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.