Acadian Museum for the second in a series of public forums held by the Institute of Island Studies.
The aim is to gather input from museum and heritage professionals and the public on the Province’s proposal to build a provincial artifactory in Murray River.
Institute advisory committee member Fred Horne said those at the most recent meeting wanted assurances funding and support for the Island’s museums continues if a provincial museum is built.
“Whatever happens they don’t want to see any diminished support,” said Horne. “They’re concerned and rightfully so.”
Currently, the P.E.I. Museum and Heritage Foundation oversees museum collections for the Province. Its facilities include a building for artifacts and seven seasonal, decentralized theme-based museums.
Of more than 80,000 artifacts, an estimated two-thirds 53,300 are in the current artifactory, a steel building in West Royalty. The Province has proposed to build a new artifactory in Murray River, which is in the premier’s riding.
The issue has raised the ire of many who work in the field, prompting the institute to hold meetings in Charlottetown, Thursday’s meeting in Miscouche and a third meeting, scheduled for St. Peters on Tuesday.
In addition to the seven provincial museums there are countless smaller community-run museums scattered throughout P.E.I.
Horne has worked with the Macphail Foundation, Basin Head Fisheries Museum and currently with Wyatt Heritage Properties.
Most often, he noted, volunteers and government-funded programs are what keeps smaller museums open.
He said those at the recent forum believe a comprehensive strategy for all P.E.I. museums is a must.
Many museums, including those that are provincially run, are hurting. Horne pointed to Green Park Shipbuilding Museum and Yeo House.
“There hasn’t been a whole lot of money spent on that infrastructure since 1973.”
Horne said those who attended the forum indicated a provincial museum should easily accessible to all Island students.
“Would they be looking at this proposed move, which is based on community development and economic development? If education were driving the action and had been driving the actions for a number of years, would it be different,” questions Horne. “I think it would.”
Many in attendance also voiced concerns with the lack of a public consultation process prior to government’s decision to move forward with the artifactory.
Horne said the consensus at the recent meeting was a moratorium on the proposed move of the museum storage facility take place.
Information gathered at the public forums will be made available to the public and government.
SUMMERSIDE The consensus was clear: government must guarantee continued support for Island museums before establishing a provincial facility.
More than 30 people gathered recently at the Acadian Museum for the second in a series of public forums held by the Institute of Island Studies.
The aim is to gather input from museum and heritage professionals and the public on the Province’s proposal to build a provincial artifactory in Murray River.
Institute advisory committee member Fred Horne said those at the most recent meeting wanted assurances funding and support for the Island’s museums continues if a provincial museum is built.
“Whatever happens they don’t want to see any diminished support,” said Horne. “They’re concerned and rightfully so.”
Currently, the P.E.I. Museum and Heritage Foundation oversees museum collections for the Province. Its facilities include a building for artifacts and seven seasonal, decentralized theme-based museums.
Of more than 80,000 artifacts, an estimated two-thirds 53,300 are in the current artifactory, a steel building in West Royalty. The Province has proposed to build a new artifactory in Murray River, which is in the premier’s riding.
The issue has raised the ire of many who work in the field, prompting the institute to hold meetings in Charlottetown, Thursday’s meeting in Miscouche and a third meeting, scheduled for St. Peters on Tuesday.
In addition to the seven provincial museums there are countless smaller community-run museums scattered throughout P.E.I.
Horne has worked with the Macphail Foundation, Basin Head Fisheries Museum and currently with Wyatt Heritage Properties.
Most often, he noted, volunteers and government-funded programs are what keeps smaller museums open.
He said those at the recent forum believe a comprehensive strategy for all P.E.I. museums is a must.
Many museums, including those that are provincially run, are hurting. Horne pointed to Green Park Shipbuilding Museum and Yeo House.
“There hasn’t been a whole lot of money spent on that infrastructure since 1973.”
Horne said those who attended the forum indicated a provincial museum should easily accessible to all Island students.
“Would they be looking at this proposed move, which is based on community development and economic development? If education were driving the action and had been driving the actions for a number of years, would it be different,” questions Horne. “I think it would.”
Many in attendance also voiced concerns with the lack of a public consultation process prior to government’s decision to move forward with the artifactory.
Horne said the consensus at the recent meeting was a moratorium on the proposed move of the museum storage facility take place.
Information gathered at the public forums will be made available to the public and government.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Moving an artifactory
Public reaction should be swift and punishment severe if the move goes ahead
by John Eldon Green - special to The Guardian - Oct 2, 2006
Recently a 96-year old friend urged me to write in opposition to the proposed move of the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation’s artifactory to south Kings, which pains her greatly. I readily agreed because I share her opinion. As a consultant, I completed several projects for the heritage sector and have a fair understanding of the issues.
Clearly, the proposed move is all about politics, unrelated to heritage concerns. The artifactory has little to do with economic activity wherever it may be located, other than during the construction period. With only a 3-person staff, it is not set up for display purposes, or to undertake interpretation programs, or receive visitors. It is simply a high level warehouse for heritage items in long-term storage. Working with regional museums, staff help assemble and upgrade programs, but don’t display.
If the proposed move to South Kings goes forward, the movement of artifacts between the facility and the various museums will become more costly, more difficult, with the certainty of decreased use and program renewal. Considering the low level of visitations to the regional museums, there will simply be little visitor interest in the replacement warehouse. It will be a big building, out of place wherever located, and with no other role in the community.
One gets the notion that the relocation of the conservatory is intended as a political legacy for an electoral district. If so, the district could do much better if even a fraction of the proposed expenditure were invested in true development projects in the district, where real economic activity would be increased, bringing about a new flow of visitors, continuous local spending, and new employment. Giving a community the artifactory would be much like giving a kid a bucket of sand.
A number of years ago a different government moved the Hospital and Health Services Commission to Montague, a move which immediately increased administrative costs, without any corresponding service gain whatever. Travel-costs for Charlottetown-based staff had to be shared by government, which had not been the case prior to the move. The same will have to happen if the artifactory in relocated; for the likelihood is that staff will not live in South Kings, or bring spending power there. There will be no new jobs for local people because of the special skills required in operating the facility.
This proposal shows little respect for the museums system as the conserver of our history, carefully nurtured though poorly funded for over 35 years. Public reaction should be swift and the punishment severe if it goes forward. In fact, such a decision would be so tainted by short-term political advantage that it would make a strong case for still another electoral map so that this kind of government decision-making can be properly addressed at the polls.
John Eldon Green , is a former deputy minister in the PEI government and a long-term management consultant.
by John Eldon Green - special to The Guardian - Oct 2, 2006
Recently a 96-year old friend urged me to write in opposition to the proposed move of the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation’s artifactory to south Kings, which pains her greatly. I readily agreed because I share her opinion. As a consultant, I completed several projects for the heritage sector and have a fair understanding of the issues.
Clearly, the proposed move is all about politics, unrelated to heritage concerns. The artifactory has little to do with economic activity wherever it may be located, other than during the construction period. With only a 3-person staff, it is not set up for display purposes, or to undertake interpretation programs, or receive visitors. It is simply a high level warehouse for heritage items in long-term storage. Working with regional museums, staff help assemble and upgrade programs, but don’t display.
If the proposed move to South Kings goes forward, the movement of artifacts between the facility and the various museums will become more costly, more difficult, with the certainty of decreased use and program renewal. Considering the low level of visitations to the regional museums, there will simply be little visitor interest in the replacement warehouse. It will be a big building, out of place wherever located, and with no other role in the community.
One gets the notion that the relocation of the conservatory is intended as a political legacy for an electoral district. If so, the district could do much better if even a fraction of the proposed expenditure were invested in true development projects in the district, where real economic activity would be increased, bringing about a new flow of visitors, continuous local spending, and new employment. Giving a community the artifactory would be much like giving a kid a bucket of sand.
A number of years ago a different government moved the Hospital and Health Services Commission to Montague, a move which immediately increased administrative costs, without any corresponding service gain whatever. Travel-costs for Charlottetown-based staff had to be shared by government, which had not been the case prior to the move. The same will have to happen if the artifactory in relocated; for the likelihood is that staff will not live in South Kings, or bring spending power there. There will be no new jobs for local people because of the special skills required in operating the facility.
This proposal shows little respect for the museums system as the conserver of our history, carefully nurtured though poorly funded for over 35 years. Public reaction should be swift and the punishment severe if it goes forward. In fact, such a decision would be so tainted by short-term political advantage that it would make a strong case for still another electoral map so that this kind of government decision-making can be properly addressed at the polls.
John Eldon Green , is a former deputy minister in the PEI government and a long-term management consultant.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Artifact building plan irresponsible: Opposition
as published on Yahoo News Feb 13, 2007
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND (CBC) - Planning a new building to house the province's artifacts without consultation is irresponsible, P.E.I.'s Liberals say "It's going to his home riding and we're not seeing a business plan," Liberal MLA Carolyn Bertram told CBC News.
"We asked for it or I asked for it from Minister [of Development and Technology Michael] Currie in the legislature. It was never tabled. All that was tabled in the legislature was a conceptual drawing of this facility. And I think that's a sad statement, and it's a lack of responsibility as well."
Bertram said the proposed building is too important to become a political prize for the Progressive Conservatives to wave around at election time.
Historians want halt on museum development
as published by CBC News - Thursday, February 15, 2007
A group of historians and former museum staff are lobbying for a moratorium on any developments with the provincially run museums on Prince Edward Island.
The group was formed in reaction to plans to build a new $4-million facility to store the province's collection of artifacts in the eastern Island community of Murray River. They worry the province is rushing to replace the current facility, known as the artifactory, without proper planning.
"A number of us are calling on the board to have a study and to look at the whole picture of museum development," said Ian Scott, a former executive director of the museum foundation.
"The only way you can do that is to have a moratorium on new developments until that report is in."
There is little argument that the current artifactory on the outskirts of Charlottetown — a leaky, overcrowded warehouse — needs to be replaced. But with talk the new artifactory could be a tourist attraction, though it is unclear exactly how it would work, the group's 10 members are concerned that a lot of money could be spent without clearly thinking through what's best for the museum system as a whole.
Currently, the P.E.I. Museum and Heritage Foundation operates seven museum sites across the Island, but there is no centralized museum that tells the overall story of the province.
Scott said the group has started a blog to encourage discussion of the artifactory and the future of P.E.I.'s museum system. Some people who've left messages on the blog believe the province should build one central museum, in addition to the seven that already exist.
Premier Pat Binns said he likes the way museums are situated in communities across the Island.
"I'm not so sure that means we should jump to putting everything in one centre," said Binns, "which in my view would threaten the future of our community museums and our de-centralized museum approach."
The Institute of Island Studies at UPEI has also set up a committee and plans to hold consultations on the future of the artifactory and the province's museum system.
The current artifactory is overcrowded.
A group of historians and former museum staff are lobbying for a moratorium on any developments with the provincially run museums on Prince Edward Island.
The group was formed in reaction to plans to build a new $4-million facility to store the province's collection of artifacts in the eastern Island community of Murray River. They worry the province is rushing to replace the current facility, known as the artifactory, without proper planning.
"A number of us are calling on the board to have a study and to look at the whole picture of museum development," said Ian Scott, a former executive director of the museum foundation.
"The only way you can do that is to have a moratorium on new developments until that report is in."
There is little argument that the current artifactory on the outskirts of Charlottetown — a leaky, overcrowded warehouse — needs to be replaced. But with talk the new artifactory could be a tourist attraction, though it is unclear exactly how it would work, the group's 10 members are concerned that a lot of money could be spent without clearly thinking through what's best for the museum system as a whole.
Currently, the P.E.I. Museum and Heritage Foundation operates seven museum sites across the Island, but there is no centralized museum that tells the overall story of the province.
Scott said the group has started a blog to encourage discussion of the artifactory and the future of P.E.I.'s museum system. Some people who've left messages on the blog believe the province should build one central museum, in addition to the seven that already exist.
Premier Pat Binns said he likes the way museums are situated in communities across the Island.
"I'm not so sure that means we should jump to putting everything in one centre," said Binns, "which in my view would threaten the future of our community museums and our de-centralized museum approach."The Institute of Island Studies at UPEI has also set up a committee and plans to hold consultations on the future of the artifactory and the province's museum system.
The current artifactory is overcrowded.
Friday, March 9, 2007
First communication to members - since topic became public issue six months ago
While there has been extensive media coverage for six months on the topic there has been no communication on moving the Provincial Collection to the membership of the PEI Museum & Heritage - the body which should have some role in defining the policy of their organization. Today the following letter arrived informing the membership of decision made by the Board of Governors.
March 5,2007
Dear Member,
The Prince Edward Island Museum and Heritage Foundation is about to embark on a new chapter. At our Annual General Meeting on March 14, we will be introducing our new Executive Director, Dr. David Keenlyside. Since Chris Severance retired in November 2004, the Museum has operated under three interim directors - Linda Berko, Frank Butler, and Paula Kenny. We wish to extend a sincere thank you to these individuals for managing the affairs of the organization until a permanent replacement was recruited and we welcome Dr. Keenlyside to his new post.
Another very important change will take shape this year. After many years, the Museum will finally have a new home for the permanent collection. Many of you are familiar with the opinions circulating in the media; however, the Board of Governors has chosen to communicate directly to the membership.
When the Province offered the Museum a purpose-built collection storage facility, the Board of Governors considered the proposal very carefully as certain factors were not negotiable. The building would be available only in Murray River through a project by the Northumberland Community Development Corporation. For at least ten years, a new storage facility had been the priority of the Museum and there have been no funds available to bring the existing building up to the required standard. In deciding to accept the offer of a facility in Murray River, the Board of Governors stipulated a number of conditions to ensure that no added financial burden fell on the organization and also to ensure the highest standards of environmental controls would be met. The Province has agreed to virtually all the conditions and we feel this is the best action for the collection.
The Premier recently made the official announcement of the project. Tenders will be called in the near future with construction scheduled to begin this spring. The Project Manager has consulted with staff throughout the process in order to include all the appropriate systems in the design. We have been assured that the Museum will continue to be consulted during the design-build process. The environmental controls will not be reduced in negotiations with the successful tender. The Board will also insist that no change be made to the fire suppression system, including water tanks needed to operate the sprinkler system. To further increase protection, the storage area will be divided into three rooms with firewalls. The Province has also agreed to provide proper cabinets and racking for holding the artefacts and the cost of the move is covered.
This new chapter holds many opportunities and we look forward to these exciting possibilities.
Yours truly,
Satadal Dasgupta, Ph.D., Chairperson
2 Kent Street, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island CIA IM6
Tel: 902 368 6600 Fax: 902 368 6608 Email:mhpei@gov.pe.ca
website www.peimuseum.com
March 5,2007
Dear Member,
The Prince Edward Island Museum and Heritage Foundation is about to embark on a new chapter. At our Annual General Meeting on March 14, we will be introducing our new Executive Director, Dr. David Keenlyside. Since Chris Severance retired in November 2004, the Museum has operated under three interim directors - Linda Berko, Frank Butler, and Paula Kenny. We wish to extend a sincere thank you to these individuals for managing the affairs of the organization until a permanent replacement was recruited and we welcome Dr. Keenlyside to his new post.
Another very important change will take shape this year. After many years, the Museum will finally have a new home for the permanent collection. Many of you are familiar with the opinions circulating in the media; however, the Board of Governors has chosen to communicate directly to the membership.
When the Province offered the Museum a purpose-built collection storage facility, the Board of Governors considered the proposal very carefully as certain factors were not negotiable. The building would be available only in Murray River through a project by the Northumberland Community Development Corporation. For at least ten years, a new storage facility had been the priority of the Museum and there have been no funds available to bring the existing building up to the required standard. In deciding to accept the offer of a facility in Murray River, the Board of Governors stipulated a number of conditions to ensure that no added financial burden fell on the organization and also to ensure the highest standards of environmental controls would be met. The Province has agreed to virtually all the conditions and we feel this is the best action for the collection.
The Premier recently made the official announcement of the project. Tenders will be called in the near future with construction scheduled to begin this spring. The Project Manager has consulted with staff throughout the process in order to include all the appropriate systems in the design. We have been assured that the Museum will continue to be consulted during the design-build process. The environmental controls will not be reduced in negotiations with the successful tender. The Board will also insist that no change be made to the fire suppression system, including water tanks needed to operate the sprinkler system. To further increase protection, the storage area will be divided into three rooms with firewalls. The Province has also agreed to provide proper cabinets and racking for holding the artefacts and the cost of the move is covered.
This new chapter holds many opportunities and we look forward to these exciting possibilities.
Yours truly,
Satadal Dasgupta, Ph.D., Chairperson
2 Kent Street, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island CIA IM6
Tel: 902 368 6600 Fax: 902 368 6608 Email:mhpei@gov.pe.ca
website www.peimuseum.com
A moratorium is the only reasonable option
Ian Scott - Charlottetown
Freeman Whitty's comments (Guardian March 9) regarding the removal of the Provincial Collection from a central collections facility (the Artifactory) to Murray River - do not recognize the long term goal of the PEI Museum & Heritage Foundation which is to establish a Provincial Museum, according to statements published in Hansard -
The chair of the Museum and Heritage Foundation, Satadal Dasgupta said “The Board (of the Foundation) continues to discuss its hope of acquiring an appropriate home for the provincial collection and dreams of establishing a provincial museum where much of the Island history presently housed in our ‘artifactory’ could be presented and interpreted to the public”; . . .
The concern of separating the housing of the Provincial Collection from any planning of the Provincial Museum is that the operations of the overall organization will be further challenged - with a tiny professional staff even more fragmented. If there is to be sound planning for the Provincial Museum, which the Board states as their goal, then this planning should be done in advance of the construction of a major collections management facility.
The Board is on record as saying “development of this [Provincial Collections] facility is beyond our control”. Despite the clear responsibilities granted by the Legislature, if this is the reality and the Board functions simply as handmaiden of the current government, we are in a sorry state. I believe the Board does have a role. A project, that is so central to their future functioning, and uses public funds should not be “beyond their control.”
If this is a temporary measure to manage things for a few years -- then this could potentially leave those responsible for the Northumberland Community Development Corporation with an large empty building to try and find a new tenant for, if an integrated provincial museum & collections facility is located elsewhere.
The PEI Museum & Heritage Foundation owns its current Artifactory - which has had upgrades over the years and with a few repairs could continue as a temporary collections management facility. To have a $4-5 million dollar structure constructed with public funds by a community development corporation - to lease as a temporary facility, seems short-sighted.
Dr. David Keenleyside the new Executive Director of the Museum should be given a fair chance. He should be given the time and support to carry out consultations through a planning study that concludes with a long term plan for fulfilling the mandate of the Museum.
The Legislature granted a provincial museum mandate through the Museum Act, 25 years ago, yet that mandate has not been realized. For government to continue to starve the organization and offer "take it of leave it" solutions which grant no other option but to go along with plans of being an anchor tenant of a mini-mall in the premier's riding is quite unfair. Input in planning and due process in determining suitability for long term needs is essential.
We deserve better - we need a proper study and Dr. Keenleyside deserves the support of every Islander in being allowed to carry that out without one hand being held behind his back.
A moratorium is the only reasonable option.
Public Meetings Regarding PEI Heritage and Museums
As published in the Prince Edward Island Council of the Arts Newsletter - March 5, 2007
The Institute of Island Studies (IIS) at the University of Prince Edward Island is bringing museum and heritage professionals together with the general public to discuss the current museum/artifactory issue. Panelists include Dr. Ann Howatt, Ian Scott, former Executive Director of the PEI Museum & Heritage Foundation, and a local community heritage representative in each county.
Irene Novaczek, Director of the Institute of Island Studies, notes that, "The Institute of Island Studies is concerned with, and committed to, the issues concerning Islanders. One of our mandates is to perform research and promote progressive public policy, including the intelligent stewardship of Island heritage and the management of existing resources for future sustainability."
The PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation oversees museum collections for the province of PEI. Its facilities include a building for artifacts storage (the Artifactory) and seven seasonal, decentralized, theme-based museum sites. Of more than 80,000 artifacts, an estimated two-thirds or 53,300 are in the Artifactory. Since 1981, the provincial collection has been warehoused in a steel building in West Royalty. The provincial government now intends to build a new storage facility in Murray River.
At the public forums the IIS will gather information on Islander's perceptions, concerns, and positions and will make this information available to the public and elected officials (who will be invited to attend/participate from the floor in these discussions).
"The forums are an opportunity for all, whether the general public, or those who have contributed to heritage preservation -- volunteer or paid – to share their views on where museums fit into the bigger picture of Island life and landscape,” says Fred Horne, Archivist/Collections Coordinator, Wyatt Heritage Properties. “Interest is intense, in part because the demand for cultural experiences and ecological knowledge is very high among residents and visitors today.”
The public forums take place in eastern, western and central PEI in early March. Questions to be addressed include:
What do you want your provincial museum system to be?
How do we ensure public involvement and consultation when major decisions are made concerning museums and heritage?
Do we need a moratorium on the proposed move of the museum storage facility?
Members of the public are encouraged to attend to provide their input about the future of heritage use, research, exhibition and education on PEI. Meetings will take place in Charlottetown on March 7 at 7:00pm in the Murphy Community Centre, 200 Richmond St., Room 205; in Miscouche on March 8 at 7:00pm at Musee Acadien, Route 2; and in St. Peters on March 13 at 7:00pm in the Dr. Roddie Community Centre.
For specific directions to the forums or to post comments/input, visit the PEI Museum blog at peimuseum.blogspot.com or email ourheritage@upei.ca.
The Institute of Island Studies (IIS) at the University of Prince Edward Island is bringing museum and heritage professionals together with the general public to discuss the current museum/artifactory issue. Panelists include Dr. Ann Howatt, Ian Scott, former Executive Director of the PEI Museum & Heritage Foundation, and a local community heritage representative in each county.
Irene Novaczek, Director of the Institute of Island Studies, notes that, "The Institute of Island Studies is concerned with, and committed to, the issues concerning Islanders. One of our mandates is to perform research and promote progressive public policy, including the intelligent stewardship of Island heritage and the management of existing resources for future sustainability."
The PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation oversees museum collections for the province of PEI. Its facilities include a building for artifacts storage (the Artifactory) and seven seasonal, decentralized, theme-based museum sites. Of more than 80,000 artifacts, an estimated two-thirds or 53,300 are in the Artifactory. Since 1981, the provincial collection has been warehoused in a steel building in West Royalty. The provincial government now intends to build a new storage facility in Murray River.
At the public forums the IIS will gather information on Islander's perceptions, concerns, and positions and will make this information available to the public and elected officials (who will be invited to attend/participate from the floor in these discussions).
"The forums are an opportunity for all, whether the general public, or those who have contributed to heritage preservation -- volunteer or paid – to share their views on where museums fit into the bigger picture of Island life and landscape,” says Fred Horne, Archivist/Collections Coordinator, Wyatt Heritage Properties. “Interest is intense, in part because the demand for cultural experiences and ecological knowledge is very high among residents and visitors today.”
The public forums take place in eastern, western and central PEI in early March. Questions to be addressed include:
What do you want your provincial museum system to be?
How do we ensure public involvement and consultation when major decisions are made concerning museums and heritage?
Do we need a moratorium on the proposed move of the museum storage facility?
Members of the public are encouraged to attend to provide their input about the future of heritage use, research, exhibition and education on PEI. Meetings will take place in Charlottetown on March 7 at 7:00pm in the Murphy Community Centre, 200 Richmond St., Room 205; in Miscouche on March 8 at 7:00pm at Musee Acadien, Route 2; and in St. Peters on March 13 at 7:00pm in the Dr. Roddie Community Centre.
For specific directions to the forums or to post comments/input, visit the PEI Museum blog at peimuseum.blogspot.com or email ourheritage@upei.ca.
We should be happy for Murray River
- as published in The Guardian, March 9, 2007
Freeman T. Whitty, Charlottetown
Editor:
I would like to add my comments to the current discussion about the proposed artifactory for Murray River.
There seems to be considerably negative positioning over this development — the latest voice against it from the Institute of Island Studies.
I truly do not understand the apparent discontent. It seems most of it stems from the fact that it is in Premier Binns’ riding. Premier Binns has been in his position for the past 10 years and I do not recall any previous large-scale development going to Murray River. Maybe the premier has been concerned about possible repercussions over perceived favouritism.
Is there not an expectation that any member of our legislature should be trying to do things that would benefit his or her constituency? Is there anything at all wrong with this? Should the premier be automatically excluded from such efforts just because he is premier? That would be unjust punishment to the people he represents and an unfair bias on the part of those who criticize him for this endeavour.
I understand items going in the artifactory would be there for storage, preservation, maintenance and distribution to our present decentralized museum system. This makes perfect sense to me.
Charlottetown is doing quite well in its development and diversification and in attracting business. A small community like Murray River should be given a piece of the economic pie and we should be happy about that.
Lastly, I would hope that jealousy is not a factor in this scenario because if it is, we all will be the worse for it. It would not be becoming to the values we proclaim as a sharing and caring community.
Freeman T. Whitty, Charlottetown
Editor:
I would like to add my comments to the current discussion about the proposed artifactory for Murray River.
There seems to be considerably negative positioning over this development — the latest voice against it from the Institute of Island Studies.
I truly do not understand the apparent discontent. It seems most of it stems from the fact that it is in Premier Binns’ riding. Premier Binns has been in his position for the past 10 years and I do not recall any previous large-scale development going to Murray River. Maybe the premier has been concerned about possible repercussions over perceived favouritism.
Is there not an expectation that any member of our legislature should be trying to do things that would benefit his or her constituency? Is there anything at all wrong with this? Should the premier be automatically excluded from such efforts just because he is premier? That would be unjust punishment to the people he represents and an unfair bias on the part of those who criticize him for this endeavour.
I understand items going in the artifactory would be there for storage, preservation, maintenance and distribution to our present decentralized museum system. This makes perfect sense to me.
Charlottetown is doing quite well in its development and diversification and in attracting business. A small community like Murray River should be given a piece of the economic pie and we should be happy about that.
Lastly, I would hope that jealousy is not a factor in this scenario because if it is, we all will be the worse for it. It would not be becoming to the values we proclaim as a sharing and caring community.
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