The City’s Grande Prairie Museum has partnered with the Boreal Wetland Centre, Philip, J. Currie Dinosaur Museum and Veterans Memorial Gardens & Interpretive Centre to celebrate International Museum Day (IMD) on Saturday, May 18.
Each museum has free admission from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and offers the following:
- Free shuttle service between locations between 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Special feature exhibits or activities.
- Event passport with a prize valued at $200 for a randomly selected winner.
- Free cupcakes, while supplies last.
“We are excited to host the sixth annual International Museum Day alongside our valuable partners,” said City of Grande Prairie Mayor, Jackie Clayton. “Join us in honouring the profound impact of museums as pillars of learning, fostering curiosity, critical thinking and a deeper understanding of our world by visiting one or all of the participating facilities."
"The educational initiatives undertaken by our museum to identify soldiers who were killed in action in northwest Alberta and reconnect their families with their loved ones' information contribute significantly to the collective knowledge of our region. This research not only honours the fallen but also enriches our understanding of their sacrifices and their impact on our history," said Renee Charbonneau, Collections Manager at Veterans Memorial Gardens & Interpretive Centre.
"There's plenty to explore at the Boreal Wetland Centre," says Ducks Unlimited Canada's Rick Murray. "Whether it be information about wetlands we have in the region, opportunities to participate in citizen science experiments, or learning about ongoing research such as seismic line restoration in peatlands, it's a great opportunity for the community to learn more about the educational and research projects that we have onsite site while exploring our interpretive trails!"
“The Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum is happy to participate in International Museum Day. As the hub for paleontology research in the region, we invite everyone to come out and experience the museum,” said Linden Roberts, Executive Director at the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum.
“Come embark on a journey of knowledge and discovery this International Museum Day,” said Charles Taws, Grande Prairie Museum curator. “We invite everyone to celebrate the richness of our cultural heritage and learn something new when you visit the participating facilities.”
Exhibits and Activities
Each location has exhibits and activities for the community to enjoy during International Museum Day.
The Boreal Wetland Centre has interpretive trails, visitors are reminded to bring weather appropriate clothing and footwear for unpaved walking trails.
The Grande Prairie Museum’s A Passing Fancy: Fashion through the Decades showcases clothing and hair style changes over the last 120 years including clothing and an antique hair salon. International Museum Day is also opening day of the Heritage Village at the Grande Prairie Museum.
Dinosaurs Among Us is featured at the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum until the end of summer, showcasing the most recent research into the relationship between dinosaurs and birds.
The Veterans Memorial Gardens & Interpretive Centre launches its D-Day & the Battle of Normandy: an Exhibition in Black & White on International Museum Day. The exhibit includes images of the June 6, 1944, Normandy Landings and the Battle of Normandy from American and European Sources originally curated by Alliance Francaise.
Background
International Museum Day is an annual event organized by the International Council of Museums (ICOM). The event aims to raise awareness on the importance museums have in promoting cultural connections, understanding and community.
ICOM chose the theme Museums for Education and Research for 2024 to highlight the pivotal role of cultural institutions in providing a holistic educational experience.