Museum drive to encompass your history If you’ve got any gear that you look at and say, "That stuff belongs in a museum," now could be the right time to commit your old belongings to the public arena. The Whistler Museum and Archive Society is looking for artefacts from the local community in a drive to make sure the museum remains interactive. Manager Janet Love Morrison says the museum is looking outwards so it can stay relevant. "What we are doing is developing our identity as Canadians and Whistlerites. We are creating exhibitions to provoke and empower our culture, natural and physical environments. The interpretation of our exhibits is enhanced through our collections." In other words they are looking for donations that represent the development of Whistler over the last 25 years. As yet the museum doesn’t have an old snowboard and they would also be interested in old photographs, tools, advertising items, skis, poles, small furniture or anything else that may be interesting. "Bring what you’ve got," says publicist Shelly Williams. "The majority of people have a lot of history. People don’t always realize how valuable what they have is, or what insights it can give... We want to create local awareness and have people become involved. Something that may have been important in your family, or that will give information and insight, information for tourists would be really wonderful. Or just something that you want to show off. We’d be proud to show it off for you. There are lots of tourists that come in interested in the history of Whistler." Love Morrison says that the historical society is presently looking to the future. "The next few years at the museum will be challenging as we maximize our effectiveness, increase revenues and prepare ourselves for a new facility. A museum is not just a place for storing and exhibiting artefacts. It is an establishment that is a part of the community which explores issues that affect our community today — not just yesterday." Williams says that if you have any doubts over what may be appropriate do not hesitate to give the museum a call at 932-2019.
