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
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