Last fall, the Federal Government announced cuts to funding for the MAP program which funds community museums across Canada. Also cut at the same time were funds for volunteer programs on which many community museums depend.
The Government has since indicated that new funding might become available, tied to a rethinking of heritage policy as it relates to museums across Canada; National Museums and others like the Galt Museum and Archives.
Thus, a window of opportunity has opened for citizens and their communities to begin a public debate on the place and importance of local and regional heritage in Canadian society.
- What is the operational status of local heritage organizations? Should they be revenue-generators or civic institutions, or both? - How should local and national heritage institutions be related in terms of an overall heritage policy? How should they be supported? - What is happening at the Provincial government level? - How can citizens and their communities take part in these debates?
Speakers: Ron Ulrich and Wendy Aitkens
Ron Ulrich has been Chief Executive Officer of the Galt Museum and Archives since 2002. In April 2007, he will commence a new position as Director of the Jewish Museum and Archives in Vancouver.
Wendy Aitkens is Curator of the Galt Museum and Archives. She is also currently President of the Alberta Museums Association.
Moderator: William Ramp
Location: Sven Ericksen’s Family Restaurant (lower level) 1715 Mayor Magrath Drive S., Lethbridge, Alberta
Time: Noon to 1:30 p.m. / Cost: $8.00 includes lunch
Visit the SACPA website: http://www.sacpa.ca Session moderated by William Ramp: William Ramp teaches in the Department of Sociology at the University of Lethbridge, and is vice-chair of the Board of the Galt Museum and Archives.